The world of competitive hockey is currently navigating a tectonic cultural shift, and at the epicenter is Jesse Kortuem. A former standout in the hyper-competitive Minnesota circuit, Kortuem’s name has long been synonymous with the grit of Saint Thomas Academy.
However, on January 14, 2026, he traded his "close to the vest" reputation for a viral moment of radical honesty, coming out as gay in a move that has resonated from the Twin Cities to the NHL front offices.
How HBO’s 'Heated Rivalry' Inspired Jesse Kortuem to Come Out
While coming-out stories in sports often focus solely on the individual, Kortuem’s 2026 announcement is uniquely tied to the cultural phenomenon of the HBO/Crave series Heated Rivalry.
The show—which premiered in late 2025 and is based on the bestselling Game Changers novels by Rachel Reid—depicts the high-stakes, secret romance between rivals Shane Hollander (played by Hudson Williams) and Ilya Rozanov (played by Connor Storrie).
For Kortuem, the show did more than just entertain; it provided a vocabulary for his own repressed history. Seeing the hyper-masculine locker room dynamic portrayed with queer nuance gave him the final push needed to break decades of silence.
"I realized it is finally time to share a journey I have kept close to the vest for a long time,"
Kortuem wrote, citing the show as the spark that finally allowed him to reconcile his two worlds. "Something has sparked in me—and yes, credit to #HeatedRivalry."
Quick Facts: The Jesse Kortuem Profile
| Detail | Information |
| Full Name | Jesse David Kortuem |
| Hometown | White Bear Lake, MN |
| High School | Saint Thomas Academy (Class of 2007) |
| University | University of Michigan |
| Primary Positions | Defense / Center |
| Current Affiliation | The Cutting Edges Hockey Club (Vancouver) |
| Public Announcement | January 14, 2026 |
| 2026 Estimated Net Worth | $500,000 |
Caption:Jesse Kortuem: Bridging the gap between the 'State of Hockey' and a life of authenticity.
Jesse Kortuem: Leaving Saint Thomas Academy and the 'State of Hockey'
To understand the weight of this announcement, one must look at the talent Kortuem was willing to walk away from. At Saint Thomas Academy in Mendota Heights, he was a "top-tier" asset—a versatile player who commanded the ice as both a defenseman and center.
In his 2026 reflection, Kortuem shared a poignant metaphor about the sport he loved:
"In hockey, there is nothing like hitting the ice after the Zamboni leaves behind a fresh, smooth sheet... for me, it was the sound of a place where I felt I had to hide."
At 17, a peak age for recruitment, he famously stepped back. He describes the locker room of his youth as a "theatre of performance" where the absence of LGBTQ+ role models made a future in the sport feel like an "impossible architecture" to inhabit. His departure wasn't a loss of passion for the puck, but an escape from a culture that didn't have a place for his true self.
Life After Hockey: Jesse Kortuem’s Professional Career and Net Worth
Kortuem’s journey didn't end at the rink's edge. His path took him through the academic rigors of the University of Michigan and later into the professional sectors of New York and Atlanta.
Building a successful career in the private sector, Kortuem has reached an estimated net worth of $500,000 as of 2026.
Despite his professional success, his personal life remained "compartmentalized" for years. He admitted to the exhaustion of the "single" narrative, reflexively pivoting conversations away from dating to avoid the "gay player" label even in adult leagues. ]
Today, that edit has ended. While he remains protective of his partner's privacy, Kortuem credits his current relationship as the cornerstone of his decision to live authentically.
Jesse Kortuem’s Return to the Ice with The Cutting Edges Hockey Club
The most poignant chapter of this story is Kortuem’s return to the sport on his own terms. The turning point came in 2017 at the Sin City Classic, where he first met other gay players who proved his two identities could coexist.
By early 2026, Kortuem has become a fixture in inclusive communities like The Cutting Edges Hockey Club. His participation in the Winter Classic in Sun Peaks, BC, was a full-circle moment. Standing on the ice wearing a jersey that represented both his athletic pedigree and his community, Kortuem bridged a gap he once thought was permanent.
The Viral Moment: Jesse Kortuem’s Instagram Announcement
The news broke via a heartfelt post on Kortuem’s social media, where he shared a photo of his younger self in his Saint Thomas Academy jersey alongside a current photo at Sun Peaks.
The post immediately went viral, garnering support from former teammates and NHL stars alike. The comment section became a testament to a shifting tide in the "State of Hockey," filled with messages of "long overdue" and "proud of you, brother." Major outlets like Out Magazine and The Advocate have praised his bravery, noting his influence on the next generation of Midwest athletes.
A Message to Youth Players
Kortuem is now focused on the future, urging young recruits to break the "culture of silence." His advice is simple: "You don't have to choose between the game you love and the person you are. The ice is for everyone."
The 2026 Outlook: Impact and Advocacy
Jesse Kortuem is no longer just a former player; he is a pioneer. Currently being praised by major outlets like Out Magazine and The Advocate, he represents a new era of "out" athletes in the Midwest. His story has even caught the attention of advocates like Brock McGillis, who have long called for a shift in hockey's "culture of silence."
As Kortuem himself told his followers: "There is a life and a deep happiness waiting for you on your path. You will get through this, and it is going to be okay."