Celine Dion surprises the crowd and announces Demidov’s selection in the 2024 NHL draft

The 18-year-old striker was left speechless after his famous name drop.

“It’s unbelievable. It’s like a book. Like a movie. It’s… me,” Demidov laughed during his post-selection press conference at the event, which featured the likes of boxing announcer Michael Buffer and former Sharks legend Joe Thornton.

The Queen of Pop was born outside of Montreal, but has resided in Nevada since 2003, when she made her Vegas debut. A new day—raising questions at the time about his potential allegiances after the Golden Knights joined the NHL in 2017.

After Friday’s high-profile appearance and a behind-the-scenes meeting last October, it appears the answer is clear.