BookTok has plenty to talk about today. The two main characters in the Icebreaker book adaptation have officially been cast. Actors Daisy Jelley and Connor Simos will take on the roles of Anastasia “Stassie” Allen and Nate Hawkins.
The Netflix adaptation of the popular Hannah Grace hockey romance was announced back in June. Now, production is rolling forward with the news of Jelley and Simos’ casting, and fans are loving it. The story follows college figure skater, Stassie, as she strives for a career in the sport, deals with a problematic partner.
Icebreaker Fans, Meet Your Stassie and Nate
Meanwhile, big shot hockey player, Nate, lives with his teammates and closest friends. When the hockey rink is destroyed, the team is forced to share the ice with Stassie and the other skaters. Of course, sparks begin to fly for Stassie and Nate. The book provides readers with plenty of spice, and fans are hoping that the series will be just as steamy.
The official synopsis for the series reads, “She’s the transfer gunning for Olympic gold. He’s the campus star chasing the NHL. But when an accident forces their teams to share one rink, Anastasia Allen and Nate Hawkins collide—and discipline gives way to obsession, because the only thing more dangerous than wanting to win is wanting each other.”
According to Variety, Daisy Jelley is becoming a Netflix name as she previously held a role in the streamer’s series, Geek Girl. However, this will be Connor Simos first major role, but not his last. He’s also set for a thriller film project with Lily James and Chris Hemsworth.
The Popularity Of Sports Romances
Hot off the heels of HBO’s Heated Rivalry adaptation and Amazon Prime’s Off Campus series, it seems that sports romances, especially hockey, are heating up. For fans of the book, they know that there are a lot of possibilities for an Icebreaker series, especially since the story doesn’t stop at Nate and Stassie. The book trilogy, known has the Maple Hills series, has two other books.
In the second installment, Wildfire, fans get to dive into the lives of Nate’s teammate, Russ Callaghan, and his love interest Aurora Roberts. The book has a totally different feel to it, while also bringing back characters from the previous novel.
The third book, Daydream, is all about fan-favorite hockey star Henry Turner, and the love his finds for writer and fellow classmate, Halle Jacobs. The sweet story rounds out the series, but both books give fans juicy romance, complex characters, and spicy moments that many would love to see play out on screen.
Fans Are Loving The Netflix Casting News
Of course, fans had plenty to say about the big casting news. “How much of Hannah Grace’s spice survives a Netflix rating is the only question I have,” one person wrote via X. “The chemistry is already giving, Stassie and Nate are about to have us hooked!” said another.
“They are perfect omg this gonna eat,” a third person added. “This is perfect casting,” a fourth social media user agreed.
Filming for Netflix’s Icebreaker adaptation is set to begin in October with Daisy Jelley and Connor Simos leading the way. No premiere date has been revealed yet, but fans are eager to watch what will surely be one of the most talked about upcoming romance series on the streaming outlet.
