Brock McGillis, the first openly gay former professional hockey player, isn’t convinced the new series “Heated Rivalry” will unlock a wave of players coming out. Despite the show’s popularity, he believes its impact on the deeply ingrained culture of hockey is limited, and potentially even detrimental.
McGillis, who publicly came out after his playing career ended, now dedicates his life to fostering inclusivity within the sport. He recalls a past relationship shrouded in secrecy, forced to use aliases to protect his partner from discovery – a stark reminder of the fear that still grips many within the hockey world.
The series, centered on a secret romance between rival hockey players, triggered a visceral reaction in McGillis. “Episode one gave me a panic attack,” he confessed, recognizing echoes of his own experiences in the characters’ struggles with concealment and fear of exposure.
While acknowledging the show’s steamy scenes, McGillis dismisses the idea that they’ll inspire immediate self-acceptance. He believes the notion that a borderline-softcore drama will suddenly empower players to come out is simply unrealistic.
He sharply disagrees with former pro Sean Avery’s suggestion that the show will open doors for others, labeling it a publicity grab. McGillis points to his own public coming out, and Luke Prokop’s, noting that these were deliberate, highly publicized events – not spontaneous reactions to a television show.
McGillis argues that the real issue lies in the pervasive, often unconscious, homophobia woven into the fabric of hockey culture. He describes a constant barrage of insensitive language and attitudes, starting in youth leagues and continuing throughout a player’s career, creating a climate of fear.
He powerfully illustrates this with the metaphor of “death by a thousand paper cuts,” explaining how seemingly minor, everyday comments can accumulate and inflict profound psychological damage. The cumulative effect, he says, is devastating.
Despite his reservations about the show’s direct impact, McGillis holds a surprising belief in the inherent goodness of hockey players. He suggests they would likely be the most supportive teammates in any major sport if a player were to come out.
His current work, the Shiftmakers tour, focuses on creating broadly inclusive spaces within hockey, rather than solely addressing LGBTQ+ issues. He’s discovered a heartbreaking reality during his visits to teams across North America.
In just six weeks, McGillis has heard from over 200 players who have experienced self-harm or suicidal thoughts, and 15-20 who have disclosed experiences of sexual assault. He estimates over 1,000 players struggle with anxiety or depression – a silent crisis within the sport.
While “Heated Rivalry” has been renewed for a second season, McGillis remains focused on a more fundamental shift: fostering an environment where players feel safe enough to be themselves, regardless of their sexual orientation. He believes this, ultimately, is the key to unlocking genuine change.
He doesn’t believe many “hockey bros” are watching the show, and even if they are, he doubts they’re engaging with it in a positive way. His perspective is a sobering counterpoint to the show’s optimistic portrayal of acceptance.
