A sizzling new contender, “Heated Rivalry,” faces stiff competition from another hot hockey show with a Canadian touch. “Off Campus,” adapted from Elle Kennedy’s popular novels, chronicles the blossoming romance between music student Hannah Wells (Ella Bright) and hockey star Garrett Graham (Belmont Cameli) at Briar University, blending love, rivalry, and drama.
The series, currently dominating Amazon Prime Video in Canada, boasts Canadian talent both on and off-screen, showcasing local settings and music. Here are some key highlights:
**1. Canadian Roots**
Author Elle Kennedy, a Toronto native, not only penned the “Off Campus” series but also serves as a producer for the TV adaptation. With a passion for writing since her youth, Kennedy has authored nearly 50 contemporary novels following her English studies at York University.
**2. Vancouver’s Role**
Filmed mainly in Vancouver, “Off Campus” transforms the University of British Columbia into the fictional Briar University in Boston. Iconic locations like the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre and the Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre stand in for pivotal spots on campus.
**3. Music Boost**
Toronto band The Beaches witnessed a surge in interest after their track “Edge of the Earth” featured in an episode of “Off Campus.” The song’s streams skyrocketed by 888% post the show’s release, with the band’s Coachella performance making a cameo in the series.
**4. Canadian Cast**
The show boasts a lineup of Canadian talents, including Markham-bred Stephen Kalyn as Dean Di Laurentis and Vancouver-native Dylan Kingwell as Joe Rogers. Calgary’s Khobe Clarke, Tofino’s Karis Cameron, and Vancouver’s Chelah Horsdal also feature prominently in the series.
**5. Canadian Crew**
Fredericton’s Leanna Billings, an executive producer, spotted the novels on BookTok and helped bring the show to life. Montreal’s Ian Deitchman, a co-executive producer and writer, and director Dawn Wilkinson, known for her work on popular shows, further solidify the Canadian presence behind the scenes.
“Off Campus” is not just a hit in Canada but a testament to the country’s rich talent pool driving the success of the show.