You can finally dress like Shane Hollander.
The cosy Canada fleece worn in episode two of Heated Rivalry — and by Prime Minister Mark Carney when he met Hudson Williams — is getting an official rollout on June 3, with part of the proceeds going toward funding advocacy groups for LGBTQ+ participation in sports, designers announced Wednesday.
Unofficial recreations have been a staple of fan meetups, but the limited-edition drop was crafted by the show’s costume designer and will be available for pre-order through high-end fashion brand the Province of Canada. Those behind the product, though, say it means so much more than just a reference.
“You’re going to see thousands of walking billboards for acceptance, inclusion, belonging, and seeing that fleece, it is a very vocal and visible statement of support,” David Palumbo, chair of the board at You Can Play, which is getting 10 per cent of the profits, told the Star.
You Can Play is a non-profit founded by the family of former Maple Leafs general manager and hockey lifer Brian Burke after the death of his son Brendan Burke, who publicly came out while playing NCAA hockey before he was killed in a car crash in 2010.
Palumbo says they connected with the show’s producers because they were looking to make a broader impact beyond broadcasting. Creator Jacob Tierney and the CEO of Accent Aigu Entertainment Brendan Brady said in the press release that they chose the organization because “their unwavering dedication to inclusivity mirrors the very heart of Heated Rivalry.”
The fleece, created by costume designer Hanna Puley and produced in Canada, was initially worn when Hollander played for Team Canada. The price has not been revealed, though other sweaters on the Province of Canada website range from $100 to $200.
“We’ve taken the time to create a beautiful product that we believe fans will appreciate,” Julie Brown and Jeremy Watt, co-founders of Province of Canada, said in the release. Palumbo added that the announcement has already generated plenty of excitement from die-hards.
”(The show) is about love. It’s about angst and concern. It’s a story about acceptance and all the things that really drive the discussion forward … I’m sure everybody cried at some point.”
Despite not being involved in the production of the show, the NHL and NHL Players’ Association will also match all proceeds to You Can Play, up to $25,000 each.
