The 2025 NHL Draft was a particularly Happy occasion last night night in Los Angeles, but not just for all of the young hopeful players who got drafted onto their dream teams. Hockey’s biggest event of the year became one to remember when Adam Sandler took the stage in character as none other than Happy Gilmore to announce the first-round picks for the Boston Bruins.
Sandler, 58, donned the same Bruins jersey that his character wears in the iconic ’90s film Happy Gilmore, as he was introduced on stage by NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman. Sandler instantly appeared on the massive screen behind Bettman, effortlessly slipping into character. “My name is Happy Gilmore, how are you?” he said, and was immediately met with a collective cheer from the crowd.
Cheers continued as Sandler, remaining in character, announced the Bruins’ first pick of James Hagens, who played center at Boston College. Hagens was the number 7 overall pick, and Sandler— as Gilmore— made sure to congratulate him, saying, “Way to go, homie!” He then proceeded to perform his character’s legendary horsey ride atop his hockey stick, leaving fans roaring with joy.
The character of Happy Gilmore is a Bruins fan largely because Adam Sandler is a Bruins fan in real life. Born in Brooklyn, New York, but raised in New Hampshire, Sandler developed an allegiance to his home team early on and drew inspiration in creating his famed move character.
Sandler’s revival of the volatile and often immature, yet beloved character coincides with the upcoming release of Happy Gilmore‘s long-awaited sequel, Happy Gilmore 2. In the film, Sandler reprises his titular role alongside his illustrious cast mates Julie Bowen, who plays Virginia Venit, and Christopher McDonald, in the role of Gilmore’s rival, Shooter McGavin. The film is headed to Netflix on July 25, 2025.
