The Sleeman Centre in Guelph, Ontario, is experiencing a surge in attendance that has nothing to do with the roar of the crowd or the thrill of a power play. Following the massive success of the breakout horror hit Heated Rivalry, genre enthusiasts are descending upon the arena to pay homage to what has quickly become one of the most chilling locations in modern slasher cinema. What was once a standard sports facility has been transformed into a pilgrimage site for those who want to stand on the very ice where the film’s masked antagonist turned a high-stakes rivalry into a fight for survival.
From Hockey Heartbreak to Horror Highlight
The transformation of the Sleeman Centre into a horror landmark was actually born out of a disappointing season for the local hockey team, the Guelph Storm. Last year, the team’s failure to secure a spot in the playoffs left the arena’s schedule unexpectedly wide open. According to reports from Variety TV, the facility’s manager, Ryan Giles, noted that the vacancy in April and May allowed the production of Heated Rivalry to move in and utilize the space in ways a busy sports schedule would never normally permit.
“We normally don’t book anything into April and May,” Giles explained, reflecting on the unusual circumstances that led to the film crew’s arrival. For horror fans, the Storm’s loss was the genre’s gain. The vacancy allowed the production team to build elaborate sets and execute complex practical effects sequences that have since become the talk of the horror community. Now, fans are returning the favor, visiting the arena in droves to support the venue that housed their new favorite nightmare.
The Cold Aesthetic of the Ice Slasher
As horror journalists, we’ve seen locations range from dilapidated cabins to abandoned hospitals, but there is something uniquely terrifying about an empty ice rink. The Sleeman Centre provided Heated Rivalry with a clinical, echoing atmosphere that perfectly complemented its cold-blooded narrative. The high-contrast lighting of the arena—bright white ice against the deep shadows of the empty stands—created a visual language that felt both claustrophobic and exposed.
The analysis from industry insiders suggests that Heated Rivalry tapped into a specific niche of "sports horror" that hasn't been explored this effectively since the cult classics of the 80s. By using a real-life, functioning arena, the film achieved a level of authenticity that resonates with audiences. When fans visit the Sleeman Centre today, they aren't just looking at a movie set; they are standing in a space that feels grounded in reality, making the fictional horrors of the film feel all the more visceral.
The Rise of Location-Based Horror Tourism
The phenomenon of fans flocking to the Sleeman Centre is part of a larger, growing trend in the horror community: location tourism. Much like the steps in Georgetown for The Exorcist or the various houses used in the Halloween franchise, the Sleeman Centre is becoming a badge of honor for fans to check off their list. The sentiment among the visitors is clear: “We want to support it all we can,” fans told Variety TV, highlighting a desire to ensure that the venues that welcome the horror industry are rewarded for their hospitality.
This trend is a win-win for local economies and production houses alike. When a film captures the cultural zeitgeist as effectively as Heated Rivalry, it breathes new life into its filming locations. For the city of Guelph, the Sleeman Centre is no longer just a place for sports—it’s a piece of cinematic history. As we look toward the potential for a sequel, one can only wonder if the Guelph Storm’s future playoff runs will have to compete with the demands of horror fans hungry for more action on the ice.