Amid widespread concern over his health, Justin Bieber not only participated in a charity hockey game on Sunday in Los Angeles, but the native Canadian actually dropped gloves with NHL legend Jeremy Roenick.
‘We’re looking to have a good time and show when we come together, good things happen,’ Bieber said prior to the ‘Skate for LA Strong’ game aimed at benefitting victims of the recent wildfires.
Bieber’s participation in the game wasn’t a surprise, given his long-time affinity for the sport. However, Bieber decided to play at a time when his publicist is being forced to deny rumors of hard drug use.
After disturbing images of a gaunt Bieber surfaced recently, his rep told TMZ: ‘The recurring narrative that Justin is using hard drugs is absolutely not true.’
Bieber’s rep also explained that the new dad has endured a ‘very transformative’ past year, in which ‘he ended several close friendships and business relationships that no longer served him.’
On Sunday in LA, Bieber’s helmet and facemask prevented audiences from getting a good look at the singer. But even with his full gear, Bieber appeared happy, joking around with hockey great Mark Messier and engaging in a half-hearted brawl with Roenick.
Amid fears over Justin Bieber’s health, the Canadian singer participated in a charity hockey game on Sunday in Los Angeles. The event was staged to benefit LA wildfire victims
NHL legend Mark Messier (left) jokes around with fellow Canadian Justin Bieber on Sunday
Justin Bieber dropped the gloves with NHL legend Jeremy Roenick for a ‘fight’ on Sunday
And they weren’t the only celebrities to throw down.
‘Suits’ actor Ben Hollingsworth also squared up to former league defender PK Subban during the on-ice exhibition.
But unlike in USA-Canada during the 4 Nations Face-Off, these fights had no actual haymakers. In Bieber versus Roenick, the longtime center started the fight with his jersey over his head against the ‘Baby’ singer.
Bieber looked to throw a few body blows that did not connect with Roenick before the two were separated.
The fracas between Subban and Hollingsworth looked less planned, as the two started their bout like any normal NHL fight by tussling with each other.
Before either attempted to land a punch, Hollingsworth took Subban to the Crypto.com ice and they separated, with the now-ESPN analyst looking pissed.
A native of London, Ontario, Justin Bieber has made no secret of his love of hockey
Mark Messier #11 of the Team Blue, Anze Kopitar #11 of the Los Angeles Kings and Justin Bieber #6 of the Team Black during the ceremonial puck drop at Crypto.com Arena
‘Suits’ actor Ben Hollingsworth also squared up to former league defender PK Subban
Snoop Dogg was among the invited guests on Sunday night in Los Angeles
Justin Bieber #6 of Team Black greets Derek Armstrong #7 of Team Red during the Skate For LA Strong event at Crypto.com Arena on Sunday
‘No Days Off,’ Subban said of the fight on social media, with several fans asking the 35-year-old if he can still suit up for their favorite team.
Subban has come under fire recently for comment he made about President Donald Trump and how the 4 Nations was played compared to the NBA All-Star Game.
All proceeds from the game went to Los Angeles wildfire recovery, with each exhibition roster also having first responders play.
The NHL alumni and celebrities were spilt into four teams in the single-elimination tournament with a pair of celebrities coaching their squads.
The biggest hockey legend to participate was Mark Messier with some of the celebrity participants including Steve Carell and ‘Friday Night Lights’ star Taylor Kitsch. Team Red, with Roenick on the squad, won the charity event.
