Netflix is building a cast for its upcoming adaptation of Hannah Grace’s Icebreaker, the first book in her Maple Hill series. The streamer is also developing The Sticks.
The show has begun assembling talent, with a lead pairing now confirmed. Daisy Jelley (Poser, How To Have Sex) will play Anastasia “Stassie” Allen, and Connor Simos (Subversion) will play Nate Hawkins. Both actors join a growing ensemble cast for the college hockey drama.
The Lead Pair
Stassie is a transfer athlete chasing Olympic gold. Nate is the campus star aiming for the NHL. Their paths cross when an accident forces their teams to share one rink, and the story follows the collision between discipline and obsession that follows.
The book describes the pairing as a clash of wills that turns into desire. “The only thing more dangerous than wanting to win is wanting each other,” reads the description.
Who Else Is In the Cast
Gabriel Tierney (Rivals, Enola Holmes 2) joins the ensemble as Aaron. Auliʻi Cravalho (Moana) plays Lola. Peter Berry, a newcomer and professional athlete, takes on the role of Robbie. Chaneil Kular (Best of the Best, Sex Education) is JJ.
Devin Craig (Sex Lives of College Girls, Maize) appears as Henry. Aidan Shaw (We Were Liars, Heated Rivalry, Finding Her Edge) rounds out the group as Russ.
The Creative Team
Jade Halley Bartlett created and executive produced the series. She previously worked on Road House, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness and Miller’s Girl. Amanda Lasher serves as showrunner, writer and executive producer, bringing credits from Gossip Girl, The Bold Type and Togetherness.
Grace also executive produces alongside Alex Cooper, Matt Kaplan and Mina Lefevre for Cooper’s Unwell Productions.
What We Don’t Know Yet
There is no release date. Netflix has not announced a premiere window.
The Timeline So Far
| Stage | Detail |
|---|---|
| Book | Hannah Grace’s Icebreaker, first in the Maple Hill series |
| Creator | Jade Halley Bartlett |
| Showrunner | Amanda Lasher |
| Lead pairing | Daisy Jelley as Stassie, Connor Simos as Nate |
| Ensemble | Gabriel Tierney, Auliʻi Cravalho, Peter Berry, Chaneil Kular, Devin Craig, Aidan Shaw |
| Status | Casting underway, no release date |
What We Are Watching For
The creative team brings a mix of TV credits across drama, comedy and genre work. Lasher’s resume includes Gossip Girl and Togetherness, while Grace’s involvement as an executive producer keeps the adaptation tied to the original source material.
The cast is notable for its range. Cravalho is a Disney veteran from Moana, while Berry’s status as a professional athlete adds authenticity to the hockey roles.
The Pairing
Daisy Jelley plays Stassie, a transfer athlete gunning for Olympic gold. Connor Simos plays Nate, the campus star chasing the NHL.
Our View
This is a promising start. The lead pairing has been confirmed, and the ensemble brings a mix of established names and fresh faces. The story’s setup — two athletes whose teams are forced to share a rink — gives the show a built-in tension.
The lack of a release date is the only real concern. Until then, the casting is the story.
Source material: “Everything We Know About Netflix’s ‘Icebreaker’ Adaptation So Far,” Deadline.
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