hockey

Drake Asks Justin Bieber For An Invite To A Hockey Game

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Justin Bieber and Drake are two of the most notable Canadian exports of their generation. That’s why it’s no surprise that they both rep some sports teams from their home countries. Drizzy is notorious for sitting courtside during Toronto Raptors games and was omnipresent throughout the team’s 2019 title run. But in a recent Instagram post, Justin Bieber pledged his allegiance to a different team in an entirely different sport.

“Had fun last night at the next gen game with the @mapleleafs” Bieber captioned an Instagram post. He also included two pictures taken during a recent Toronto Maple Leafs hockey game. The first picture of the bunch features the pop star and his boo both sporting some Maple Leafs merch. But in the comments, Drake popped up with a hilariously passive-aggressive comment about not being invited to the game. “Wow guy doesn’t even invite me to see some puck bunnies eh,” his comment reads. The post itself already has more than 1.5 million likes while Drizzy’s comment has racked up more than 14k. Check out Bieber’s post and the hilarious comment below.

Read More: Drake’s “For All The Dogs”: 5 Highlights

Drake Wants To Hit Up A Hockey Game With Justin Bieber

Last week, Drake released the new music video for his song “You Broke My Heart.” The track was a standout from the Scary Hours 3 addition to his album For All The Dogs earlier this year. It closes off the EP and has racked up nearly 40 million Spotify streams since the addition to the album dropped back in November.

But the video attracted some controversy for one particular cameo. The biggest superstar in all of country music and one of the biggest-selling artists of 2023, Morgan Wallen, makes an appearance alongside Drake in the music video. Many still take issue with a 2021 incident where Wallen was caught using the N-word on video taken by someone’s doorbell camera. What do you think of Drake trying to get invited to Justin Bieber’s next hockey game outing? Let us know in the comment section below.

Read More: What Is Drake’s Best-Selling Album?

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Steph Curry, Kevin Durant, And Steve Nash Named As Inspirations Of Top NHL Prospect

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Macklin Celebrini, widely considered the #1 draft pick in the 2024 NHL Draft, has named three basketball legends as his inspirations for becoming an elite athlete. Celebrini told The Athletic about watching his father, an in-demand personal trainer, work with the likes of Steve Nash (“Uncle Steve”), Steph Curry, and Kevin Durant. “It almost became an expectation in our household. Like, Mack barely remembers going to those workouts with Nash. And yet there’s still an expectation that gets set from that experience. That was just the world our family was in. We’ve grown up in an elite athlete’s world and seeing them work, seeing the dedication it takes,” Celebrini’s brother Aiden said. Furthermore, Aiden was drafted in the 6th round of the 2019 draft. Additionally, he currently plays at Boston University.

Rick, Celebrini’s father, is now the Warriors’ director of sports medicine and performance. He remembers this past summer, rehabbing with Macklin after a nasty injury during an international tournament. “I’d heard reports … about his work ethic, commitment and discipline. Honestly — and not because he’s my kid — but I was blown away by how locked in he was (during the rehab). I’d go out and watch Mack quite often go up and shoot pucks or stickhandle with his other hand. He’d just listen to music and lose himself in it. Just playing hockey and training and stickhandling with his left hand,” Rick said.

Read More: Rich Paul Claims He Would Be One Of The Best Shooters In The NBA, Compares Himself To Steph Curry

Celebrini Settles Into College, Awaits Draft

Macklin Celebrini
SOUTH BEND, IN – OCTOBER 20: Macklin Celebrini #71 of Boston University skates up the ice during a game between Boston University and University of Notre Dame at Compton Family Ice Arena on October 20, 2023 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Miller/ISI Photos/Getty Images)

Furthermore, this fall, Celebrini joined his brother at Boston University. “Coming into school and being (in Boston), I mean, we’re brothers. But at the end of the day we’re best friends on top of everything. We do everything together. We train together every day, every summer. It ended up feeling odd for me. Selfishly, it wasn’t that I felt guilty, I just missed my brother. I was going through this process, seeing this new team and this new program that we’re joining together and I felt half of it. Because I wasn’t experiencing the other half with him,” Aiden said.

Macklin has nine points in his first six games for the Terriers. If he keeps that pace, then he is almost a lock for the #1 pick next year. However, he isn’t the consensus #1 pick just yet. The 2024 class is pretty stacked with talent. Just behind Celebrini is left winger Cole Eiserman, who currently plays for the USA Hockey National Team Development Program. Both are considered worthy of the #1 spot. However, it just depends who has the better year on the ice.

Read More: Big Ten Schools Call For Action On Michigan Sign-Stealing

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Maple Leafs Drop Kid Cudi Track As Goal Song Over Drunk Driving Lyric

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The Toronto Maple Leafs have officially replaced Kid Cudi’s “Pursuit of Happiness” as their official goal song. The Cudi track was heard during the Leafs’ home opener against the Canadiens on October 11. However, it was replaced by Mickie Krause’s “Dup Dup” ahead of their October 14 game against the Minnesota Wild. According to a statement provided to TSN, the Maple Leafs chose to drop the song over the lyric “Driving drunk, doin’ my thang” as they believed it promoted values inconsistent with those held by the team.

Prior to the 2023/24 season, the Leafs had used “You Make My Dreams” by Hall & Oates as their goal song. However, the team chose to switch things up, choosing the 2010 Cudi track for the home opener. Furthermore, the team told TSN that they would not be exclusively using “Dup Dup” for the rest of the season. They are expected to mix things up for the remaining 79 games. Special attention will be given to games with specific themes and matchups against Original Six opponents.

Read More: Kid Cudi’s INSANO Features Revealed: Travis Scott, ASAP Rocky, Young Thug & More

Maple Leafs Drop Game Versus Chicago

Unfortunately for the Toronto Maple Leafs, they were unable to find success in their third game of the season. With no Kid Cudi on the soundtrack, they were soundly beaten 4-1 by the 1-2-0 Blackhawks. After a scoreless first period, Chicago took the lead through MacKenzie Entwhistle. While John Tavares tied things up a few minutes later, Chicago added another two goals in the final five minutes out of the period. They added a fourth in the final period to put the game out of reach of the Maple Leafs.

The Leafs had a strong season last year, right up until the Panthers shocked them in the second round of the playoffs. Now in joint possession of the longest active playoff streak in the league, it’s another year to try and break the Stanley Cup curse in Toronto. Once one of the league’s most dominant sides, the Leafs haven’t won the cup since the late 1960s. After a three-game home open, they head on the road for the first time this season tomorrow. Ironically, they will face the Panthers.

Read More: Kid Cudi Previews “Boldly Be” Star Trek Collab With Atmospheric New Track, “Heaven’s Galaxy”

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Vegas Golden Knights Receive Saucy Offer For Stanley Cup Celebration

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The Vegas Golden Knights captured their first Stanley Cup title in franchise history earlier this week. Formed ahead of the 2017-18 season, the Golden Knights made waves as they reached the Stanley Cup Finals that year. Since then, they have become one of the hottest teams in the NHL, qualifying for the playoffs in five of their first six seasons in existence. Winning 51 games this season, they were one of the best, and most consistent, teams in the playoffs. They never looked challenged as they beat the Florida Panthers 4-1 to take home the trophy.

The win means a lot for the city of Las Vegas and the state of Nevada. It’s the second major sports title for the city after the Las Vegas Aces secured the WNBA title in 2022. However, the Golden Knights have received a very unique offer of celebration. Nevada is the only state where prostitution is legal, although it must be performed within licensed brothels. It’s this unique legal situation that has led to the bizarre and hilarious offer for the Golden Knights.

Sex Worker Offers Free Orgy To Golden Knights

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – JUNE 17: Keegan Kolesar #55 of the Vegas Golden Knights hoists the Stanley Cup onstage during a victory parade and rally for the Golden Knights outside T-Mobile Arena on June 17, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Golden Knights defeated the Florida Panthers four games to one to win the 2023 NHL Stanley Cup Final. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

Alice Little claims to be the highest-grossing sex worker in Nevada history. She currently operates out of the 40-acre Chicken Ranch in Pahrump, 45 miles west of Vegas. “We here in Sin City love the Golden Knights more than life itself,” Little told TMZ. “I cannot express in words the joy I feel now the team won their first-ever Stanley Cup, so I’m going to express it through my actions.”She continued, confirming her intentions. “Dozens of ladies, myself included, are ready and waiting at the Chicken Ranch to treat the Knights to any and every carnal delight, and there will be absolutely no penalties for misconduct.”

Furthermore, Little floated the idea of creating a VIP card for Golden Knights players, so they could enjoy complimentary services at the Ranch for the next year. While a genuinely hilarious offer, it’s not the first time that Little has linked herself to the Vegas sports scene. Earlier this year, Little and fellow sex worker Caitlin Bell reacted to the Las Vegas Raiders signing Jimmy Garoppolo by offering the quarterback “free sex for life.” Follow all the latest sports news here at HotNewHipHop.

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Snoop Dogg Teases Senators Collab During Bidding War For Team

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Snoop Dogg’s interest in owning an NHL team has been recurring news over the past month since he joined a bidding group trying to purchase the league Ottawa team. Snoop and his group have been competing with a different purchasing group also looking to buy the team. That other group includes major investments from actor Ryan Reynolds and The Weeknd. Both parties have been raising the stakes in the month since with offers that now run north of $1 Billion.

Not only is Snoop Dogg looking to become the NHL’s first black owner, but he also wants to bring hockey to the black community. “Amazing what @neko_sparks is trying to do in Ottawa & I’m looking forward to being a part of that ownership team,” he noted in an Instagram caption at the time. A new Instagram post made just yesterday sees the legendary rapper sporting some custom embroidered sweatpants with the Senators logo prominently displayed. While he doesn’t confirm anything the post seems to be a strong hint that his bid may have gone through.

Snoop’s Senators Drip

 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by snoopdogg (@snoopdogg)

Snoop Dogg has long been a vocal sports fan. He loves football and is often seen volunteering at youth football camps. The team he’s most associated with though, is the Los Angeles Lakers. He’s often sitting courtside at games and has proven himself to be somewhat of an expert on the team and its history. During the team’s late-season turnaround and deep playoff run this season Snoop was frequently supporting his team on social media.

Snoop got some attention recently when he was announced as a headliner for an upcoming Hip Hop 50 event. Mass Appeal and Live Nation are teaming up for a show celebrating the genre’s 50th anniversary. Joining Snoop as headliners are Lil Wayne and Ice Cube. He’s also shown solidarity with the Writers Guild which is currently on strike for improved worker conditions. On top of sending them food, he postponed scheduled shows with Dr. Dre in support of their strike. Tell us what you think about Snoop Dogg becoming the first black NHL owner in the comments below.

The post Snoop Dogg Teases Senators Collab During Bidding War For Team appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Florida Panthers Complete Cinderella Run To Stanley Cup Finals

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Just a few short weeks ago, the sports world was preparing for the Florida Panthers to become the answer to the question, “who did the Boston Bruins beat in the first round of the 2023 Stanley Cup playoffs?” The Bruins were coming off a record-breaking regular season where they set a new record for wins (65) and points (135). The Panthers were the second wildcard team, with 42 wins and 92 points. But, the Panthers prevailed, erasing a 3-1 series lead built by the Bruins to win in overtime in Game 7.

They became unstoppable in the second round, dismantling the Toronto Maple Leafs 4-1. That set up a Conference Finals matchup against the Carolina Hurricanes. The Panthers had only ever made the Stanley Cup Finals once, back in 1996, during their third season of existence. 2023 marked just the eighth playoff appearance for the Panthers since that run. However, once again, the Panthers dominated. They jumped out to a 3-0 series lead over the 113-point regular season Hurricanes. That set up a do-or-die Game 4 in Florida.

Panthers Complete Sweep

The Panthers took the lead just 41 seconds into the first period as Anthony Duclair grabbed his own missed shot and put it into the back of the Hurricanes’ net during a relentless Panthers offensive barrage. A little under 10 minutes later, Matthew Tkachuk netted his eighth goal of the playoffs to put the Panthers up by two. However, the Hurricanes would keep the deficit at one after Paul Statsny was able to put one past Sergei Bobrovsky just after the 13-minute mark.

Moving into the second period, the Hurricanes were able to tie things up as Teuvo Teravainen grabbed his first goal of the playoffs a little before the three-minute mark. However, the Panthers remained relentless and retook the lead a little before 10 minutes through Ryan Lomberg’s first goal of the playoffs. The 3-2 lead remained for a long stretch of the third period until, with just under three-and-a-half to play, Jesper Fast slotted a goal home to tie it up. All Carolina had to do was find another goal or play defense until overtime. But it wasn’t to be. Like they had done against the Bruins, the Panthers found a last-gasp goal to steal the win.

Twitter Reacts

The Panthers will face the Dallas Stars or Vegas Golden Knights in the Stanley Cup Finals. The Golden Knights currently hold a 3-0 series lead.

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Belly Reacts To Snoop Dogg’s Bid For The Ottawa Senators

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The race for the Ottawa Senators turned into a celebrity frenzy over the past few weeks. First, Ryan Reynolds, who previously received a key to the city, announced that he’d be placing a bid behind the NHL team. Surprisingly, he wasn’t the biggest A-Lister to try and gain a stake in the Sens. Snoop Dogg, out of all people, announced that he joined forces with Neko Sparks to place a bid behind Ottawa’s hockey team. The Weeknd, too, placed a bid behind the team, but there’s no doubt that Snoop Dogg’s been the most aggressive in his pursuit.

The Senators’ connection to hip-hop runs a bit deeper than Snoop Dogg and The Weeknd. In fact, one might argue that it’s Belly that is an indirect catalyst. In 2007, the Senators fought their way to the Stanley Cup finals against the Anaheim Mighty Ducks. As excitement built in the “town that fun forgot,” Belly became the celebrity face of the franchise for the playoffs. So what exactly does Belly think of Snoop Dogg’s bid for the Sens? “Snoop Dogg is an amazing person, a great businessman and we gon’ be able to smoke weed in the stadium! So, I’m all for it,” he told HotNewHipHop. “Smoking weed in the box, for sure… RIP Ray Emery.” 

Belly’s Ties To The Ottawa Senators

Belly Snoop Dogg
TORONTO, ON – JUNE 19: Belly and Snoop Dogg attend CP Records & EBA 2011 MuchMusic Video Awards After Party at Live Nightclub on June 19, 2011 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Sonia Recchia/WireImage)

When Belly penned the Sens’ playoff anthem, “Go Sens Go,” he had not reached the same type of success he sees now outside of Canada. Around this time, Belly also began to form a relationship with Snoop Dogg after touring with the rap legend across Canada. The same night of his homecoming show, the late Ray Emery presented Snoop Dogg with a custom jersey that he’s recently flaunted during his campaign for the Sens.

Belly’s fresh off of the release of his album, Mumble Rap 2, the sequel to his 2017 mixtape. The rapper’s latest project boasts appearances from XO labelmate Nav, Gucci Mane, Rick Ross, and a posthumous appearance from Gil-Scott Heron. It marks one of Belly’s final projects before he retires from the music industry as a whole but rests assured, he still has big plans up his sleeve. 

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Arizona Coyotes Relocation More Likely After Ballot Initative Fails

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The Arizona Coyotes have been in arena limbo since the end of the 2022 season. After 19 years at the Gila River Arena, the Coyotes needed to find a new home. Plans to build a new stadium in Tempe had hit multiple roadblocks over the years. As a result, the Coyotes found themselves playing at Mullett Arena, the home of Arizona State. However, the capacity for NHL games has been capped at 4600.

A new plan for an arena in Tempe was formed, but it would require public funding. That meant that the Coyotes would need local voters to approve a ballot measure. If successful, this would divert tax dollars to the project. The Coyotes needed majorities on three ballot proposals to get the green light on the new arena. The estimated cost for the full project is believed to be $2.1 billion.

Voters Reject New Stadium

TEMPE, ARIZONA – OCTOBER 28: General view outside of Mullett Arena before the NHL game between the Arizona Coyotes and the Winnipeg Jets on October 28, 2022 in Tempe, Arizona. The Coyotes will use Arizona State University’s Mullett Arena for the next three seasons while a permanent arena deal is finalized. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

However, it wasn’t to be. According to electoral sources, around 56% of voters chose to reject the three ballot proposals relating to the new arena. “We are very disappointed Tempe voters did not approve Propositions 301, 302, and 303,” CEO Xavier Gutierrez said in a statement. “While we wanted a different outcome, we remain grateful to all those who volunteered their time and talent. What is next for the franchise will be evaluated by our owners and the National Hockey League over the coming weeks.”

The immediate future appears to be another season at Mullett Arena. “I don’t envision a scenario in which the Coyotes are not playing in Mullett Arena next season,” Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly told ESPN in an email. However, beyond that, the future is uncertain. Relocation will become a much more likely scenario. If they were to move out of Arizona, it would be the NHL’s first relocation since the Atlanta Thrashers in 2011. There are several strong contenders for potential relocation, such as Houston, and Milwaukee. However, that is purely speculation and the immediate plan appears to be to try and make things work in Arizona. Despite this goal, the rejection of the ballot proposals is a major blow to an ailing franchise.

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Ryan Reynolds Drops Out Of Senators Bidding War

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Despite being seen as a front-runner to buy the Ottawa Senators, Ryan Reynolds is reportedly dropping his bid ahead of the May 15 submission deadline. Reynolds had partnered with real estate mogul Chris Batty to prepare a bid reportedly worth $1 billion. His bid was one of seven reportedly in the race to buy the Senators after the death of long-time owner Eugene Melnyk last year. Melnyk had owned the team since 2000.

Other offers include a Hollywood bid from Neko Sparks, The Rock, and Snoop Dogg. The Weeknd is also part of an ownership group led by the Kimel Family. The NHL had been hoping to conclude the search for a new owner by the start of the 2023/24 NHL season. The Senators have not made the NHL playoffs since 2017.

Reynolds’ Departure Leaves Race Wide Open

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 29: Ryan Reynolds attends the FYC Red Carpet For FX’s “Welcome To Wrexham” at The Television Academy on April 29, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images)

According to sources, the Reynolds-led Remington Group bid left the process after being denied an exclusive 30-day window to secure an arena deal in downtown Ottawa. This suggests that the Habs would have left Canadian Tire Centre if the group had secured ownership of the team. The only stipulation the NHL has implemented about the sale is that the new owners must keep the team in Ottawa.

However, the departure of the presumptive front-runner leaves the bidding war wide open. The NHL board were “very impressed” when they met Reynolds and appeared eager to have him buy the Senators. Galaioto Sports Partners, who are overseeing the sale, have declined to officially say how many bids they expect to receive. But of the ones that are public, there are obviously pros and cons to each. Sparks’ Hollywood-backed bid has the potential to bring major star power to Ottawa. However, it is also the least Canadian of the public-revealed bids. Conversely, many of the other bids are being led by wealthy Canadians but lack the star appeal of Hollywood. In a way, that’s what made Reynolds the perfect potential owner. However, all we can do now is wait and see who officially submits a bid before May 15. Get all the latest sports news here on HotNewHipHop

The Weeknd Becomes Latest Investor In Senators Bidding War

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The NHL’s Ottawa Senators are up for sale after the death of long-time owner Eugene Melnyk last year. While the Senators are a team long associated with the NHL, the current iteration of the franchise existed since 1992. They have never won the Stanley Cup, losing 4-1 to Anaheim Ducks in their only appearance in 2007. Furthermore, the Senators have not qualified for the playoffs since 2017.

There are currently four major bids to acquire ownership of the Senators. One bid is led by healthcare mogul Michael Andlauer. Another is helmed by real estate moguls, the Kimel Family. Then there are two Hollywood bids. The first is fronted by Canadian-born actor Ryan Reynolds. Meanwhile, the other is spearheaded by producer Neko Sparks. Spark’s ownership group also includes The Rock and Snoop Dogg. There are also reportedly three other groups interested in purchasing the team. The non-binding deadline to submit a bid is May 15.

The Weeknd Joins Kimel Family Bid

INDIO, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 21: The Weeknd performs with Metro Boomin at the Sahara tent during the 2023 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival on April 21, 2023 in Indio, California. (Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for Coachella)

Abel Tesfaye, better known as The Weeknd, was born in Toronto in 1990. According to a report from the Ottawa Sun, it’s The Weeknd’s Canadian roots and love of hockey that is getting him involved in the bidding war for the Senators. The Weeknd is reportedly joining the bid launched by Michael and Jeffrey Kimel. Sources told the Ottawa Sun that The Weeknd has agreed to a “commitment to be involved financially” with the Kimels’ bid.

“He’s going to be a great partner for Ottawa and the NHL,” a source close to The Weeknd said. “The team he works with grew up in Ottawa, so they know the market really well, but he’s the largest musician planet right now. He has the most views, the most streams and he’s a hockey guy.” The source continued, “He doesn’t like to be in the media very often so this really says something that he wants to be part of a bid. He wants to get this deal done, he wants to build something that will be great in Ottawa and he’ll be a good fit. He’s got a lot of connections worldwide.” It’s reported that NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman is eager to have the sale completed by the end of the summer.

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