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Missed out on snagging your own Shane Hollander Team Canada Fleece from Heated Rivalry? You aren’t alone.
Almost as soon as Crave’s breakout hockey romance debuted, it launched a frenzy over the Team Canada zip-up fleece worn by Hollander, played by Canadian Hudson Williams. The character wears the white zip-up during the Sochi Olympic scenes in the show’s second episode.
The hotly anticipated fleece went on sale Tuesday at 12 p.m. ET. Within 10 minutes, it had completely sold out, Province of Canada, the Canadian brand behind the release, told CBC News in an email on Wednesday.
The fleece, available exclusively on the store’s website, retails for $356 Cdn and is expected to ship to customers in October. Ten per cent of the net profits will go to You Can Play, a non-profit focused on 2SLGBTQ+ inclusion in sport.
The NHL and NHL Players’ Association will be matching donations up to a combined total of $50,000.
“We chose You Can Play because their unwavering dedication to inclusivity mirrors the very heart of Heated Rivalry,” Jacob Tierney, the show’s creator, and Brendan Brady, the show’s producer, said in a release.
The Heated Rivalry flame is still burning bright. The show’s co-star Hudson Williams and showrunner Jacob Tierney stopped by on the Canadian Screen Awards red carpet to reflect on the show’s impact and community reception. The beloved hockey drama ended the night with 16 awards, including best drama series and best lead performer for Williams.
The jacket isn’t official Team Canada merch, but fans have been asking for it ever since the show aired.
“We’re releasing the fleece,” the apparel company wrote on its website and social media following demand from fans in January.
Since Heated Rivalry premiered last November, Bell Media says the show’s viewership on Crave has grown 400 per cent, becoming the streamer’s No. 1 debut show. Outside Canada, Variety reports it’s the top-rated non-animated series ever acquired by HBO Max.
Just last week, the show triumphed at the Canadian screen awards, taking home a record-breaking 16 awards.
The show won 16 awards, including best drama series and best lead actor in a drama for Williams, who wrapped his speech with a dedication to his American co-star.
“To the honourary Canadian Connor Storrie, I share this award with you,” the breakout star said at the ceremony.
The OG fleece
Kuwalla Tee — the brand behind the original fleece that was modified for use in the show — is also marketing a restock of its “OG Sherpa Fleece” this week.
The brand had previously called out the show and Province of Canada for using its design in the marketing of this new fleece.
In February, they came to an agreement, consenting to tag and credit Kuwalla Tee on social media whenever the company’s fleece was shown in marketing materials.
The actual fleece worn on the show was designed by Canadian costume designer Hanna Puley. In January, Williams gave a fleece to Prime Minister Mark Carney at an event they both attended.
In Province of Canada’s product description it says the item is “inspired by the costume piece in the show, adding: “special thanks to Hanna Puley and the ‘Release the Fleece’ community.”
