Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl hit ice in Newmarket for beer-league hockey game
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But, in this case, it's fair to assume that the players on both sides would make an exception.
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None other than two of hockey's biggest stars, Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, showed up for a men's league game at Newmarket, Ont.'s Magna Centre on Wednesday night, hitting the ice with a group of average Joes.
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The Edmonton Oilers stars put on a show for the dozens of spectators in attendance at the local arena, who cheered wildly for the NHLers.
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Connor McDavid takes the ice at a beer league game in Newmarket, ON tonight 👀 pic.twitter.com/zyrG3hD2s2
— BarDown (@BarDown) July 17, 2025
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McDavid and Draisaitl, both wearing their Oilers practice jerseys without numbers on the back, stood out with their speed and skill – but clearly made sure not to show up their opponents or teammates.
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And there's Leon too 😭 https://t.co/Q9Z9QY9Ano pic.twitter.com/8Aupen1IL8
— BarDown (@BarDown) July 17, 2025
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Not the ideal start for 97 and 29 in Newmarket's beer league... 😅 pic.twitter.com/mOXpUWmv1q
— BarDown (@BarDown) July 17, 2025
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Clips from the game posted on social media show McDavid – who hails from Richmond Hill, just south of Newmarket — getting several breakaway chances, but being stymied every team by the opposing goalie.
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In the end, the side with the stars fell short in the game, losing 6-2 – causing many wisecracks on social media about the pair coming up short once again after losing in the Stanley Cup Final last month against the Florida Panthers.
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The refs involved in the game were more than complimentary towards the stars in an interview after the game.
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'Honestly, it's incredible to see them coming down the ice,' one of the refs said. 'It's like nothing you've ever seen.'
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'It's just really cool to be on the ice with them,' the second official said. 'Just to be kind of starstruck at the end of the day, as well.'
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When asked about the fact that the NHL stars, who have scored a combined 760 career goals, didn't light the lamp once during the game, the refs gave their props to the undaunted opposing goalie.
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'That goalie stood on his head out there,' the second ref said. 'So not too shocked, actually.'
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This isn't the first time that McDavid has popped by the Magna Centre for a little off-season competition. In 2023, he and Los Angeles Kings defenceman Quinton Byfield showed up for men's league game at the arena with Byfield's Red team besting McDavid's Blue squad by a score of 9-4.
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