Netflix is getting into the hockey drama series game—but don't expect another Heated Rivalry

Ever since Heated Rivalry become the hottest new show on television after breaking out big time in the United States on HBO Max, viewers have been curious whether other streaming services will attempt to replicate the success of the romantic hockey drama series. Well, you might assume we're starting to see the show's impact taking shape, though that might not be the case.

The White Lotus star Michelle Monaghan, who previously headlined Netflix's limited series Echoes, will lead the upcoming untitled teen hockey drama series on Netflix, but it's not the Heated Rivalry ripoff you might be expecting. In fact, Monaghan was announced to be leading the new series before Crave's hockey drama based on the books by Rachel Reid even premiered.

Netflix's teen hockey drama comes from creator Nick Naveda and showrunner Bridget Bedard and focuses on a small town high school hockey team looking to pick themselves back after a devastating loss. While there could be some heated rivalries among the team members or their fiercest competitors, Netflix's hockey series sounds a little bit more Mighty Ducks.

Take a closer look at the official synopsis via Netflix's Tudum:

"For the town of South Dorothy, Minnesota, hockey is everything — until a tragic loss knocks the legs out from under the high school’s legendary team. Monaghan plays Harper Sullivan, an unlikely hockey coach who’s tasked with resurrecting the team from the brink of defeat, and bringing South Dorothy back to life."

The series also comes from executive producer Shawn Levy, who's known for not only his work as a director but his extensive producer work with Netflix, including The Perfect Couple, All the Light We Cannot See, The Adam Project, Shadow & Bone, and of course Stranger Things, among others. With Levy attached, we know the show will have heart, lots of drama, and even more twists.

Following the show's announcement in late 2025, Netflix revealed more cast members that had joined Monaghan in leading and recurring roles. Check out the full cast below:

• Michelle Monaghan as Coach Harper Sullivan
• Emilie Bierre as Riley Sullivan
• Shai Chase as Henry Sullivan
• Josh Macqueen as Rhett Nelson
• Costa D'Angelo as Owen Boone
• Carter Shimp as Austin Ryder
• Ethan Holder as Cooper Cunningham
• Isaac Arellanes as Manny Rodriguez
• Chloe Avakian as Izzy Miller
• Caleb Baumann as Elu
• River Codack as Tyler Walker
• Angus Albinati as Jack McNeely
• Callum Orchison as Derek Marchbanks

There's going to be a whole lot more hockey on the small screen in the coming year, as Prime Video also has its own young adult drama series coming centered on the sport. Based on the book series by Elle Kennedy, Off Campus will make its premiere later this year and looks to have the same kind of pop culture moment. Surely, many more shows about hockey will come through the pipeline.

Netflix hasn't yet shared the title of its forthcoming teen hockey drama, but Hollywood North Buzz suggests that the show could be called The Sticks. Additionally, the eight-episode series appears to have begun filming in Vancouver on Jan. 9, 2026 and will wrap production in May. Based on that filming timeline, don't expect to hit the ice until sometime in 2027.

Stay tuned for more Netflix news and updates!