Another hockey romance is heading to Netflix, but fans are already voicing their displeasure, accusing the streaming giant of creating a doppelganger of HBO's Heated Rivalry and Prime Video's Off Campus.
Netflix Announces Icebreaker Adaptation
Netflix has confirmed the development of an adaptation of Hannah Grace's bestselling Maple Hills series, beginning with the 2022 novel Icebreaker. The series centers on figure skater Anastasia Allen, whose Olympic dreams collide with college hockey captain Nate Hawkins when a facilities mishap forces them to share a rink.
Amanda Lasher, known for Gossip Girl, will serve as showrunner. Casting details remain under wraps.
Fan Reaction: Accusations of Copycat Strategy
Despite the source material's popularity, many fans expressed frustration on social media, arguing that Netflix is capitalizing on the success of earlier hockey romance adaptations. One X user wrote, "So this is going to be another Heated Rivalry doppelganger?" Another added, "Trying so hard to copy Heated Rivalry's flow but it's not working."
A Reddit user commented, "After Heated Rivalry got its flowers, every greedy exec now wants a piece of the bouquet, but without actually wanting to explore what made it good." Others compared it to Prime Video's Off Campus, with one user quipping, "Tell me you're insecure from Off Campus success without telling me."
Positive Reception of Source Material
Fans of the book have praised it effusively. One Goodreads reviewer wrote, "The writing was IMMACULATE... There was not a SINGLE dry page. Not one." The series has been described as a "masterpiece" by many readers.
Netflix's official X account announced, "Sharpen your skates! ICEBREAKER, a new series based on the New York Times best-selling novel by Hannah Grace, is coming to Netflix."
Lasher expressed excitement, saying, "I have been a fan of steamy YA since the seventh grade... It's been a joy working to bring Hannah Grace's beloved Icebreaker novel to the screen."
Icebreaker does not yet have a release date.
