一名冰球手在看了#巅峰对决# 后，获得鼓励而选择出柜。因为他看到了原来有这么多人会支持🌈人士。他自己也曾觉得在从事如此男性化的运动时如果出柜会不会被看不起，但这部剧的成功让他鼓起了勇气。他也对其他尚未出柜的人说：

“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. I've struggled the last few weeks to put these emotions into words, fearing the impact on team dynamics, etc. I loved the game, but I lived with a persistent fear. I wondered how I could be gay and still play such a tough and masculine sport […] I want to speak to the athletes out there who are still in the closet or struggling to find their way. 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.”

这正是我想对正泰说的话。[捂嘴哭]： It's going to be okay.

Hockey player Jesse Kortuem publicly comes out as gay, crediting ‘Heated Rivalry’