Justin Bieber Makes Surprise Public Appearance to Assist With NHL Draf

What Justin Bieber Was Up to While Hailey Bieber Attended Met Gala 2026

Justin Bieber picks up whenever the Toronto Maple Leafs call.

Two months after the “Yukon” singer’s last major appearance for his Coachella performance, he attended the 2026 NHL Draft at KeyBank Center in Buffalo, New York to assist his favorite team in selecting the No. 1 pick Gavin McKenna.

“What an incredible night,” Bieber, who was all smiles for the special occasion, said during his June 26 appearance. “The child in me is ecstatic right now. I’ve been a Leafs fan since I was just a little boy. These nights are so special. I’m so grateful to be here.”

In subsequent social media posts, Bieber emphasized he was “honored” to assist in drafting McKenna, adding in a June 27 Instagram post, “What an incredible opportunity.”

The 32-year-old—who shares son Jack Blues, 22 months, with wife Hailey Bieber—donned a red Maple Leafs zip-up jacket for the occasion, along with green pants and beige boots. After his introduction, Bieber stood by and posed for photos with McKenna, who received recognition as a forward for Penn State.

While Bieber typically keeps a low profile during this chapter of his career—even opting to skip the Met Gala last month while his wife attended solo—he often makes an exception for hockey-related engagements as a longtime fan. In fact, Bieber used the NHL All-Star draft in 2024 to mark a major milestone in his career.

During the occasion at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, the “Daisies” singer made his first return to the stage in two years following the cancellation of his Justice world tour. Bieber showed off his hockey pride by donning an NHL All-Star jersey and sang some of his hits including “Ghost” and “Peaches.”

Bruce Bennett/Getty Images

Naturally, Bieber continued his musical comeback with the release of SWAG and SWAG II the following year, with his Coachella headlining set topping off the moment earlier this year.

And Bieber had the support of those closest to him throughout his latest chapter, as his wife heaped on praise for him following the festival set.

“Such a special weekend,” the 29-year-old wrote in an April 13 Instagram post. “Nobody will ever know even an ounce of what it’s taken to get here. so grateful for this beautiful life. SO proud. let’s do it all again!!!!”

For a deeper look into the Bieber family’s bond, keep reading…

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