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Dem Roasted For Plugging Homoerotic Hockey Series During Snow Day

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Zohran Mamdani
Photo Credit: Bingjiefu He, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

The Democratic New York City mayor stunned residents during a storm briefing by urging snowbound New Yorkers to curl up with a homoerotic hockey romance as the city froze.

Mayor Zohran Mamdani used a Sunday press conference with New York City Emergency Management to deliver winter safety guidance, then pivoted to promoting the novel “Heated Rivalry” as ideal blizzard reading.

The socialist mayor warned residents to stay indoors as a massive storm slammed the region, while suggesting downtime be filled with naps, neighbors, and a romance novel about rival hockey players in a secret gay relationship.

“Check in on seniors and help your neighbors who may need extra support,” Mamdani advised as snow piled up across the five boroughs.

Then came his shocking reading suggestion for snow day reading material.

“The snow is coming down heavily across our city, and I can think of no better excuse for New Yorkers to stay home, take a long nap or take advantage of our public library’s offer of free access to ‘Heated Rivalry’ on e-book or audio book for anyone with a library card,” he added during the briefing.

The recommendation immediately drew attention because “Heated Rivalry,” written by Canadian author Rachel Reid, centers on a hidden romance between two professional hockey rivals.

The book is the first installment in Reid’s six-part “Game Changers” series, which has grown into a broader media franchise after a television adaptation premiered in November 2025.

Social media erupted within minutes of the press conference, with critics accusing Mamdani of misplaced priorities as the city grappled with its worst snowfall in years.

“A snowstorm shut down NYC, and the mayor’s official advice was to read a ‘Heated Rivalry.’ Yes, really,” one critic wrote in response.

Another mocked the administration’s focus, writing, “Mamdani’s snowstorm priorities? Pushing a hockey romance novel while NYC’s housing stock crumbles under his rent freeze disaster.”

The same post accused city leadership of chaos, claiming libraries were being used as “PR props” while other city systems deteriorated.

Despite the backlash, Mamdani’s unexpected plug had a measurable effect, with downloads of “Heated Rivalry” surging hours after the briefing.

Downloads of the book jumped 529 percent on Sunday after Mamdani highlighted it as perfect snow-day entertainment.

The New York Public Library extended unlimited e-book and audiobook access through Valentine’s Day using the Libby app.

Library officials reported more than 5,000 downloads of “Heated Rivalry” alone since Saturday, along with 13,000 downloads across the full series.

Library card sign-ups also doubled during the same period, turning the mayor’s comment into an accidental marketing windfall.

All of it unfolded as Winter Storm Fern pummeled the city, dumping nearly 11.5 inches of snow in the heaviest blizzard New York City has seen in almost a decade.

Conditions grew so dangerous that Mamdani ordered public schools closed on Monday, citing safety concerns for students and staff.

“Over the past week, my administration has prepared for this moment – ensuring devices are in hand, families are informed and educators are ready to welcome students online,” Mamdani wrote in a post on X.

The city later confirmed that all New York City Public Schools buildings would be closed on Jan. 26 due to extreme weather conditions.

As the storm buried streets and sidewalks, Mamdani attempted to project hands-on leadership by joining residents outside to shovel snow.

Videos circulating online showed the hatless mayor struggling to move heavy piles, at one point nearly folding over as he tossed snow aside.

“As I have said, there is no task too big or no job too small. Happy to lend a hand and help out New Yorkers. Stay safe!” Mamdani wrote alongside the footage.

The shoveling effort quickly became fodder for ridicule, with critics zeroing in on his form and technique.

“You can tell Mamdani has never touched a shovel in his life,” one commenter wrote.

“Bro looks like he’s trying to dig a hole instead of clear the road,” another added.

A third jabbed, “Mamdani shovels snow for a photo opp. He’s shoveling a path to absolutely nowhere. Just like his policies.”

The viral moment followed safety warnings from Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul, who cautioned New Yorkers against dangerous shoveling habits.

“You bend down your knees. You want to bend down so you can protect your back. Also, you do not need to have a high amount of snow on the shovel,” Hochul instructed.

She warned that heavy lifting can be deadly, noting neighbors who suffered heart attacks while clearing snow.

“It’s better to take multiple smaller bites at it, lift smaller amounts of snow, toss it aside,” Hochul explained.

“But do not try to go for the big, massive shovelful of snow because regardless of your health, this could cause a heart attack.”

Hochul later appeared to take a subtle swipe at Mamdani while thanking volunteers.

“Thanks for helping out our neighbors, but put on a hat!” she wrote.

The storm’s human toll soon became apparent as at least three homeless New Yorkers were found dead in the snow Saturday morning.

Those deaths followed Hochul’s decision to reject an offer of federal assistance from Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.

Hochul said she would only accept help if the Trump administration changed its immigration enforcement approach.

“I shared that the fastest way to help is for ICE to back off so people feel safe accessing warming centers, shelters, hospitals, and houses of worship,” Hochul wrote on X.

As crews continue digging out from the historic snowfall, forecasters are already tracking the possibility of another major winter storm this weekend.

“There are some indications that the next one could be big if not bigger,” FOX 5 NY’s Mike Woods warned.

“It’s still a long ways out, and the models have kind of advertised this, put this out there last week…. so it’s not a guarantee by any means yet.”

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