Let's Talk About Cliff...

'I’m a guy who just really loves people. I love sports. And I love to act as well, and perform. What gets me up in the morning, to be honest, is just trying to conquer the day.'

Franco Lo Presti 

I saved an image from the holiday film, The Christmas Cookbook, after seeing the handsome face of Canadian actor Franco Lo Presti on my screen.  I had planned on putting together a 12 Days post on the hot actor and model.  Then while watching Heated Rivalry, I recognized that handsome face as Cliff, one of Ilya Rozanov's teammates on the Boston Raider.

Cliff has been featured in a couple of episodes thus far, in the last episode, Rose, Lo Presti was featured, along with actor Harrison Browne, in several scenes.  Browne is the first out transgender hockey player, and both were seen in the training room scene as well as the incredible final scene at the Montreal night club.

When it comes to Heated Rivalry, I really have no notes.  I think writer and director Jacob Tierney has done a superb job adapting Rachel Reid's story to television.  As stated, that club scene was so emotional and well done and though Tierney's direction, and some incredible acting, so much story was told without a word.  I can't leave out the editing, cinematography and perfect song choice.  The music for each of the 4 episodes aired have been spot on.

Although I have 'no notes', that doesn't mean I don't have wishes.  With just 6 episodes, of course some characters and story points have to be moved along.  I am so impressed with the actors, and the characters Reid created, I want to see more of most of them.  I could an entire season of Hunter, Kip, not to mention Elena, (whom I love) and kip's dad.

Franco by Ricardo Perez

It speaks to Tierney's eye for talent, and the casting department, that so many characters, including  Shane's parents, and Shane and  Ilya's teammates, especially Cliff, Connors and Kayden.  For Lo Presti, his sport growing up was soccer, a passion which led him to earn a scholarship from the University of Rhode Island.  He played on teams in both the US and Canada.

Of course, this is FH, and as you can see, Lo Presti also earned a little cash for school with some modeling work.  These are a few of my favorite shots from his port.