Connor Storrie’s SNL Debut: Why did People Love it?

The reason behind everyone’s newest obsession—and trust me, it’s not about a love for the sport.

by Olivia Longabardi ★ MARCH 12th, 2026

Design by: Maisy Wood

Heated Rivalry star Connor Storrie made his SNL debut this past Saturday, as he hosted the episode. The episode was full of skits and performances from Mumford and Sons, cameos from Hudson Williams, who plays Storrie’s love interest on Heated Rivalry, as well as the Women's and Men’s USA Hockey teams. 

Williams and Storrie reunited during an ice skating skit about a bachelor party. Together, they also introduced musical guest Mumford and Sons. Storrie’s standout performance was in a skit in which he portrayed a Russian stripper who was injured on the way to his show. 

Overall, Storrie’s performance was a hit. Vulture wrote, “ …Storrie’s physicality and good attitude made for a playful episode.” Bleeding Cool even called it Season 51’s “best show yet”. 

But one of the most memorable parts of the episode was his opening monologue, where Storrie brought out Quinn and Jack Hughes, of the Minnesota Wild and New Jersey Devils, Megan Keller of the Boston Fleet, and Hilary Knight of the Seattle Torrent. 

All four were a part of the USA Hockey Gold teams, and Knight referenced Donald Trump’s off-putting comments relating to the women’s team. Knight joked, “It was going to be just us, but we decided to invite the guys too.”

So why did this episode work? Storrie’s natural wit, charm, and humor definitely take it. The surprise cameos definitely helped as well. Hudson Williams’ appearance in a skit and musical introduction definitely came as a surprise, and the dig at the president’s joke was hilarious. 

The audience loved to see a collaboration between the star of the hit hockey show and the ones who won gold for the sport. Also, to see the women so elevated after being publicly disrespected and glorified by Storrie really enhanced the episode’s mood. ‘

Overall, this episode was a hit. Even during discourse over the quality of SNL’s writing, fans still believe Storrie was able to show his personality and humor through it. It is safe to say that this episode is only the start of an incredible career for the hockey show star.

Edited by: Bree Lauder-Williams