Jacob Tierney
Jacob Tierney, renowned for his work on Letterkenny and Shoresy, is embarking on an exciting new venture, adapting Rachel Reid’s acclaimed novel Heated Rivalry into a compelling six-part television series for the Crave streaming platform.
A seasoned actor and director, Tierney has taken the helm of this ambitious project, which is being filmed in the scenic southern Ontario. The series revolves around two Major League Hockey stars: Hudson Williams, who plays Montreal Voyageurs’ standout Shane Hollander, and Connor Storrie, who portrays Ilya Rozanov, the charismatic captain of the Boston Bears. Their intense on-ice rivalry is just one layer of their complex relationship, as the two characters share a secret that threatens to upend their lives.
The series’ plot promises a compelling narrative: “Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov, two celebrated figures in Major League Hockey, find themselves tangled in ambition, rivalry, and an undeniable attraction that neither fully comprehends. What begins as a secret relationship between two confused 17-year-olds evolves into a journey of love, denial, and self-discovery spanning eight years. As they chase success on the ice, their emotional turmoil off the rink emerges, torn between the sport they cherish and a love they cannot deny. Shane and Ilya must navigate the delicate balance between their fierce competitive drive and the inexorable pull of true love.”
The stellar cast also includes François Arnaud, Robbie G.K., Sophie Nélisse, Dylan Walsh, Christina Chang, and Ksenia Daniela Kharlamova. Produced by Accent Aigu Entertainment, the series is under the direction of Tierney and Brendan Brady, promising a bold and resonant narrative that is sure to resonate with audiences around the world.
Tierney expressed his excitement about the project, stating, “Heated Rivalry drew me in right from its opening chapter. Fundamentally, it’s a poignant love story featuring characters who are utterly relatable and profoundly human. Hudson and Connor breathe every ounce of heart, intensity, and on-screen chemistry into Shane and Ilya, a testament to why the book captivated so many fans. This series epitomizes what we envisioned at Accent Aigu — storytelling that’s daring, resonant, and reaches audiences globally. Our excitement to bring it to the screen is unmatched.”
In addition to his work on Heated Rivalry, Tierney has an impressive body of work, having directed episodes of beloved shows and engaged audiences through his films. His acting resume includes appearances in Xavier Dolan’s Laurence Anyways and other notable projects, while his directorial debut Good Neighbors was showcased at TIFF, marking his versatility as both an actor and director.
Executive produced by Tierney and Brady, with Rachel Reid serving as a consulting producer, Heated Rivalry is set to have international distribution through Bell Media. The series’ principal cast is represented by top-tier agencies, ensuring wide reach and audience engagement. Sports fans and lovers of dramatic narratives will find plenty to admire as Heated Rivalry skates onto screens, redefining love amidst the intensity of professional hockey’s icy arenas.
