François Arnaud as Scott Hunter; Robbie GK as Kip Grady on “Heated Rivalry.” HBO Max/Crave Canada
In a milestone moment for professional sports, hockey player Jesse Kortuem has come out as gay, crediting the cultural resonance of the Crave series Heated Rivalry with his decision to live authentically.
In a vulnerable statement shared to his Facebook page, the typically private athlete revealed he is ready to move his journey from “close to the vest” into the public eye.
Kortuem highlighted the emotional impact of Jacob Tierney’s adaptation—led by Connor Storrie and Hudson Williams—as the catalyst for his “thaw.”
By citing the relationship between Scott Hunter (François Arnaud) and Kip Grady (Robbie G.K.), Kortuem emphasized that fictional representation provided the “somatic ease” he needed to reconcile his love for the game with his identity.
