Why Heated Rivalry might not spark a UK ice hockey boom

Ice hockey has been slingshotted into mainstream UK culture thanks to Heated Rivalry - the breakout hit TV show focused on the sport.

The series, based on author Rachel Reid's books, follows two rival players who fall for each other off the ice, sparking a forbidden love affair.

It arrived in the UK this month after gaining legions of fans in the USA and Canada late last year, where the sport is already popular.

Hit TV shows and pop culture moments can raise the profiles of sports and hobbies, encouraging viewers to get involved.

Stranger Things is credited with boosting interest in Dungeons and Dragons, and shows such as Game of Thrones have drawn tourists to the real-life locations where they were filmed.

But those in charge of ice hockey in the UK say there are barriers for new people wanting to try their hand at the sport.

GB ice hockey women's captain Jodie Alderson-Smith, 31, plays for West Midlands team Solihull Vixens.

She agrees a lack of ice time is the biggest challenge they face, even though her team is in a relatively privileged position.

Because they have a sponsor who helps with funding, she says, it means they get longer than other teams for breaks and warm-ups at match time.

Jodie tells Newsbeat ice hockey is a "very inclusive" sport, which might explain why it's grown in popularity with women.

"We're hoping to get more people into the games, but currently it's it's very much family and friends," she says.

Her Vixens teammate Tahlia Davidson-Wright, 18, says she hopes that Heated Rivalry's popularity will help to draw bigger crowds.

"Hopefully we'll have a bit more engagement," she tells Newsbeat.

"Bigger crowds boost the whole atmosphere for the team.

"It's really special being able to play in front of loads of people."

Listen to Newsbeat live at 12:45 and 17:45 weekdays - or listen back here.