Before the Stanley Cups, the secret getaways, and the years of longing, there was just a draft board and two teenagers with everything to prove. Episode 1, ‘Rookies,’ set the world on fire by introducing us to the icy stare-downs between Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov. But where did that legendary friction actually begin? Today, we’re going back to the beginning. From the university halls that stood in for the Prospect Cup to the Toronto hotel gym where the first sparks flew, here is your exclusive ‘Origin Tour’ of the locations that launched the most iconic rivalry in sports fiction.
Contents
Episode 1: The Origin Tour
1. The Arena Entrance: McMaster University (Burridge Gym)
The Scene: This is the literal start of the journey. The exterior of this gym served as the entrance to the International Prospect Cup. It’s where we first see Shane in his Team Canada gear, feeling the weight of the world on his shoulders before he even hits the pro ice.
- Address: 1280 Main St W, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L8, Canada
2. The Late-Night Challenge: SoHo Hotel & Residences
The Scene: The “Stationary Bike Scene.” This is the first time the boys are alone together away from the cameras. Filmed in the SoHo’s actual fitness center, this location captures the exact moment their rivalry turned from professional competition into a personal obsession.
- Address: 318 Wellington St W, Toronto, ON M5V 3T4, Canada
3. The Hollander Family Celebration: Ciao Bella
The Scene: After the draft, Shane shares a meal with his parents, Yuna and David. This authentic Italian spot in Hamilton captures the grounded, “Golden Boy” life Shane is trying to maintain while his world is secretly being upended by his fixation on Ilya.
- Address: 31 Augusta St, Hamilton, ON L8N 1P6, Canada
4. The Night of the Rising Stars: Joni (Park Hyatt)
The Scene: The glitzy after-party for the MLH Awards. The sleek, modern architecture of Joni provided the backdrop for the episode’s closing shot—where Shane, clutching his Rookie of the Year trophy, locks eyes with Ilya across a crowded room, realizing the “enemy” is the only one who truly understands him.
- Address: 4 Avenue Rd, Toronto, ON M5R 2E8, Canada
Done with the Rookie year? Check out our Fan’s Guide to the Real-World Ice and Intensity of Heated Rivalry for the rest of the journey!