Embracing Change: Rachel Reid's Journey with 'Heated Rivalry' and the NHL
Jack and Quinn Hughes made a surprise appearance during Connor Storrie's Saturday Night Live monologue, much to the dismay of author Rachel Reid. Reid felt that the Hughes brothers' presence was a strategic move to capitalize on the popularity of her book, "Heated Rivalry." Despite her initial grumpiness, Reid was at the taping to support Storrie, who plays a character from her series on the TV adaptation.
The Team USA hockey stars, along with Hilary Knight and Megan Keller from the women's team, appeared on SNL following a controversy surrounding the men's team's gold medal celebration at the 2026 Winter Olympics. President Donald Trump's comments during a congratulatory call to the men's team sparked backlash, as video footage showed the men's players laughing.
Jack, who scored the game-winning goal for the men's team, tried to diffuse the situation by emphasizing the mutual support between the men's and women's teams. Despite Reid's initial reservations about the NHL benefiting from the success of "Heated Rivalry," she found solace in meeting Knight and Keller backstage, appreciating their presence and conversation.
Initially disheartened by the NHL's association with her book's popularity, Reid has since shifted her perspective. She now sees fans attending games wearing merchandise related to "Heated Rivalry" and expressing their identity as queer hockey fans. Reid views this as a positive step towards inclusivity and change within the sport, acknowledging the impact of fans bringing diverse perspectives to the arena.
In conclusion, Rachel Reid's experience at the SNL taping, where the Hughes brothers crashed the monologue, initially left her feeling grumpy. However, meeting Hilary Knight and Megan Keller backstage and witnessing fans embracing "Heated Rivalry" at NHL games has shifted her perspective on the situation. Reid now sees the potential for positive change and inclusivity within the hockey community as fans express their support for the book and their identities as queer hockey fans.