Heated Rivalry inspires real-life hockey player to come out
Out Magazine • • entertainment
Key Points:
- Jesse Kortuem, a former hockey player, has publicly come out as gay, crediting the TV show Heated Rivalry for inspiring his decision to share his story after years of hiding his sexuality due to fear of negative team dynamics.
- Kortuem, who played defenseman and center in various leagues but never in the NHL, struggled to reconcile his passion for hockey with his sexuality, leading him to leave high school hockey at age 17 and remain closeted in adult leagues.
- His breakthrough came in 2017 after participating in a gay hockey tournament, the Sin City Classic, where he connected with other gay hockey players, helping him find acceptance and peace within the hockey community.
- Kortuem expressed gratitude to The Cutting Edges
