The popular series “Heated Rivalry” is facing tough competition from another hockey-themed show, “Off Campus,” which also boasts Canadian roots. Based on Elle Kennedy’s acclaimed novels, “Off Campus” chronicles the blossoming romance between music student Hannah Wells (played by Ella Bright) and star hockey player Garrett Graham (portrayed by Belmont Cameli) amidst university rivalries and sports drama.
Currently dominating Amazon Prime Video in Canada, the series showcases Canadian talent both on-screen and off, featuring local settings, music, and production crew. Here are some notable connections:
**Canadian Author**
Elle Kennedy, the mastermind behind the “Off Campus” book series, hails from Toronto. Growing up in the outskirts of the city, Kennedy nurtured her passion for writing from a young age. Armed with a degree in English from York University, she has authored close to 50 contemporary novels.
**Vancouver as Boston**
Filmed predominantly in Vancouver, “Off Campus” transforms the University of British Columbia into the fictional Briar University in Boston. Iconic campus locations like the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre and the Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre set the stage for key moments in the series.
The real-life Sigma Phi Delta (Theta Chapter) fraternity at UBC doubles as the hockey player fraternity in the show. Additionally, popular spots like The Heatley step into the shoes of the fictional Malone’s, a college hangout frequented by the characters.
**Boost for The Beaches**
Toronto-based band The Beaches witnessed a surge in popularity after their song “Edge of the Earth” was featured in an episode of “Off Campus.” Following the show’s release, the track experienced an 888% increase in streaming across various platforms, propelling the band into the spotlight.
**Canadians On and Off-Screen**
The series boasts a talented Canadian cast, with actors like Stephen Kalyn, Dylan Kingwell, Khobe Clarke, Julia Sarah Stone, Karis Cameron, Chelah Horsdal, and Jennifer Spence embodying key roles. From Vancouver to Toronto, these actors bring authenticity to their characters, adding depth to the storyline.
Behind the scenes, executive producer Leanna Billings from Fredericton spearheaded the show’s development, while Montreal’s Ian Deitchman and director Dawn Wilkinson, a Montreal native, played pivotal roles in shaping the series’ narrative and visuals.
“Off Campus” not only captivates audiences with its compelling storyline but also celebrates Canadian talent in front of and behind the camera, solidifying its status as a must-watch series.