The Canadian hockey drama series, “Heated Rivalry,” is adding more stars to its cast for the upcoming second season. Following its successful debut season, the show has garnered global attention and boosted the careers of lead actors Hudson Williams, Connor Storrie, and François Arnaud.

Adding to the cast are Ukrainian-American actress Milla Jovovich, known for her roles in “Resident Evil” and “The Fifth Element,” Kevin Zegers from Woodstock, Ont., and Paul Gross, a prominent figure in Canadian film and television.

The series, inspired by Nova Scotia author Rachel Reid’s “Game Changers” books, revolves around the clandestine romance between two competitive ice hockey players, Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov, portrayed by Williams and Storrie, respectively.

Paul Gross will take on the role of hockey league commissioner Roger Crowell, while Zegers will play Coach Wiebe, the head of the Ottawa Centaurs team, which Rozanov joins in the new season. Jovovich will portray Dr. Galina Molchalina, a therapist supporting Rozanov.

The new season will also feature familiar faces from Season 1, including Robbie G.K., Sophie Nélisse, Christina Chang, and Dylan Walsh. Additionally, Canadian talents like Charlie Gillespie, Daniel Diemer, Emily Hampshire, and Priyanka are set to join the cast for Season 2.

Emily Hampshire, who plays a pivotal role in the series, expressed her excitement about working with long-time friend and series creator Jacob Tierney. She highlighted the remarkable success of “Heated Rivalry,” comparing it to the international acclaim received by “Schitt’s Creek.”

While ineligible for the Primetime Emmy Awards, the series dominated the Canadian Screen Awards, winning multiple accolades. The filming for the second season has commenced, with the premiere scheduled for Spring 2027 on Crave.

In summary, “Heated Rivalry” continues to heat up with its star-studded cast and promising storyline, captivating audiences worldwide with its compelling narrative and talented ensemble cast.