WARNING – this post is all about the ending of The Long Game which will likely be the same plot of Season 2 of Heated Rivalry. If you don’t want to know then stop reading. Don’t come after me…

I’m a 40-something wife and mother of 3, with a job and responsibilities, who cannot stop thinking about, reading about, writing about my fictional hockey boyfriends. I’m in a group chat planning a detailed strategy for how to book “The Cottage” when it hits Airbnb on March 3rd. I have watched all 6 episodes at least 25 times. I read the book The Long Game in a single 8-hour readathon binge last weekend and 6

days later I still haven’t recovered. From what I’ve heard, this affliction is not uncommon.

One thing I know for sure is that none of us Loons are equipped to handle what Season 2 of Heated Rivalry has in store for us if it is indeed going to be based on the sequel novel, The Long Game. And now I’m so excited for Season 3 never mind Season 2. The novel Unrivalled is coming out 29th September 2026 and I will be first in line but until then, here are the things I’m most looking forward to in my fictional hockey universe.

We’re going to IBIZA!

Somewhat disappointingly, the epilogue of The Long Game took us straight into the start of the next NHL season in October. I mean it’s fine, who am I to criticize the choices of the great Rachel Reid. However, now we don’t get any details of the Ibiza honeymoon. There’s still time for a short story here Rachel #justsaying. I’m hoping that Uncle Jacob will take care of it in Season 3. To be fair I’m doing a pretty good job of visualising it myself. Matching His & His white bathing suits. A sparkling luxury villa with an infinity pool melting into the turquoise ocean. The burning sunsets over the open air parties where our newlyweds can kiss on the dancefloor, fireworks bursting overhead. You’re welcome.

Queer Avengers

Scott Hunter did not just rock up at Ilya’s house like a Mr Fantastic/Professor Xavier type greek god and recruit Shane and Ilya into his band of Queer Avengers to take on the evil NHL. It’s not even that bad an idea given the display the US Men’s Hockey Team gave us this week. Where’s the graphic novel? I need this in my life. It’s giving so much X-Men vibes with the school for gifted kids – I mean the Hockey Summer Camp… obviously – and Ilya/Logan lashing Scott Summers I mean Scott Hunter with his sharp tongue and brutal sarcasm. Rose shape-shifting in and out of her Wolf-Bird persona. It has legs I promise.

2027 Backyard Wedding Trend

If Season 2 is indeed released in Spring 2027, that leaves plenty of time for newly engaged couples to plan Summer 2027 backyard weddings. The consumerism and unnecessary opulence of the wedding industry has always got on my nerves. And yes I was that bride that had my mum make my wedding cake and told the suppliers it was her 50th birthday party NOT my wedding and suddenly the cost halved for most things. I cannot wait for vogue magazine to start telling us the big fancy wedding is so 2025; 2027 is all about the spontaneous whoever is in town can come, string some fairy lights up in the backyard and order a vodka luge ice sculpture. I added that last one myself but trust me they are so fun. Prepare for the most influential fictional celebrity wedding of a generation. And Diamond by Rhianna for every first dance forever. Love that for us.

Baby Hollanov(a)

Heated Rivalry gave us enough hints that Shane and Ilya would tie the knot at some point and The Long Game didn’t disappoint. In turn, The Long Game didn’t just hint that Shane and Ilya want to be parents, it clearly stated that they were going to try as soon as their careers/lives permitted them to focus on raising at least one child. So Unrivalled must have a baby or at least one on the way by the end. Will Rose or Svetla be the surrogate? Will they have one each for them? Will they adopt? Will Anya be a good sibling? Who will stay home to do the childcare? What drama will unfold when Shane is wrestling rug rats while Ilya is still winning cups and resentment builds. Will they go for the double barrel Hollander-Rosanov? Or will it be Rosanov-Hollander? Or will they give the baby a hydrid surname? Hollanov(a)? Rosander? If they do have a surrogate, who is going to be the bio dad? Will Hayden & Jackie host the baby shower? Will the baby have super powers like their parents?

SO MANY QUESTIONS!!!!!

Rose & Svetlana’s Big Lesbian Secret

This one is a bit left field but I read the line about Rose and Svetla getting on like a house on fire at the Hollanov wedding and now my brain won’t leave it alone. Get those women a room with a king size bed, a view and an ensuite bathroom immediately. I’m picturing one big blended family with perfect surrogate mum/bio dad pairings. Not to mention the utter chaos that will surely unfold when Svetla’s new job with the Boston Raiders splits her loyalty between BFF Ilya and her dream job. Although I feel like Svetlana would be cunning enough to weave a web between all parties, landing in glorious victory by the end. With a very wealthy, very beautiful girlfriend to match her Birkin. Cannot wait.

I’m bound to have missed something so please let me know in the comments XXX