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Could the viral Heated Rivalry fleece become official Team Canada merch? As a wildly popular Canadian series about a romance between two rival hockey players, Heated Rivalry has drawn attention not only for its compelling narrative but also for its standout costume pieces. In particular, the Team Canada Olympic fleece worn by the character Shane Hollander has sparked a significant reaction among viewers.
Standout Costume Piece
Worn by the character Shane Hollander, played by Hudson Williams, during the depicted 2014 Sochi Olympics, the zip-up fleece jacket features a simple design. With a white fleece base, a maple leaf on each arm, and “Canada” emblazoned across the back, the jacket is a visual representation of Canadian pride. Fans of the Crave show, which is an adaptation of Rachel Reid’s Game Changers novel series, have been vocal about their love for this particular item since the episode aired in November.
Fan Reactions and Petitions
The fan reaction went beyond mere online chatter. One fan went as far as to replicate the jacket herself, while others have been petitioning for it to become official Team Canada merchandise. The public outcry has been so fervent that Team Canada even responded on a thread with a teasing, “Update HR fans.. our boss said maybe.”
Support for Team Canada
One fan, Farrah Sanjari, launched a Change.org petition arguing that releasing the jacket to both athletes and fans would benefit Team Canada. The petition suggests this move would increase support for Canada’s athletes, stimulate interest in the games, and enhance visibility for Team Canada. As of January 6, the petition has garnered over 3,000 signatures.
Design Intention
Hanna Puley, the costume designer for Heated Rivalry, designed the fleece with a specific vision in mind. She wanted it to feel more wearable, approachable, and cozy than traditional Olympic apparel. The design was intended to subtly showcase Canadian pride and identity, which she believes is best represented through confidence and self-assurance.
Surprising Popularity
Despite the thought and care put into the design, Puley did not anticipate the level of popularity the fleece would achieve. Among all her wardrobe choices for the series, this one has proven to be the most popular. Puley is excited about the potential of the fleece becoming official Team Canada merchandise, as long as it furthers the show’s message of tolerance and acceptance.
Puley said, “Anything we can do to bring a little joy to the world right now is something we should take very seriously. My hope is that if there’s a company that capitalizes on what’s become an iconic piece from our show, they do it in a way that promotes inclusivity and pushes that conversation centre stage.”
