Heated Rivalry creator Jacob Tierney criticizes the NHL over its culture

Heated Rivalry creator and showrunner Jacob Tierney said on Radio Andy that the NHL is not a safe or inclusive space, telling host Andy Cohen the league has "just hired four rapists" and has "a lot of ongoing work to do." The article notes that the NHL fully reinstated five former Hockey Canada players in December 2025 after their acquittal on sexual assault charges, and that as of 2026 the league remains the only major men's sports league in North America without any out gay players in its history.