Netflix Completes 'Icebreaker' Cast with Auli'i Cravalho and Six New Hires

Key points

• Gabriel Tierney, Auli'i Cravalho, Peter Berry, Chaneil Kular, Devin Craig, and Aidan Shaw join the cast.
• Daisy Jelley and Connor Simos remain the leads, playing Anastasia Allen and Nate Hawkins.
• The series is based on the first book in the 'Maple Hills' trilogy, which has sold over 7.5 million copies.
• Jade Halley Bartlett is the creator and executive producer, with Amanda Lasher as showrunner.

Background

Netflix announced the adaptation of 'Icebreaker' in June 2026. On September 28, 2026, the studio cast Daisy Jelley and Connor Simos as the leads. The project is part of a broader trend of hockey romance adaptations, following the success of 'Heated Rivalry' and 'Off Campus.'

How outlets are covering it

Deadline reported the full cast addition on September 29, 2026. Variety and The Playlist focused on the initial lead casting on September 28, 2026, highlighting the connection to the 'Heated Rivalry' phenomenon. All sources agree on the core creative team and the source material's commercial success.

Why it matters

The casting signals Netflix's continued investment in the hockey romance genre, leveraging the massive success of 'Heated Rivalry' and the strong sales of Hannah Grace's 'Maple Hills' trilogy.

What to watch

Production details and release dates for 'Icebreaker' are expected to be announced as the full cast is finalized.