Connor Storrie is glowing. At least, it appeared that way last Saturday night as he made his way down the steps of the iconic Saturday Night Live (SNL) stage to deliver his first-ever opening monologue as host. Dressed head to toe in Yves Saint Laurent, Storrie’s infectious smile sparkled almost as much as his diamond-studded Tiffany & Co. choker and silver hoop earrings.
“I am so excited to be here,” Storrie gushed. “Some of you may have seen literally all of me on my show, Heated Rivalry. It’s a show that’s taught a lot of people about hockey, and it’s taught a lot of straight women that their sexuality is actually gay guy.”
Storrie kicked off the evening joking about the explicit nature of his show, his recent skyrocket to fame, and the questionable authenticity of his performance as a hockey player.
“No way, man, I hear you’re great,” Quinn Hughes, Olympic hockey player, stepped on stage with brother Jack Hughes to reassure Storrie. Their reception was less than enthusiastic. The men’s hockey team faced significant criticism after their viral phone call with President Trump in which they joked about the need to celebrate the U.S. women’s hockey team’s gold medal win alongside their own.
Hilary Knight and Meghan Keller, captains of the women’s team, saved the awkward encounter by joining the men onstage moments later to thunderous applause. “It was gonna be just us, but we thought we’d invite the guys too,” Knight joked.
The Power of Fandom
To the average viewer, Storrie’s hosting debut was not unlike any other episode in SNL’s Season 51 lineup: funny at times, a kitschy reflection of the week’s biggest pop culture moments, but ultimately predictable. For Heated Rivalry fans, it was a fan girl renaissance.
Since its November release, Heated Rivalry and its breakout stars have ascended to global fame. What started as a small Canadian TV adaptation of a gay hockey romance novel quickly evolved into one of the biggest cultural phenomenons in entertainment. Storrie and co-star Hudson Williams became superstars overnight.
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For many fans, the six episodes of Heated Rivalry were just the beginning of what can only be described as an obsession with the show and its breakout stars. Fans quickly fell in love with Storrie and Williams’ off-screen friendship (code name HudCon) and obvious love for one another. Their genuine chemistry made them irresistible.
In the wake of the official Heated Rivalry press tour, Storrie and Williams have appeared separately in the press. When SNL announced Storrie would be hosting, fans hoped it might be the HudCon reunion they’d desperately been waiting for.
Heated Reunion
Three sketches in, Storrie skated around a fake ice rink with other SNL cast members while Tommy Brennan and Veronika Slowikowska played a couple locked in a public lovers’ quarrel, distracted by the skaters’ unfiltered enthusiasm.
During a particularly charged moment for the fictional couple, Storrie and the other ice-skaters reunited with a friend.
“Hudson!” Storrie embraced Williams as he skated onstage into Storrie’s open arms. Screams from the studio audience delayed the show for over 20 seconds as fans celebrated Williams’ guest appearance.
Later, Williams joined Storrie on stage to welcome musical guest Mumford & Sons. Hozier and Sierra Ferrell made their own surprise appearances and joined Mumford & Sons during their performances.
Full Circle Moment
Storrie closed the evening with a sketch many fans recognized immediately. Donning a plunger and covered in fake blood, Storrie crawled onto the stage dressed as a bachelorette-party stripper who’d gotten into a car accident on his way to the gig. Through dramatic fake limps and yelps of pain, Storrie stripped down to cheetah print underwear and gave the women of SNL a show. Storrie reprised this character from his pre-fame days in the Los Angeles clown scene. Blurry photos of the original sketch circulated on the internet after Storrie’s ascent to fame.
“Well ladies, I think we’re all thinking the same thing. His body is mid,” Jane Wickline commented.
Sarah Sherman spoke for all fans. “It’s literally the best I’ve ever seen.”
A Tearful Goodnight
Storrie wrapped up the star-studded episode with big thank yous to everyone behind the scenes.
“This has truly been an absolute dream come true,” said Storrie. The credits rolled, and he blinked back tears, receiving a hug from Williams. Online, fans celebrated his success. There’s something so joyful about watching people achieve their dreams.
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