​Hockey player's viral coming-out was 'overwhelming' in 'the best way possible'

Hockey player Jesse Kortuem, who recently came out as gay after being inspired by Crave/HBO Max's hit hockey romance Heated Rivalry, has spoken out about what life has been like since his big announcement with Out this week went viral.

"Did I ever expect this level of attention? Not at all," Kortuem says, adding, "I just felt it was finally my time to share my truth, to share my story."

"It's been overwhelming, but honestly, in the best way possible," he tells Out. "What inspired me really to post after Heated Rivalry, for me, it was the fact that there are a lot of Shanes, Scotts, Ilyas out there currently in the hockey world that are feeling alone. This stirred up a lot of emotions for myself, and I'm sure a lot of other people that are still in the closet playing hockey. I wanted to let them know you're not alone, you'll get through this, you'll find your tribe. They're fictional characters, but it's real life at the same time."

Kortuem never played in the NHL, but played in several leagues, and said he was inspired by the show to come out.

"I know many closeted and gay men in the hockey world are being hit hard by Heated Rivalry's success," he previously told Out. "Never in my life did I think something so positive and loving could come from such a masculine sport. I've struggled the last few weeks to put these emotions into words, fearing the impact on team dynamics, etc."

Heated Rivalry stars Hudson Williams as Canadian hockey star Shane Hollander and Connor Storrie as Ilya Rozanov, his Russian rival-turned-lover. While there have been no out players in the NHL, the league's commissioner said that he "binged" the show, and the league has said the show is a "unique driver for creating new fans."

Watch Kortuem's statement ahead.