In my opinion, it's not real. Such stories often employ various literary devices and imaginative elements to captivate readers or viewers, and aren't rooted in real-life happenings.
The height of MM in the comics isn't explicitly stated. Sometimes, such details are left to the imagination of the readers or might be revealed in later issues.
The characters usually have strong personalities. They are tough on the ice but show their softer sides in the relationship. In 'Heated Rivalry', the two main characters have to navigate their feelings while also dealing with the pressures of their hockey careers.