Kaden Connors
In a candid conversation with NOW Toronto, actor Kaden Connors pulled back the curtain on portraying Sasha in the hit hockey romance drama Heated Rivalry.
Playing the vibrant, party-boy childhood friend and former lover of Russian star Ilya Rozanov (Connor Storrie), Connors opened up about navigating the series’ intimately choreographed encounters, his pride in bringing authentic queer stories to the screen, and his hopes for the series’ second season.
When addressing the logistics of filming the show’s steamy scenes, Connors highlighted the essential role of the on-set intimacy coordinators and the deep sense of trust built between the cast members. He compared the technical precision required for these moments to a carefully planned dance, noting, “It’s kind of just like a dance. It’s choreography. You get to know what’s gonna happen, but still have the playroom to, if the moment calls for it, you’re still finding that chemistry with the other actor.” Working closely alongside Storrie allowed the pair to navigate the delicate balance between strict physical structure and genuine on-screen chemistry, ensuring every intimate beat felt both safe and authentic.
Beyond the passion on screen, Connors emphasized the broader cultural significance of the project as a queer actor. He offered warm praise for writer-director Jacob Tierney, commending the creative team for placing complex queer relationships directly at the heart of the narrative rather than relegating them to predictable side plots. “They work a lot of stereotypes, where you often see queer characters are kind of thrown in as these side characters or these tropes that are classic and easily digestible, but it’s wonderful to see that this is the queer love story. They’re the main characters,” Connors shared, adding that seeing these multidimensional stories front and center ultimately helps viewers feel truly seen.
Looking ahead to the second season, scheduled to premiere on Crave and HBO Max, Connors kept tight-lipped about specific plot details while expressing immense enthusiasm for the show’s direction. While remaining careful not to give away any major secrets, he remarked, “My lips are sealed, but I think it’s amazing to witness them set up for season two. The thing about Heated Rivalry is no matter how much you were involved in it… you were there. You’re a part of it. Heated Rivalry lives on.”
As for where he would like to see his own character go next, Connors noted that he would love for the writers to dive deeper into the shared past between Sasha and Ilya, perhaps through flashbacks or alternate realities that explore the rich history behind their connection.
