Ex-NHLer Sean Avery believes he had a gay closeted teammate

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Former NHL enforcer Sean Avery has some thoughts about his time in the league, making special mention of the possibility of teammates who were in the closet.

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Hopping on the success of gay hockey romance series Heated Rivalry, Avery admitted he’s not only a fan of the show, but that he wouldn’t be surprised if the main theme seeps into real life.

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“I don’t know firsthand of any gay players past or present,” he told Rolling Stone.

“That being said, I do think I must have had a gay closeted teammate at some point in my career.”

The ex-brawler, who has long been an advocate for the LGBTQ+ community, added: “Heated Rivalry’s success should open the door for the first gay NHL player, if there is one.”

There are no openly gay NHL players — current or former.

In 2021, Luke Prokop became the first player under contract with an NHL team to come out. But, technically, the 23-year-old defenceman plays for the AHL’s Bakersfield Condors and has yet to play in the big league.

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What’s is Heated Rivalry about?

As for the show itself, Avery counts himself a fan.

“I love Heated Rivalry,” he said. “It’s the worst hockey show ever made, but the most incredible gay hockey show ever made.

“Sometimes I look away from the TV, it’s pretty graphic.”

The HBO Max series — which airs on Crave in Canada — centres on two rival stars that develop feelings for each other, complicating their careers amid the sport’s expectations across 10 years.

It was created by Jacob Tierney (Letterkenny, Shorsey), and based on the Rachel Reid novel of the same name.

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Avery has his own steamy romance novel

Avery, who played with the Detroit Red Wings, Los Angeles Kings, New York Rangers and Dallas Stars during his 12-year career, has also dabbled in romance writing.

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He released the hockey love story Summer Skate, which he co-authored with Leslie Cohen, in September.

The former left-winger told People magazine that it was his “showman” personality that encouraged his career change.

“I’m a bit of a showman. It’s in my blood. I feel it. It’s what makes me want to get up out of bed every day, you know, to chase it,” he said.

“So, it’s been an interesting journey here, but I think I’ve found my sweet spot, and I’m starting to really settle into it and have fun.”

Prior to that, after his retirement, Avery also penned his memoir: Ice Capades: A Memoir of Fast Living and Tough Hockey.

Last week, Avery shared an “analysis” of Heated Rivalry in an Instagram post, noting his “love” for the show but admitted that the hockey scenes were not great.

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He and ex-wife Hilary Rhoda married in 2015 and share five-year-son, Nash.

The model filed for divorce in 2022 over his alleged abuse of her and their son. Rhoda was granted a restraining order that same year.

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