The hit series Heated Rivalry has officially wrapped its first season on Crave and HBO Max, and the finale, “The Cottage,” brings several long-running threads into focus. The episode shows the immediate impact of Scott’s coming out on his career while placing Ilya and Shane in a setting that removes distractions and forces direct conversations about their relationship. Rather than ending in ambiguity, the finale provides clarity on where each character stands.
Here’s a breakdown of what happens in the Heated Rivalry Season 1 finale and what it sets up moving forward.
Scott’s life after coming out
After last week’s episode confirmed Scott’s relationship with Kip, the finale shows the full weight of that choice. While accepting his Player of the Year award, Scott openly credits his love for Kip with helping him confront fear rather than letting it define him. The moment makes it clear that coming out hasn’t cost him his career or respect; if anything, it’s strengthened his sense of self. Scott also acknowledges the response around him, noting support from teammates, fans, and young people who now see themselves reflected in his honesty, reinforcing that his decision has created impact beyond the ice.
Ilya comes to the cottage with Shane
Scott’s public act of honesty becomes a turning point for Ilya as well. Instead of returning home, Ilya accepts Shane’s invitation to spend two weeks together at his cottage in Ottawa, choosing proximity over avoidance. Away from the pressures of the league, Shane proposes a clear boundary for their time together: complete honesty and open communication about their feelings. What follows is a noticeable shift for Ilya, who commits to that agreement and begins to speak plainly rather than deflect. The change culminates in a pivotal moment when Ilya admits that he loves Shane and doesn’t want to be with anyone else, a vulnerability that’s met with immediate reassurance as Shane returns the sentiment, solidifying their relationship in a way they’ve never allowed before.
Shane and Ilya’s plan to be close to one another
During their time at the cottage, Ilya opens up about his future in a way he never has before. He admits to Shane that, as a free agent, he’s been seriously considering leaving Boston next season and has been looking at Canadian teams, a revelation that clearly catches Shane off guard. What starts as surprise quickly turns into possibility, with Shane suggesting Ilya consider Ottawa as an option that would keep them just two hours apart. Shane then takes it a step further, proposing they start a foundation together, using its proceeds to support suicide prevention in honor of Ilya’s mother, who died by suicide when he was twelve. The moment reframes Ilya’s career decisions as something deeply personal, but also that he is willing to sacrifice his career for love.
Shane’s parents discover the truth
Shane’s carefully constructed privacy falls apart when his parents unexpectedly uncover the truth. Hoping to protect their time together, Shane tells them he’s on a retreat, but the plan unravels when his father stops by the cottage for a charger and catches Shane and Ilya kissing. Shaken, Shane initially spirals before deciding to confront his parents directly, with Ilya insisting on coming along for support. Though stunned, his parents admit they had suspected Shane might be gay for some time. Their real surprise is that the person he loves is Ilya, the man they believed to be his rival.
The emotional center of the scene comes from Shane’s mother, who apologizes for not creating a space where he felt safe living openly and tells him how proud she is of him. Ilya then removes any remaining ambiguity by introducing himself as Shane’s boyfriend, with both men openly affirming their relationship and love in front of his parents. The episode ends on a note of clarity: Ilya and Shane are fully committed to each other, moving forward together, even as they choose to keep their relationship private from the world for now.
Season 1 of Heated Rivalry is now streaming in full on HBO Max. It has already been renewed for Season 2 by Crave.