Justin Bieber is more than just a Canadian pop music superstar. He’s a passionate Toronto Maple Leafs fan, who was “blessed” to receive a gift from the team.
On Friday, Bieber sent out an Instagram video where he shows off a framed goalie stick autographed by the entire Maple Leafs team.
A plack on the framed stick reads: “Presented to Justin Bieber on the occasion of his two sold out shows at Air Canada Centre – July 25 and July 26, 2013.”
Maple Leafs Sports & Entertainment president and CEO Tim Leiweke even makes a brief cameo in the video, saying the franchise has “never done this before.”
Bieber, 19, grew up in Stratford, Ont., cheering for the Leafs. He even practised with the team in 2011 as part of a special Children’s Wish Foundation of Canada event.
Earlier in the week he released another Instagram video of him and two friends wearing Leafs jerseys saying they will be suiting up for the Leafs this upcoming season.
(Someone should inform Dave Nonis and Randy Carlyle of this immediately, don’t you think?)
The Biebs has had an interesting year when it comes to his relationship with the NHL and its fans.
He garnered some backlash from fans and players for stepping on the Chicago Blackhawks’ team logo in their dressing earlier in the summer while taking photos of/with the Stanley Cup.