Jesse Kortuem: Finding Freedom on the Ice After Being Inspired by ‘Heated Rivalry’

In a bold move that resonated throughout the hockey world, player Jesse Kortuem recently came out as gay, inspired by the popular Crave/HBO Max series “Heated Rivalry.” Speaking candidly to Out magazine on January 14, Kortuem expressed how the show’s success had affected him and others in similar positions: “I know many closeted and gay men in the hockey world are being hit hard by Heated Rivalry’s success. Never in my life did I think something so positive and loving could come from such a masculine sport.” His decision wasn’t made lightly, as he admitted to struggling for weeks to articulate his feelings, concerned about potential impacts on team dynamics. Yet the positive response from former teammates and high school colleagues has been overwhelmingly supportive, marking a significant milestone in both his personal journey and hockey’s evolving culture. For Kortuem, this public declaration represents not just a personal revelation but a moment of liberation after years of concealing his true self within the sport he loves.

Growing up in Minnesota, fondly known as the “State of Hockey,” Kortuem’s identity was deeply intertwined with sports and competition from an early age. As the youngest of four boys, athletics weren’t merely activities but formed the core of their family identity. This made his internal struggle all the more challenging. “As a young teenager, I carried a weight that did not seem to fit into that world, and I lived in a constant state of dichotomy,” he shared in his emotional Facebook post. The tension between his love for hockey and his sexual identity created a persistent fear that shadowed his early career. During the 2000s, coming out didn’t feel like a viable option, especially given the lack of positive LGBTQ+ representation in media and the potential social fallout at a large high school. By age 17, this conflict led him to make the difficult decision to walk away from the high school team and the brotherhood of hockey friendships he had cultivated since childhood.

Despite stepping away from competitive play in his youth, Kortuem eventually found his way back to the sport he loved as an adult, playing at what he describes as “a high level.” Yet even then, the shadows of his earlier experiences lingered. “On the inside, I was still that kid in Minnesota hiding,” he revealed. The locker room environment, with its particular culture and camaraderie, still felt like unsafe territory for revealing his true self. When conversations turned to personal lives—wives, families, dating—Kortuem would deflect, change the subject, or simply identify as single even when in a relationship. The fear of changing teammates’ perceptions or bringing unwanted attention to his team by being labeled “the gay player” kept him from taking the chance to be authentic. This persistent hiding created a disconnect between his passion for the sport and his ability to fully participate in the community it offered, reinforcing the isolation he had felt since youth.

A transformative moment came for Kortuem in 2017 when he participated in a gay hockey tournament, an experience he describes as life-changing. This introduction to an inclusive hockey community marked the beginning of his journey toward reconciling his identity as both a gay man and a hockey player. Now a member of the Cutting Edges Hockey Club, an LGBTQIA+ team based in Vancouver, British Columbia, Kortuem has found a sporting home where all aspects of his identity are welcome. “It has been a long, vulnerable road to move past the closeted athlete persona (something I’m still working on today) and find actual peace through the friendships I have developed through hockey in Vancouver, Toronto, and across the US,” he wrote. These supportive communities have allowed him to experience the sport without the burden of secrecy, demonstrating how inclusive spaces can transform an athlete’s relationship with their sport.

The catalyst for Kortuem’s public coming out was the television series “Heated Rivalry,” which portrays the romance between two closeted hockey players, Shane Hollander (played by Hudson Williams) and Ilya Rozanov (Connor Storrie). Based on Rachel Reid’s Game Changers book series and already renewed for a second season, the show has struck a chord with many in the hockey community, including Kortuem. The positive representation of gay men in hockey—a sport traditionally associated with masculinity and toughness—provided him with a vision of possibility he hadn’t seen before. “Something has sparked in me,” he wrote regarding his decision to go public following the show’s success. This cultural moment reflects the powerful impact that media representation can have on individuals struggling with their identity, particularly in environments where they have felt historically unwelcome or unseen.

Having navigated the challenging journey from a closeted young player to an openly gay athlete, Kortuem now expresses a newfound sense of peace and purpose. “I have finally found my peace,” he shared, adding that he believes “there is room for all of us on the ice.” His story serves not only as personal testimony but also as an outstretched hand to others who may be facing similar struggles within hockey or other sports. To athletes still in the closet, his message is clear and compassionate: “I want you to know that there is hope and you’re not alone. There is a life and a deep happiness waiting for you on your path. You will get through this, and it is going to be okay.” By sharing his journey, Kortuem contributes to the gradual transformation of hockey culture, helping to create a sport where players can bring their full selves to the ice without fear or reservation. His courage stands as a testament to how personal vulnerability can inspire community change, potentially making the path easier for the next generation of LGBTQ+ athletes in hockey and beyond.