Justin Bieber showed off his Canadian roots on Saturday, January 28th when he played in the 2017 NHL All-Star Celebrity Shootout. During the celebrity exhibition game, Bieber took a few hits, had a couple of assists, and even made a shot at the end of the game.
(Photo from Sean M. Haffey)
The 2017 NHL All-Star Celebrity Shootout took place at the STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California as a part of the 2017 NHL All-Star Weekend. The final result? Team Gretzky beat Team Lemieux 5-3.
(Picture via Harry How)
The two teams consisted of many different celebrities and retired NHL players. In addition to Bieber, celebrities such as Riker and Ross Lynch played in the game.
Snoop Dogg even made an appearance, DJ-ing the All-Star Skills Competition.
According to Billboard, “Bieber did not look out of place while sharing the ice with current NHL stars Connor McDavid, of the Edmonton Oilers, and the Chicago Blackhawks’ Patrick Kane, along with a host of retired greats and hockey-loving entertainment figures.”
(Picture via Harry How)
Justin did miss two penalty shots, but he scored a goal as time expired. In an interview with Cuba Gooding Jr. from Billboard, he jokes, “Twenty-five shots later, thank God he made it.” Gooding, who scored the winning goal, also said, “I was shocked at how good the kid can play. … He really has nice skills, and he’s a real sweet kid, too.”
(Photo from Sean M. Haffey)
What the internet has gone crazy over is the hit Bieber took courtesy of NHL player, Chris Pronger. Justin Bieber was pushed into the boards in the first half of the game by a 220 pound Pronger, who has spent 18 years in the National Hockey League. Chris Pronger is 6ft, 6in while Justin Bieber is 5ft, 9in. Considering the circumstances, Justin took the professional player’s hit well and went on to make an assist.
(Photo by Mark J. Terrill)
https://twitter.com/BForanNHL/status/825484312237703170
Besides the hit, Justin Bieber proved to be having fun as seen in pictures posted to the NHL Instagram account. In a caption on one of the photos, Bieber stated, “”This is one of the highlights of my life. For real.”
Justin Bieber will return to the Staples Center on February 12th, 2017 as he is nominated for four Grammys, including some of the most prestigious nominations, Album of the Year and Song of the Year.
(Photo via Leon Bennett)