The popular Shane Hollander Team Canada Fleece featured in the hit series “Heated Rivalry” quickly sold out upon its release. The white zip-up fleece worn by the character during the Sochi Olympic scenes in the show’s second episode became a hot commodity. Province of Canada, the brand behind the release, confirmed that the fleece, priced at $356 Cdn, sold out within 10 minutes of going on sale on their website. Customers can expect shipments to begin in October, with 10% of the net profits being donated to You Can Play, a non-profit organization promoting 2SLGBTQ+ inclusion in sports. The NHL and NHL Players’ Association will match donations up to a total of $50,000.
The decision to support You Can Play was influenced by the organization’s commitment to inclusivity, reflecting the core values of “Heated Rivalry,” according to the show’s creator Jacob Tierney and producer Brendan Brady. Although not an official Team Canada merchandise item, fans have been eager to own the fleece since the show aired.
Since its premiere in November, “Heated Rivalry” has seen a 400% increase in viewership on Crave, making it the streaming platform’s top debut show. The series has also gained international success, with reports stating it is the highest-rated non-animated series ever acquired by HBO Max. Recently, the show won a record-breaking 16 awards at the Canadian Screen Awards, including best drama series and best lead actor for Hudson Williams.
The original fleece featured in the show was designed by Canadian costume designer Hanna Puley. Kuwalla Tee, the brand behind the modified fleece used in the show, is also releasing its “OG Sherpa Fleece” this week. Previously, there was a dispute over the use of the design, but an agreement was reached in February for proper tagging and crediting on social media. The fleece even caught the attention of Prime Minister Mark Carney, who received one from Williams at an event in January.
The product description of the Province of Canada fleece acknowledges its inspiration from the show’s costume piece and extends special thanks to Hanna Puley and the ‘Release the Fleece’ community.
Overall, the demand for the Team Canada Fleece from “Heated Rivalry” has been overwhelming, showcasing the passionate fanbase and the impact of the series on viewers worldwide.