‘Stupid Canadian Wolf Bird’ Quote From ‘Heated Rivalry’ Inspires Unlikely Merch

By Tim Chan

Tim Chan

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Among all the memorable moments and lines in season one of Heated Rivalry, an off-the-cuff line at the cottage is now being commemorated in a new piece of merch.

While spending time at maybe-boyfriend Shane Hollander’s (Hudson Williams) cottage, Ilya Rozanov (Connor Storrie) hears a haunting sound coming from the woods and immediately panics about what creature is about to emerge from the shadows. As it turns out, it’s just a bird — or more specifically, a Common Canadian Loon.

Still, Ilya isn’t impressed, calling it a “stupid Canadian wolf bird.” Now, fans of Heated Rivalry and that iconic scene can pick up their very own “Canadian wolf bird” thanks to an official collaboration with collectibles brand Youtooz.

Youtooz Heated Rivalry Canadian Wolf Bird Plush

$36.90

Hot Topic is selling a nine-inch plushie inspired by the bird in Heated Rivalry. Made from a soft and smooth polyester material with firm stuffing, this plush toy is more snuggly than scary. This is an officially licensed release from Youtooz, Hot Topic, and Crave, the Canadian studio behind the hit hockey series.

The “wolf bird” scene also appears in Rachel Reid’s 2019 novel of the same name, which was the inspiration for the TV series. Heated Rivalry is the second book in Reid’s bestselling Game Changers series.

The “Canadian Wolf Bird” plushie arrives on the heels of a new collection of Heated Rivalry T-shirts at Hot Topic.

Heated Rivalry Ilya Rozanov T-Shirt

$24.90

This Heated Rivalry T-shirt features a collage print of Storrie as Ilya Rozanov, surrounded by his name, jersey number and Boston Raiders colors. The T-shirt is available unisex sizes XS to 3X, but some sizes have already sold out so we recommend adding to cart while your preferred size is still in stock.

Heated Rivalry Shane Hollander T-Shirt

$24.90

Williams’ Shane Hollander gets his own T-shirt too, with the Montreal Metros colors and logo next to a collage print of the hockey star in action. Hot Topic still has a full size run available as of this writing.

Heated Rivalry Scott Hunter T-Shirt

$24.90

While Shane and Ilya have received the lion’s share of love from fans, Francois Arnaud’s Scott Hunter also gets his own Heated Rivalry tee, which features a collage print of the New York Admirals captain in his red jersey. Scott Hunter merch hasn’t been as easy to find as merch for the two series leads, so this is worth picking up online. Sadly for fans who ship “Skip,” Hunter’s boyfriend Kip Grady (played by Robbie G.K.) is nowhere to be found in this new T-shirt capsule.

Heated Rivalry Ilya Rozanov Sweatshirt

$59.90

And you can pick up officially licensed Ilya and Shane Heated Rivalry sweatshirts at part of the Hot Topic release. The cotton blend sweatshirts feature a vintage-inspired look with a collage print of each player and their team motifs. We like the washed black colorway, which has a lived-in look and feel. Choose from sizes XS to XL.

Production on Heated Rivalry season two began in August, with the second season scheduled to premiere next year. It’s set to be based on Reid’s book The Long Game, which continues the relationship between Hollander and Rozanov.