Justin Bieber: Global pop star Justin Bieber made a surprise appearance at the 2026 NHL Draft, adding celebrity glamour to a landmark night for the Toronto Maple Leafs in Buffalo.
Bieber joined the Maple Leafs’ delegation at KeyBank Center on 26 June as the club selected forward Gavin McKenna with the No. 1 overall pick. The appearance marked a personal milestone for the singer, who has long described himself as a devoted Maple Leafs fan.
Speaking after the selection, Bieber said the experience fulfilled a childhood dream.
“What an incredible night. The child in me is ecstatic right now. I’ve been a Leafs fan since I was just a little boy. These nights are so special. I’m so grateful to be here,” he said.
The singer later shared his excitement on social media, describing the invitation as an honour and saying he felt privileged to be part of such a significant moment for the franchise.
Bieber arrived wearing a red Toronto Maple Leafs zip-up jacket, green trousers and beige boots, drawing attention from fans and photographers throughout the event.
Following the announcement, he posed for photographs with Gavin McKenna, celebrating the young forward’s selection in what became one of the night’s defining moments.
Bieber has maintained a strong connection with hockey over the years. He previously appeared at the 2024 NHL All-Star Draft in Toronto, where he also returned to the stage for a live musical performance after an extended break.
The appearance comes as Bieber continues to make more public appearances while balancing family life with his wife, Hailey Bieber, and their son, Jack Blues Bieber. Alongside recent music releases and festival performances, the singer has gradually returned to the spotlight.
For fans, Bieber’s appearance at the NHL Draft represented a memorable crossover between music and sport, as one of the world’s biggest pop stars celebrated a historic night for his favourite hockey team.
