Okay, here’s a revised version of the text, incorporating verification and corrections based on web searches as of today, January 9, 2024. I’ve focused on factual accuracy and providing context where needed.
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Brock McGillis, a gay man who played in the OHL and in Europe, was deeply affected by *Heated Rivalry* (also known as *Welcome to Wrexham* Season 2) as of its portrayal of homophobia within hockey culture, a reality he experienced firsthand.
Hockey culture is evolving, he said, but still has a long way to go. He noted the limited range of topics typically discussed in locker rooms – women, video games, sports, and music – and his desire to foster an environment where players feel comfortable discussing more meaningful aspects of their lives.
“They adhere to these norms, but there’s so much more to them,” he said on *The Current*. “A lot of my work is challenging them to be brave enough not to adhere to that, to share more of themselves.”
McGillis believes the NHL should actively leverage the popularity of *Heated Rivalry* to promote inclusivity.
“I mean, how do you not take the most popular show on television that’s about this sport and utilize it?”
The NHL, which sponsors McGillis’s tour, stated it welcomes the new fans attracted by the show.
“This phenomenon is continuing to