Justin Bieber reflects on NHL All-Star Game experience, including on-ice warmups: 'I'm overwhelmed with joy'

Emily Dozier

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Justin Bieber reflects on NHL All-Star Game experience, including on-ice warmups: 'I'm overwhelmed with joy' image

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.

Players seemed to be having fun with the local star, too.

MORE: Results, highlights from 2024 NHL All-Star Game

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.

Emily Dozier

Emily Dozier Photo

Emily Dozier is a live events and lifestyle writer at The Sporting News, covering everything from sporting events and music festivals to broadway shows and stand-up comedy. Based out of New York, she graduated from the University of Georgia with a bachelor’s degree in journalism. When not covering the SN tickets beat, Emily enjoys playing volleyball and cooking. Prior to joining The Sporting News in 2023, Emily covered the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup for the Associated Press.