The Toronto Maple Leafs officially announced that Canadian music sensation Justin Bieber, a devoted fan of the team, will play a role in the NHL All-Star Game festivities in a social media post on Thursday.
Bieber is set to take on the role of a celebrity captain for one of the teams during the event at Scotiabank Arena from Feb. 1-3. Auston Matthews, alongside Connor McDavid of the Edmonton Oilers, will be captaining the teams, with Matthews featuring in the video.
In a video message to Bieber, Matthews expressed his excitement, saying,
«Hey JB, looking forward to seeing you at the all-star weekend.»
Matthews also revealed a special gift for Bieber from the team—a massive Carlton the Bear plush doll unveiled as Bieber opens his garage.
The all-star festivities kick off with a player draft on Feb. 1.
Meanwhile, St. Louis Blues goaltender Jordan Binnington extended a challenge to Bieber for a shootout at the all-star weekend, reviving a bet from 2020. Binnington initially pledged to dye his hair blonde if Bieber scored, and in response, Bieber proposed a $10,000 donation to a charity of his choice if he could score on one of 10 shootout attempts.
Binnington, a native of nearby Richmond Hill, Ont., is trying for a spot in the All-Star Game through the fan vote.