If Beliebers know anything about their favorite star, it’s that the Canadian pop star loves hockey. So for Justin Bieber, the 2024 NHL All-Star Game was a full-circle moment.
Bieber served as one of four celebrity captains, joining Tate McRae, Michael Bublé and Will Arnett. The singer headed up Team Matthews alongside Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews, and their friendship goes way back — almost as far as Bieber’s Maple Leafs fandom.
Bieber grew up in Stratford, a town on the outskirts of Toronto, where the All-Star showdown was held Saturday. The former hockey player’s childhood dreams came to fruition when he met his favorite players on the ice.
Bieber joined Matthews and co-captain Mitch Marner during warmups before their 3-on-3 game against Team Hughes.
“I’m overwhelmed with joy. I’ve been dreaming of this moment since I was a little boy growing up in Stratford.” – Justin Bieber 🥲@Rogers | #NHLAllStar pic.twitter.com/l9fKde7K7W
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) February 3, 2024
Players seemed to be having fun with the local star, too.
“This is a dream.” 🥲
Justin Bieber is just happy to be here at the @Rogers #NHLAllStar Game. pic.twitter.com/sp8CFJd7qN
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) February 3, 2024
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Bieber’s involvement with the contest wasn’t a spur of the moment thing. It began before he ever put on an All-Star jersey. Actually, maybe that is when it began — he helped design the jerseys, after all.
The NHL collaborated with his brand, Drew House, to design the 2024 All-Star jerseys to tie them to the host city of Toronto.
MORE: NHL partners with Justin Bieber, drew house brand for 2024 All-Star jerseys
Justin Bieber jacket at 2024 All-Star Game
Bieber had quite the entrance at Toronto’s Scotiabank Arena. The singer waltzed in wearing an oversized, pink polka dot coat created by the brand Marni.
It was a hit in the locker room during pre-game shenanigans and rituals. Marner made sure to compliment the coat, calling it a “winning jacket.”
Biebs & Buds 💙 pic.twitter.com/BnyKKW4VMA
— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) February 3, 2024
And a winner it was. Team Matthews advanced to the final game of the All-Star event with a 6-5 win over Team Hughes in a shootout.