"Heated Rivalry" is a hit show that has been sparking conversations about acceptance in Canada’s game. The Crave TV series also happens to have a Maritime connection. “I actually did my first stunt when I was six years old,” said Cam Fergus, a former professional hockey player who recently worked as stunt co-ordinator on “Heated Rivalry.” Fergus, who was born in Brantford, Ont., played two seasons for the Cape Breton Screaming Eagles in 2005-06 and 2006-07. He scored 53 goals during his final year on the Island, which still stands as a team record. In 2010, Fergus helped the St. Mary’s University Huskies win their first men’s national championship and went on to graduate with a degree in finance and management. Now, the 39-year-old has several years under his belt in a career in stunts. “My uncle has been in the industry for over 40 years now. So stunts, I mean it is kind of a crazy career choice, but it was always kind of part of our family,” said Fergus. Fergus has also worked on other big hockey shows such as Shoresy and Letterkenny. However, he said the response “Heated Rivalry” has received has been special. After a lifetime spent in rinks and dressing rooms, he’s not sure what the response might have been like if a player were to have come out years ago. “That’s a tough one,” Fergus said. “I think they certainly would have had a harder time back then than today.” While a couple of minor pro players – active and retired – have come out, the National Hockey League still has not had its first openly gay player. While his job is simply to make good television, Fergus said the fictional but compelling stories of Ilya Rozanov and Shane Hollander on “Heated Rivalry” might help change that. “I mean, I hope so,” he said. “People should be able to be who they are and feel comfortable where they are no matter what they’re doing and hopefully this conversation continues and that does happen.” Crave is a division of Bell Media, which is part of BCE Inc.
