Jesse Kortuem is getting some major love after coming out.

Last week, the defenseman/center hockey player revealed that he is gay and credited Heated Rivalry as his inspiration for deciding to publicly come out.

While Jesse appeared on The Drew Barrymore Show for an interview airing on Thursday (January 22), Hudson Williams, who stars as Shane Hollander in Heated Rivalry, sent Jesse a surprise video message.

Keep reading to find out more…“How did it speak to you personally that it affected you that way?” Drew asked Jesse about the show. “That gay you this true inspiration and catalyst for movement and change? Like you didn’t just get affected by it, you did something because of it.”

“For me, episode five of watching Scott Hunter (François Arnaud), he pulls Kip (Robbie G.K.) down onto the ice, and the fans are cheering, the kiss, and the announcer says ‘That’s great for Scott Hunter,’” Jesse responded. “And we finally have these magical moments in sports, and we finally have these magical moments in stories like this, it’s such a positive reflection of what our society can be, and I’m hoping to lend that voice to help those kids that are hurting to be themselves.”

Drew then reveals the clip that Hudson, 24, recorded for Jesse.

“Hi Jesse, it’s Hudson. I just wanted to say thank you for watching our show and sharing your kind words you had for it,” Hudson said. “It really means a lot that our show could even play a little small part in sort of positive thing about your life.”

“And thank you for your bravery and just sounding like a really cool guy,” he continued, later adding, “Really just thank you so much Jesse, you’re amazing.”

In a new interview, Hudson shared his honest thoughts on the intense fan response to Heated Rivalry.