The Toronto Maple Leafs chose 18-year-old hockey player McKenna as the first overall selection at the 2026 Upper Deck NHL Draft.
The event took place at KeyBank Center in Buffalo on Friday.
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Canadian pop star Justin Bieber, an Ontario native and lifelong Maple Leafs fan, made the official announcement on stage alongside NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman.
Bieber expressed his enthusiasm for the franchise before unveiling the team's choice.
"I've been a Leafs fan since I was just a little boy," said Bieber. "These nights are so special.
I'm so grateful to be here."
The musician then announced the selection directly to the arena audience.
"Mr. McKenna, we'd like to draft you to the Toronto Maple Leafs!" Bieber announced.
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McKenna walked to the stage accompanied by Bieber's song "Yukon," which the player chose to honor his hometown of Whitehorse, Yukon.
Local residents gathered for a watch party at a local ice rink.
"To all the Yukoners out there, this song is for you," said McKenna. "Thanks Justin."
Following the selection, a pre-recorded congratulatory message from Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews was broadcast inside the KeyBank Center.
"I know how exciting this is for you and your family, and what an incredible honor it is," said Matthews.
"Congratulations, we're just as excited to have you join the Maple Leafs and cannot wait to get started."
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Bieber previously participated in league events as a celebrity captain for the 2024 NHL All-Star Game in Toronto.
