Last Saturday, Justin Bieber proudly claimed the bragging rights of the 2024 NHL All-Star Game. Co-captaining the team with Toronto Maple Leafs' Auston Matthews, Bieber led his team to victory at Toronto's Scotiabank Arena. The exhibition game featured three other teams led by Canadian celebrity captains, who were also NHL captains themselves.
Michael Bublé assisted Team Hughes, captained by Vancouver Canucks' Quinn Hughes, while Will Arnett co-helmed Team McDavid, led by the record-breaking Connor McDavid of the Edmonton Oilers. Tate McRae aided Team MacKinnon, captained by Nathan MacKinnon of the Colorado Avalanche. All the celebrity coaches are avid hockey fanatics, with Bieber and Arnett supporting the Leafs, McRae cheering on the Flames, and Bublé standing behind the Canucks and the junior team he co-owns, the Vancouver Giants.
The All-Star Game wasn't the only highlight of the weekend for these celebrity coaches. Bieber, who has been away from the stage for over a year, surprised everyone with a six-song set at the Drake-owned club, History. The performance was part of a party he hosted for his fashion brand, Drew House, which designed the official NHL All-Star jerseys. Meanwhile, McRae treated the audience to an eight-minute televised set, performing her hit songs 'Exes' and 'Greedy.'
Bublé, who has co-owned the Vancouver Giants for many years, expressed his passion for hockey and his desire to help grow the sport, saying, 'We need to keep making great Canadian stars.' This sentiment was echoed by the other celebrity coaches, showcasing their dedication to the game.
Leading up to the final match-up, Team McDavid narrowly defeated Team MacKinnon with a 4-3 score, while Team Matthews prevailed over Team Hughes in a shootout with a final score of 6-5. In the ultimate showdown, Team Matthews emerged victorious with a 7-4 win over Team McDavid, securing a million-dollar prize. This triumph was particularly special for Team Matthews, as they dominated with a roster heavily comprised of players from the Toronto Maple Leafs. The All-Star Game returned to Toronto after 22 years, making it a momentous occasion for both the city and the team.
During the draft pick on Thursday night, Bieber collaborated with Matthews and assistant captain Morgan Rielly to select two more Leafs players, William Nylander and Mitch Marner, to join the roster of All-Star players. On game day, Bieber fulfilled a bucket list item by donning the team's blue jersey and taking to the ice for warm-ups alongside the hockey stars. Throughout the game, he stood out wearing an oversized polka-dotted jacket, resembling the furry and plush mascots that entertained the crowd in the 18,819-capacity arena.
NHL chief content officer Steve Mayer expressed his admiration for Bieber's passion and the impact of celebrity fans on the game. Mayer stated, 'The fans of hockey that are celebrities, those are the ones that work for us. Justin Bieber fans, they're going to come. They haven't seen Justin Bieber in years. This is one of his first public events. People are going to tune in because they want Justin Bieber.'
The NHL All-Star Weekend was not only filled with thrilling hockey action but also featured a lineup of talented Canadian performers. Tate McRae delivered an impressive performance during the game's second intermission, while DJ duo Loud Luxury energized the crowd by introducing the players onto the ice. The Glorious Sons rocked the stage during the Skills event, where the all-stars were introduced individually. Talk and Owen Riegling also had the opportunity to perform on the ice, with anthem singers Chxrry22 and the Reklaws adding their melodic voices to the mix. American singers Dinah Jane and Kiana Ledé performed 'The Star-Spangled Banner' to represent their country.
For aspiring musician Talk, also known as Nick Durocher, performing at the NHL All-Star Game was a significant moment. Growing up playing hockey, he cherished the sport and its memories. Talk shared, 'I loved it. It was some of my favorite memories. My dad always thought that maybe I could make the NHL - and now I did.'
Tate McRae's involvement in the event may have come as a surprise to some, but her genuine passion for hockey made her the perfect fit. NHL chief content officer Steve Mayer revealed that they had been keeping an eye on her for years, considering her for previous opportunities. McRae's rise to fame coincided perfectly with this chance to be involved in the All-Star Game.
Chxrry22, the first female signed to the XO record label, expressed her excitement at being asked to perform 'O Canada' during the NHL All-Star Game. Although she primarily follows basketball, Chxrry22 grew up watching hockey and learned to skate under her father's watchful eye. The opportunity to perform on the ice held significant meaning for her.
The Glorious Sons, a rock band from Kingston, Ontario, played a memorable set during the Skills event. Frontman Brett Emmons shared his reactions as the players made their entrance, mentioning his admiration for defenseman Cale Makar. Emmons added with a touch of humor, 'My dad thought I was going to the NHL, but I was a [terrible] hockey player.'
The NHL All-Star Game weekend showcased the passion and excitement surrounding hockey in Canada. The involvement of celebrity coaches, thrilling performances, and intense on-ice competition made for an unforgettable event. Justin Bieber's return to the public eye, both on and off the ice, added an extra layer of excitement for fans. Ultimately, the victory of Team Matthews on home turf and the celebration of Canadian hockey talent highlighted the enduring love for the sport throughout the country.
