Actor Jack Innanen has confirmed he’s had “conversations” about joining the cast of Heated Rivalry season two, leaving fans buzzing with excitement as they speculate about which role he could play. The 27-year-old Canadian actor, known for his role in The Adults, recently sat down with Entertainment Tonight while promoting his new Netflix series Big Mistakes, created by Dan Levy, where he addressed the growing rumors surrounding his potential involvement in the hit hockey drama.
“I’ve had some… conversations,” Innanen said with a sly smile when asked about the possibility of joining Heated Rivalry. “We’ve chatted.” However, the actor remained tight-lipped about whether he had actually signed on for the show, playfully adding, “Who knows?”

While he didn’t confirm his role, Innanen’s comments have only fueled speculation, especially since fans of the show — and those familiar with the Game Changers book series, on which the show is based — have long been calling for him to portray one of the key characters. The excitement surrounding his potential casting has only grown in recent weeks, as a leaked casting call appeared to hint at a new character who could be a perfect fit for Innanen.
Fans of Heated Rivalry have long considered Jack Innanen a natural fit for either Troy Barrett or Wyatt Hayes, two characters from the Game Changers novels who are both involved in the world of hockey and complex personal relationships. Innanen himself seems to be on board with the idea, expressing his enthusiasm for the show and how his background makes him an ideal candidate.
“I think I’m perfect for the show because I am down for anything and I played hockey,” he said. His lighthearted approach to the conversation, combined with his personal experience with the sport, has made fans even more eager to see him on screen in a hockey-centric role. “I got some mini sticks, I’ve been practising, I’ve been working on my stick handling. I’ve been working on my hip mobility,” he joked, proving that he’s been taking the idea seriously and preparing in his own way.

Innanen’s experience with hockey — even if it’s not at a professional level — could make him a natural fit for a role on Heated Rivalry, a show deeply rooted in the world of competitive hockey. His playful confidence in the interview only added to the intrigue, with fans imagining him as either the friendly and popular Wyatt Hayes or the more complex and troubled Troy Barrett, two figures central to the source material.
The character of Wyatt Hayes is well-liked by Heated Rivalry fans, particularly those who have read the Game Changers series. Hayes plays for the Ottawa Centaurs, alongside fan favorite Ilya Rozanov, who is portrayed by actor Connor Storrie. Although Hayes isn’t one of the central characters in the series, he is a beloved, charismatic player who brings a sense of camaraderie to the team.
In contrast, Troy Barrett is a far more complex character, and his storyline in Role Model — the fifth book in the Game Changers series — is at the heart of much of the drama. Barrett’s journey includes a tumultuous relationship with the Centaurs’ social media manager Harris Drover, and he’s involved in a sensitive plotline surrounding sexual assault allegations and a breakup with his secret boyfriend. Fans of the series have speculated that Barrett could be one of the key roles to be introduced in season two of the show, and many believe Innanen would be the perfect fit for the character.

A leaked casting call seemed to confirm that characters from Role Model would be making an appearance in season two. However, the casting call didn’t specifically mention Troy Barrett, but instead listed the role of Harris Drover, which led many to believe that Barrett’s role might already be cast — and that Innanen could have landed the part.
Innanen’s recent comments about the show seem to confirm that conversations have indeed taken place about his involvement, but whether or not he will officially step into the role remains uncertain. The fact that he’s not confirming anything outright only adds to the mystery and excitement surrounding his potential casting.
The casting call, which recently surfaced online, listed the character of Harris Drover as a key role for season two. This raised eyebrows among fans, as Drover plays a pivotal role in Troy Barrett’s storyline in Role Model. The fact that a casting call for Drover was leaked led many to speculate that Troy Barrett has already been cast — and some have begun to wonder if that cast member could be Jack Innanen.
While it’s not clear whether this casting call was official or simply a rumor, it adds an extra layer of intrigue to the ongoing speculation. Fans are now even more convinced that Innanen could be stepping into the show’s world, potentially bringing the character of Troy Barrett to life.

With season two of Heated Rivalry on the horizon and casting decisions being made behind the scenes, fans are eagerly awaiting official confirmation about which characters will be making their way onto the show. For now, Innanen’s playful response to the rumors leaves the door open for continued speculation.
While Innanen may be best known for his role in The Adults, he is no stranger to the world of television and film. Over the years, he has built a reputation for his versatility and willingness to take on diverse roles. His latest project, Big Mistakes on Netflix, has already earned significant attention, thanks to the involvement of Schitt’s Creek creator Dan Levy.
Innanen’s rise to prominence has not been without its challenges, but his dedication to his craft and willingness to take risks have helped him earn a place in the spotlight. As he continues to grow as an actor, Heated Rivalry season two could be his opportunity to break into a whole new level of fame.
“Who knows what will happen?” Innanen said, leaving fans hopeful that his next major role could be just around the corner.

As the buzz around Heated Rivalry season two continues to build, the speculation about Jack Innanen’s potential role shows no signs of slowing down. Whether he ends up playing Troy Barrett, Wyatt Hayes, or a new character altogether, it’s clear that fans are eager to see what’s next for the popular series. And if Innanen’s involvement is confirmed, the excitement will undoubtedly reach a fever pitch.
For now, Innanen’s coy responses to the casting rumors have only made fans more curious about what’s in store for season two. Whether or not he joins the cast remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the world of Heated Rivalry is about to get even more exciting.