Paul Wesley is trading Mystic Falls for the hockey rink. The Vampire Diaries star, 44, has joined Netflix’s upcoming adaptation of Hannah Grace’s bestselling romance novel Icebreaker, playing college hockey coach Neil Faulkner. The November 11 casting announcement gives the growing ensemble another recognizable face, particularly for viewers who remember Wesley as Stefan Salvatore.
Wesley is set to portray the character of coach Neil Faulkner. While it’s not a starring role, the actor will offer a familiar face and some star power to the series, whose cast doesn’t have the long resume that Wesley boasts.
Who Does Paul Wesley Play In Icebreaker?
Coach Neil Faulkner may not be the romantic lead of the series, but he will play a significant role on the show. Coach Faulkner is the head coach of the college hockey team where the show’s male lead, Nate Hawkins (Connor Simos) is the captain, per Deadline.
When the team finds themselves in trouble and forced to share their ice with the skaters, it opens up a romance between the hockey star and Stassie Allen (Daisy Jelley), a young figure skater. Wesley will likely be featured in scenes having important conversations with the character of Nate Hawkins, coaching the team, and more.
The character of Coach Faulkner also has an interesting backstory. He’s a former NHL player and Stanley Cup champion whose career was cut short when a drunk driver hit him and shattered his arm and leg. After retiring, he opted for coaching college hockey.
In addition, if the other two novels in the Maple Hills trilogy, Wildfire and Daydreamer, are also adapted, there’s a great chance that Welsey will reprise the role for the sequel seasons. However, no plans for future seasons have been announced thus far.
The Icebreaker Cast Is Currently Filming In Vancouver
Icebreaker is currently in production in Vancouver as Connor Simos and Daisy Jelley get into character as Nate and Stassie. The rest of the cast includes Auli’i Cravalho as Stassie best friend Lola, Peter Berry as Nate’s best friend and coaching assistant Robbie. Chaneil Kular portrays fan favorite character JJ, Nate’s outspoken and lovable teammate.
Meanwhile, Devin Craig and Aidan Shaw will play the roles of Henry and Russ, the hockey players who would be the leads of the possibly sequel seasons of the series.
Wesley Can Offer Some Major Insight Into Playing A Romantic Lead On A YA Series
While Paul Wesley may not be the star of the new Netflix hockey series, he can offer some advice to Connor Simos and the rest of the gang about appearing in a popular young adult adaptation series.
For 8 seasons, Wesley portrayed Stefan Salavatore on The Vampire Diaries, a supernatural series featuring mythical creatures, sibling rivalry, and heated love triangles. The show co-starred Nina Dobrev and Ian Somerhalder, and was adapted from the LJ Smith books series. The show still remains a huge favorite among fans today.
Paul Wesley Set To Reunite With Nina Dobrev In Another Book Adaptation
Wesley is set to reunite with his former on-screen love interest, Dobrev, in the Hulu drama series, You Deserve to now. The show is based on Aggie Blum Thompson’s 2025 thriller novel. However, instead of playing a couple on the series, they’ll find themselves on opposite sides of a murder investigation.
The mystery-thriller centers around three couples who are close friends and neighbors in a suburban town. When one of the group’s husbands is murdered, secrets and lies are exposed.
Fans will certainly love seeing Paul Wesley and Nina Dobrev back on screen together, and are equally excited for his upcoming role in Icebreaker. Many took to social media to share their thoughts on the big news, and there was a lot of love for the actor in the comments.
“Paul Wesley as the hockey coach is casting that makes sense once you see that serious stare,” one fan wrote via X. “OMG. Can’t wait,” another said of the casting news. “This is amazing,” a third person agreed.
“He is here to steal the entire spotlight,” another joked. “The cast keeps getting better,” a final comment read.
While Paul Wesley may no longer be a teen vampire, fans are jumping at the chance to see him as a college hockey coach in the highly anticipated adaptation of Netflix’s Icebreaker.
