Off Campus Season 2 Will Showcase Stephen Kalyn's Power Move

      In 2026, the internet is flooded with virtual boyfriends. With familiar faces like Jacob Elordi and actors portraying cherished BookTok figures (the latest being Matt Cornett from Every Year After), fans have plenty to enjoy this year. However, there's a notably unexpected trend where the chronically online are also diving into the realm of sports—not only the historic NBA Championship win for the New York Knicks or the ongoing FIFA World Cup. Fans have been captivated by the fictional narratives unfolding both in and beyond the hockey rink (dubbed the "boy aquarium"—you know what that means) since the late 2025 premiere of Crave's Heated Rivalry, a television adaptation of Rachel Reid's enemies-to-lovers series that propelled its leads, Connor Storrie and Hudson Williams, into major fame. The latest intriguing hockey romance to join the conversation is Off Campus, which draws from the NYT best-selling college romance series by Elle Kennedy and is similarly elevating its fresh cast members. The show's impressive inaugural season shattered Amazon Prime Video's viewing records with 36 million streams in just 12 days, as reported by Variety, and now, lead actors Ella Bright (Hannah Wells) and Belmont Cameli (Garrett Graham) are passing the baton to their co-stars Mika Abdalla and Stephen Kalyn, who will step into the vibrant roles of Allie Hayes and Dean Di Laurentis. While both Off Campus and Heated Rivalry cast members continue filming their respective second seasons in Canada (no encounters yet—though Kalyn knows the Storrie comparisons), we spoke with the rising star to discuss his growing career, his previous life as a high school hockey player, his journey in fashion, the eagerly awaited second season, and that enticing dance scene from the Halloween party.

      To start off, how are you? How has your day been so far?It’s been great! We had hockey rehearsal today, and of course, on my one day off they had to schedule something! I had my morning coffee, spent some time on the couch doomscrolling, and now I’m here. A pretty healthy start to the day, honestly. Since you've had your coffee, let's dive in. Do you recall where you were when you found out about landing the role of Dean Di Laurentis?I was in my parents' basement when my agent called and told me I needed to join another meeting. I thought, "What, another audition?" But he said, "No, no, no," keeping it brief, which is unusual for him since we usually chat for about 25 minutes. This call was just 90 seconds long, and he said, "You just have to hop on the call. Bye!"Initially, I thought they were just informing me that I did well in the auditions but were going with someone else. But then I wondered why they would call me to say I didn’t get the role. They told me over Zoom in my basement, surrounded by my hockey gear and weights, and that’s when everything shifted.

      That seems very fitting for the character. During the audition, I remember in between takes—since it was a three-hour chemistry read—I had a mirror next to me, and during breaks I’d look at myself, saying, "You’re f*cking Dean! You’ve got this!"You were certainly manifesting! Hockey was a big part of your upbringing, but when did acting come into your life?I attended drama camps as a kid when I wasn’t playing hockey, and I did a play in high school. I remember going through rehearsals and auditions and just loving it. Once on stage in front of about 500 parents, I was hooked. I participated in that for two years in high school and thought, "Okay, this is what I want to pursue." With hockey winding down and realizing I wasn’t heading for the NHL, I envisioned a future in acting. I understood it wouldn’t be easy, but I could see it happen.

      You're like a hockey-playing Troy Bolton!Pretty much! That’s exactly the narrative. “What should I choose, Dad? Hockey or performing?” It’s wonderful you had support to pursue both interests growing up.My parents have always encouraged me, emphasizing, "Whatever you want to do, go for it," for which I’m really grateful. Many people face discouragement, with others saying, “No, that’s not feasible. Just get a steady 9-to-5 job.” But they respected my ambitions, and I appreciate that. My dad has always told me, "You’re going to make it. Keep auditioning, and eventually, one will land." And it turned out to be a role involving hockey!

      They must be thrilled about that.Oh, they’re incredibly happy. Especially with this season coming up! I know you’re currently shooting season 2 of Off Campus—what has your preparation been like for this role?I read a bit of The