Pop superstar Justin Bieber surprised hockey fans by appearing at the NHL Draft in Buffalo to announce the Toronto Maple Leafs' first overall selection. Bieber, a self-proclaimed fan of the team since childhood, took the microphone from NHL commissioner Gary Bettman to reveal the pick.
"I've been a Leafs fan since I was just a little boy," Bieber stated while walking to the stage. "These nights are so special. I'm so grateful to be here." He then announced that top prospect Gavin McKenna would be joining the Maple Leafs.
"Mr. McKenna, we'd like to draft you to the Toronto Maple Leafs!" Bieber announced. McKenna, who hails from Whitehorse, Yukon, chose the Bieber song "Yukon" as a tribute to his home as he approached the stage. "To all the Yukoners out there, this song is for you," McKenna said in a post-announcement interview. "Thanks Justin."
McKenna's selection as the first-overall pick was also acknowledged by his new teammate and Maple Leafs captain, Auston Matthews, who sent a congratulatory video message. "I know how exciting this is for you and your family, and what an incredible honor it is," Matthews said in the video. "Congratulations, we're just as excited to have you join the Maple Leafs and cannot wait to get started."
McKenna previously played college hockey at Penn State before being drafted.
