Inspired by the TV drama Heated Rivalry, former ice hockey player Jesse Kortuem has come out as gay, sharing his story with BBC Sport. The show, depicting a secret relationship between two male hockey players, resonated deeply with Kortuem. He felt compelled to share his experience, hoping to inspire others and demonstrate the changing attitudes within the sport.

Kortuem, who played in local leagues in Minneapolis, stepped away from hockey at 17 due to feeling unwelcome. Now 40, he believes the show helped him find the courage to be open about his sexuality. His Instagram post went viral, sparking conversations and offering a sense of relief and pride.

While there are currently no openly gay NHL players, the sport has seen some progress. The NHL's response to the show and LGBTQ+ issues has been mixed, with both support and controversy. Kortuem hopes the league will acknowledge its past actions and embrace a more inclusive environment. He wants the league to say they were wrong.

Despite the show's success, some critics find the explicit scenes challenging. However, Kortuem sees the positive impact it has on the wider community. He hopes it opens minds and provides a positive representation of a gay love story, something that is lacking in hockey.