What Makes Fan-Made Heated Rivalry Products Special

What Makes Fan-Made Heated Rivalry Products Special

Fan-made Heated Rivalry products carry something official merch usually doesn't: deep fandom knowledge, subtle symbolism, and personal artistry. They let fans signal "if you know, you know," spark conversations, support independent creators, and show a deeper commitment to the story — especially the book details beyond season one.

For me, these pieces came from pure inspiration. I got visions in my head and had to make them real. Then I wanted to share them with other fans who might want something a little different, obscure, and subtle.

My Collection: Hockey Romance Fan Gear

The Two Loons Design. Two of my designs use loons to gently symbolize my favorite characters, Shane and Ilya. At first glance, people just see loons — that's what draws them in. Fans of the series see the deeper meaning: in the show, love is finally professed as the two look out at the lake at sunrise, together in the light. Fans also call themselves "loons" — it's a fandom thing — so the design nods to that identity too. It works on both levels, which is exactly what I wanted.

The "Reheat as Often as Needed" Mug. This one's especially close to my heart. One side shows the two loons together; the other shows the same lake scene, but the loons are gone — only their reflections remain in the water, and in their place: "Reheat as often as needed." Fans rewatch the show constantly (we call it "reheating"), and for many of us, that's how we stay connected to the story. This mug is basically permission to keep doing that, for as long as you need.

The Hockey Camp Logo. I also designed a hockey-stick logo imagining what the logo for the fictional summer camp Shane and Ilya build through their foundation might actually look like — without using any names or titles from the series itself. I wanted the symbolism to say it all: rainbow colors for inclusiveness, and teal for mental health awareness, especially for survivors of suicide loss, like Ilya.

Why Fans Love Fan-Made Merch

Official merch is great, but it's often out of stock or limited in variety. Fan-made gives something different — and often something more personal.

Recognition and conversation. Getting recognized by another fan for what you're wearing sparks real conversations and builds community.

Subtle knowledge signals. Common merch is, well, common. A subtle design earns a nod, a smile, a comment from someone who's truly enraptured in the show and the book series — someone who knows what came after season one. The “I’m not alone, I’m a loon” design actually came from a fan meetup, where someone said, "I'm not alone; I'm a loon" — and that joy of finding your people is exactly what I wanted to capture.

Supporting independent creators. It builds a market where fans support creators directly, and sometimes introduces totally new people to the show.

Real Connections, One Shirt at a Time

Months ago, on my way to see my niece in Eugene for a Heated Rivalry rave dance party, I stopped for a smoothie wearing an Etsy shirt fans would instantly recognize. Both girls working there squealed — we talked Heated Rivalry for ages, I told them about the tattoo I was planning, and they told me to come back and show them. I have, many times since. We're friends now. I'd never been part of a fandom before this show — and the connections keep growing.

Find the Collection

Sunrise loons on mugs, totes, tech accessories, and more. The "Reheat as Often as Needed" mug in two sizes. The re-imagined hockey camp logo on magnets, phone cases, tees, and more — with new pieces coming as I keep creating.

These are made with joy, meant to bring joy, for fans who want something a little different.