Ivan Demidov, the 18-year-old Russian hockey player, was chosen fifth overall in the 2024 NHL Draft. What made this moment even more special was the superstar singer Celine Dion announcing his name.
Celine Dion, a legendary figure in the music world, took to the stage at the Sphere in Las Vegas to announce the Montreal Canadiens’ first-round pick. Accompanied by her 23-year-old son, René-Charles Dion Angélil, Dion delivered a bilingual greeting before making the announcement. “With the fifth overall selection in the 2024 NHL Draft, the Montreal Canadiens are proud to select Ivan Demidov,” she declared, creating what NHL announcers called “the most dramatic draft announcement of all time.”
The tension in the room was palpable as Dion paused before saying Demidov’s name. The announcers even joked that “Montreal is saying ‘merci’ to the Anaheim Ducks for not picking him,” as the Ducks had shown interest in Demidov for their third overall pick.
In his post-draft press conference, Demidov was asked about the experience of having Dion announce his name. “It’s unbelievable. It’s like a book. Like a movie. It’s… me,” he laughed. When reporters suggested he might be too young to know Dion’s music, the Russian teen assured them, “No, I know. I watched the Titanic.” Dion’s “My Heart Will Go On,” the theme song from the 1997 film Titanic, is a timeless classic that spent two weeks atop the Billboard Hot 100.
Dion, born about 15 miles outside Montreal in Charlemagne, Quebec, has been a vocal fan of the Canadiens for years. She has also called Las Vegas home for the past two decades, with two long-standing residencies at Caesars Palace. Her appearance at the NHL Draft came just days after the release of the Prime Video documentary “I Am: Celine Dion,” which chronicles her health battle with Stiff Person Syndrome, a rare autoimmune neurological disorder.
The Canadiens’ decision to bring out Dion to announce their pick was a masterstroke. It is common for NHL teams to bring out former players, current players, or special guests to announce their first-round pick, but the Canadiens took it to another level with Dion. Her presence added a touch of glamour and drama to the event, making it a memorable moment for everyone involved.
As for the pick itself, Demidov is an outstanding selection for the Canadiens and a potential steal even at No. 5. He is arguably the second-most talented player in the draft behind only No. 1 overall pick Macklin Celebrini. NHL teams are sometimes hesitant to draft players out of Russia due to uncertainties about how long it will take them to transition to the NHL. However, Demidov could end up being worth the risk and could provide the Canadiens with the impact goal-scorer they desperately need for their rebuild.
The Canadiens’ draft strategy was clear: they were looking for top-tier talent to bolster their roster. Demidov, with his elite offensive instincts, fantastic shot, and high-end creativity, fits the bill perfectly. His selection marks a significant step in the Canadiens’ rebuilding process, and fans are hopeful that he will play a crucial role in the team’s future success.
The Canadiens also made another significant move in the draft by selecting Michael Hage with the 21st overall pick. Hage, an 18-year-old forward from the Chicago Steel of the United States Hockey League (USHL), had an excellent season, scoring 33 goals and 42 assists in 54 games. His addition further strengthens the Canadiens’ prospect pool and adds depth to their forward lineup.
Overall, the 2024 NHL Draft was a night to remember for the Montreal Canadiens and their fans. The selection of Ivan Demidov, announced by the iconic Celine Dion, was a highlight of the evening. It showcased the Canadiens’ commitment to building a strong team for the future and provided a moment of excitement and pride for the franchise and its supporters.
As the Canadiens continue their rebuild, the addition of talented players like Demidov and Hage will be crucial. With the support of their passionate fan base and the guidance of their management team, the Canadiens are poised to make significant strides in the coming years. The 2024 NHL Draft will be remembered as a pivotal moment in the team’s journey, marked by the unforgettable announcement from one of the world’s most beloved singers.
Source: Jeff Vinnick/NHLI via Getty Images, Robert Hanashiro/USA TODAY NETWORK
