10 ‘Heated Rivalry’–Coded Things To Do In NYC Right Now—Here’s How To Channel Your Inner Shane And Ilya

Sydney Hargrove – Junior Staff Writer · January 13, 2026 It seems like the whole world has *Heated Rivalry * fever, and NYC is absolutely no exception. Whether you’re a connoisseur of hockey, romance, Shane Hollander and Connor Storrie specifically, or a combination of the three, the obsession is real. From the enemies-to-lovers tension, to the high-stakes sports backdrop, to the can’t-look-away longing, to the *“I hate you / I want you”* dynamic—*Heated Rivalry * truly has something for everyone. One of the greatest things about a universal love of media is how it connects us. Making a new friend over a shared love of competitive yearning and accidentally falling in love with your sworn rival can lead to some of the most meaningful relationships and truly priceless memories. Suddenly, a casual conversation turns into a three-hour breakdown of character arcs, favorite scenes, and why *that* line still makes you swoon. For those who want to channel their own Shane-and-Ilya–coded day out and about in NYC, the city delivers. From high-energy sports bars where rivalry feels personal, to late-night diners perfect for post-game tension, to curated events where you can , New York is full of events, moments, and places that will make you feel like you’re one argument away from kissing someone you’re supposed to hate . Because in such a large, vibrant city with truly every type of personality, rivalry is inevitable. But falling in love with it? Practically tradition. *Potential Heated Rivalry spoilers ahead* Experience (or partake in) the [Heated Rivalry Lookalike Contest](https://secretnyc.co/heated-rivalry-look-alike-contest-shane-hollander-ilya-rozanov-nyc/) --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Over the past year, lookalike competitions for our favorite actors, singers, and even fictional characters have become an absolutely integral part of NYC culture. From Timothée Chalamet and Chappell Roan to Boq from *Wicked*, these community gatherings consistently deliver buzzing excitement, enthusiastic crowds, and a wide range of prizes—along with the collective realization that people are always looking for a good, Gilmore Girls–style town event. For those who love all of that *and* are hopelessly obsessed with all things Shane and Ilya, do we have the event for you. On Sunday, January 25th , *Heated Rivalry* fans are invited to gather around the Washington Square Park fountain for none other than a Heated Rivalry Lookalike Competition. The event kicks off what organizers are calling *“lookalike competition season”* and promises a $50 cash prize for the lucky winners. And for those not competing? The real prize is simply getting to witness people passionately vying for the honor of resembling our favorite fictional hockey rivals-turned-lovers—because in New York, community is built on commitment, chaos, and loving something as much as the people around you. Washington Square Park January 25, 2026 Read more Wander through a romantic bookstore ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Like most good things, *Heated Rivalry* began as a book—and there’s no better place to honor that origin story than a romance bookstore ! NYC is home to a thriving network of independent, romance-forward [bookstores](https://secretnyc.co/best-bookstores-in-nyc/) —The Ripped Bodice, Love and Legends, Books Are Magic, and countless hidden gems—where the shelves practically hum with enemies-to-lovers tension, slow-burn longing, and rivalries that end in a kiss you didn’t see coming. A perfect addition to your *Heated Rivalry* coded day, weekend or even week , would be to make some time to stroll through the aisles of one of these incredible spots, or even head out on your very-own bookstore crawl. Read more Escape the city for a cabin adventure ---------------------------------------------------------------------- If you know, you know —and if you’re reading this list, chances are, **you absolutely *do*. There’s something relaxing and so much fun about a cabin-coded adventure: the crisp air, the quiet isolation, and the way romance seems to ignite in these quiet, shared spaces. The good news? NYC is just a short trip away from a slew of woodsy escapes, many easily reached by public transportation—so no car? No problem. Whether you’re plotting a weekend getaway filled with cozy cabin vibes, rivalrous banter, and lingering looks over a fire, or just daydreaming about escaping the city for a few hours of forested bliss, the perfect cabin adventure is closer than you think. [Read more](https://secretnyc.co/escapes/) Hit the ice, of course ------------------------------------------------------------------------- We absolutely couldn’t make this list without suggesting you lace up your skates. NYC is home to some of the world’s most iconic ice skating rinks, from the glittering Rockefeller Center to the charming Wollman Rink in Central Park—and yes, there are a few wallet-friendly options too, including one that’s completely free. There’s something undeniably cinematic about gliding across the ice with the skyline as your backdrop: the crisp air, the twinkle of city lights, and the perfect excuse for lingering glances, accidental hand brushes, and maybe a playful shove or two. Whether you’re daring someone to race you, helping them up after a dramatic fall, or just circling the rink, skating in NYC is the perfect arena for a little heated rivalry—and a lot of heart. [Read more](https://secretnyc.co/ice-skating-rinks-nyc/) Go to your favorite smoothie shop and order a blueberry banana smoothie --------------------------------------------------------------------------- For a Scott and Kip**–coded addition to the ultimate *Heated Rivalry* NYC adventure, you’ll need to head to your nearest smoothie shop. Order a blueberry smoothie with banana—the same combo that sparked Scott Hunter’s meet‐cute with Kip Grady , the smoothie barista who convinced him to try that off‐menu twist. In NYC, you’ve got plenty of options to recreate this iconic moment. Liquiteria (with multiple locations throughout Manhattan) is perfect for customizing your smoothie just like Kip might, while Smoothie King in the Flatiron District offers the kind of cozy counter vibes where sparks—and small arguments—feel inevitable. For a neighborhood‐chic spin, B.GOOD in SoHo lets you grab your smoothie to go and take it for a stroll, giving you all the tension of a meet‐cute on the move. [Head to an Islanders or Rangers Game](https://secretnyc.co/sports/) ------------------------------------------------------------------------ If you’re a hockey fan here in New York , you know that we have a bit of a rivalry of our own on our hands. There’s nothing quite like the electric tension of seeing a game in person alongside thousands of fans. And even if you haven’t exactly had the most interest in the sport prior to *Heated Rivalry *, chances are tuning in each week has given you some insight into the beloved game . Whether you’re decked out in Islanders or Rangers gear, the rink is the perfect place to channel that energy. New York’s iconic arenas —UBS Arena on Long Island for Islanders fans or Madison Square Garden in Manhattan for Rangers faithful—also serve as backdrops rooted in generations of hockey history . Around here, even a trip to a game can have a little love story woven in—if you know where to look. Read more **Sing “All the Things She Said” at the top of your lungs with fellow *Heated Rivalry* fans** --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Have you had t.A.T.u.’s classic hit *All the Things She Said* stuck in your head since you first watched the series? You’re definitely not alone—especially with all the fan edits flooding every social media platform these days. That earworm has a way of sneaking into your brain, and honestly, why fight it? If you’re searching for the perfect place to belt it out like nobody’s watching, NYC has you covered. A ***Heated Rivalry*–coded singalong is taking over Tompkins Square Park on January 17th**, and the flyer doesn’t mince words: *“SING ALL THE THINGS SHE SAID AT THE TOP OF YOUR LUNGS.”* The event kicks off promptly from 3:30 to 3:33:33 pm , intentionally angel numbered, and it’s specifically an invitation for anyone feeling angsty, yearning, or—most importantly—suffering from serious withdrawals. Tompkins Square Park January 17, 2026 **Dance it out with *Heated Rivalry* Club Nights** -------------------------------------------------- Speaking of singing along with your fellow fans, sometimes you don’t stop at a park singalong—you *dance it out*. With season 2 still on the horizon , NYC is brimming with ways to get your *Heated Rivalry* fix in the meantime, and what better way than at a pop‐powered, HR‐themed club night? Iconic venues like Market Hotel and Webster Hall are hosting nights designed for fans who can’t get enough of Shane and Ilya. These evenings promise a fully immersive experience: DJ sets spiked with ***Heated Rivalry* edits, queer anthems that hit all the feels, ’90s throwbacks that transport you straight to your first HR heartbreak, and high-energy hits guaranteed to keep you moving—and maybe eyeing someone across the dance floor—all night long. Consider it the perfect** way to tide yourself over *while we wait for season 2*, a chance to get your fix, channel your inner fan obsession, and maybe even meet someone who shares your exact brand of rivalry energy. For more information on these events, please visit Club90sLA and Market Hotel’s official websites. Channel your inner Shane Hollander at NYC’s premier Canadian hockey bar -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- If you want to trace Shane’s roots and sip on some serious hockey vibes , The Canuck is your stop. Described as NYC’s premier Canadian sports bar , the spot is the perfect ode to the sport, the culture , and the kind of ice-cold tension that shaped Shane’s character . Walls are decked with vintage jerseys , hockey memorabilia , and enough Canadian pride to make any fan feel right at home. Of course, the real magic happens when a game is on . Grab a seat at the bar or stake out a spot near the big screens and enjoy the bar’s premier selection of Canadian beers on tap —the perfect place to channel your own inner Shane Hollander . 202 9th Ave Enjoy a Ginger Ale and Tuna Melt from a local bodega -------------------------------------------------------- Come on, you know we had to include this one, too. For *Heated Rivalry * fans, a tuna melt and a ginger ale will never be just lunch again. What used to just be a bodega order now carries the full weight of Shane and Ilya’s relationship —care disguised as casual , tenderness delivered without ceremony . In New York , where intimacy can sometimes show up wrapped in foil and paid for in cash , this pairing feels right at home . Step into one of the city’s countless bodegas , order the tuna melt hot off the grill and grab a ginger ale from the cooler , condensation already forming in your hand. This is the kind of meal you eat standing up , leaning against a counter or perched on a stoop , replaying moments you pretend didn’t mean that much . It’s about the unspoken offer to linger , the quiet decision not to leave , and the way rivalry doesn’t disappear so much as shift into something charged and dangerous . Against the backdrop of Shane and Ilya’s story , this stop is a reminder that the smallest gestures can permanently change the stakes . Source: https://secretnyc.co/secretnyc-co-heated-rivalry-nyc-fandom-guide/