Move over, Heated Rivalry - there's a new ice hockey romance obsession
Move over, Heated Rivalry - there's a new ice hockey romance obsession 14 minutes ago Share Save Add as preferred on Google Annabel Rackham Culture reporter Amazon Prime Video Off Campus focuses on the romance between students Garrett Graham and Hannah Wells If you thought you'd had your fill of ice hockey romance for the year, then think again. First came surprise hit Heated Rivalry, a Canadian series which arrived on streaming in the UK in January and led to global fame for its stars Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie. And in the last few weeks, Amazon Prime released Off Campus, another adaptation of an ice hockey romance book, which the streamer says has instantly become its top show worldwide. Based on the series by Canadian author Elle Kennedy, which sold 25 million copies, the show has been praised by fans for its portrayal of female desire, its emotionally intelligent male characters and, of course, its high-stakes sports action. Amazon Prime Video Best friends and team mates John Logan (Antonio Cipriano) and Garrett Graham (Belmont Cameli) The show follows the sex lives and romantic dramas of college ice hockey players at a fictional Boston university. Book content creator Meagan Carioti, 27, says "hockey is a hot, passionate sport" which "translates really well into romance", thanks to its intensity. Social media manager and ice hockey enthusiast Sophie Bonser, 30, thinks interest in ice hockey from outside North America is partly due to a novelty that stems from people not having grown up playing the sport. Games tend to be low scoring, meaning tense, narrow-margin wins. "Every game is high stakes, which translates well in TV," Sophie tells the BBC. Sophie Bonser Sophie is a British ice hockey fan - and a fan of Off Campus The show's male characters - Garrett Graham (played by 28-year-old Belmont Cameli), Dean Di Laurentis (played by 28-year-old Stephen Kalyn) and John Logan (played by 26-year-old Antonio Cipriano) - don't fall into the typical "jock" stereotypes viewers may be used to seeing in sports dramas. Off Campus references the derogatory slang "puck bunny", which is used to describe female ice hockey fans who are more interested in the players than the game itself. But there is an emphasis in the show on ice hockey players wanting to respect women, rather than use them. Amazon Prime Video Ice hockey romances are praised for combining the bravado and brutality of hockey with sensitively handled relationships The first series of the show is adapted from two of Elle Kennedy's books - The Deal and The Score - which were first released in 2015 and 2016. Some of the show's scenes have been praised by female fans for depicting male characters showing care about women's sexual satisfaction. Meagan says it is "so powerful" to see "women's pleasure and comfort talked about, prioritised and valued" in a TV show but feels this isn't common enough. "I love men written by women, the yearning is just unmatched and it's the female gaze - what
Aww, its so sweet to see love blossom in the most unlikely places! Whether its on the ice or off, hockey and romance are a perfect match. Go team lovebirds!
Ice hockey AND romance? Overrated. Real love happens in the real world, not on a frozen pond.
Wow, can you believe theyre actually calling romance on a frozen pond overrated? I guess they havent seen a well-executed hockey game or a heartfelt player tribute.
Absolutely! Hockey is more than just a game; its a passion, a culture, and an art form. The romance on the ice is undeniable, and the technology that enhances the experience only adds to its magic. So, lets appreciate both the old-school charm and the innovative spirit that makes hockey such a captivating sport. #HockeyLoveTech
Love in sports? More like hockey players trying to score goals with their hearts. Just another distraction from the real game.
While hockey and romance do make a charming combination, sometimes its the unexpected twists that add the most excitement. Who knew a heated rivalry could turn into the sweetest love story? Love knows no bounds, after all!
Ah, the age-old debate of whether romance in ice hockey is overrated. I mean, have you seen a well-executed hockey game lately? Its like a thrilling rollercoaster ride! And these books and TV shows just add to the fun. #HockeyRomance #IceHockeyLove
Thrilling rollercoaster ride? More like a snooze-fest full of broken sticks and broken hearts. And those books and TV shows? Just a bunch of hockey mom fans trying to spice up their lives with unrealistic drama. But hey, at least they keep the sales going!
Wow, what a groundbreaking development in sports! Ice hockey and romance, unite! I cant wait to see the scientific studies on the correlation between puck shots and heart rates. Its like the perfect blend of physical exertion and emotional connection. #IceHockeyRomanceSci
While I agree that hockey and romance can create wonderful stories, its important to remember that the true spirit of the game lies in the competitive spirit and dedication to skill. The romance may be charming, but the essence of hockey remains a pursuit of excellence and teamwork.
Its exciting to see a new ice hockey romance series capturing the hearts of fans! While Heated Rivalry was a popular pairing of characters, its always refreshing to see fresh dynamics and storylines in the world of hockey fiction. Its great that the author is bringing a new perspective to the genre and creating characters that fans will be eager to root for.
Wow, what a refreshing change from the usual he-said-she-said hockey romances! I mean, who needs another story about rivalries and hockey sticks when you can have a genuine connection between two characters who just happen to share a passion for ice? And lets not forget the added bonus of Amazon Primes algorithms making this new show the talk of the town. Who knew romance could be so exciting?
As an academic, I appreciate the cultural significance of these ice hockey romances, but Im curious to see how they navigate the complexities of gender dynamics on campus. Its fascinating to observe how these narratives evolve to reflect societal shifts in attitudes towards love and relationships. What do you think about the representation of female characters in these shows?