Bruins’ 1st-round pick James Hagens enjoyed Adam Sandler’s draft announcement
"I love 'Happy Gilmore.' It's my favorite movie."
As the NHL held its first decentralized draft outside of the COVID year, the league opted to do something creative with announcements of its first-round picks in the 2025 NHL Draft. Hockey icons, sports stars, and celebrities helped announce where each first-round pick will call home for the foreseeable future on Friday.
The person who announced the Bruins’ first-round pick received one of the larger ovations from the crowd at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. Adam Sandler, who was in character as Happy Gilmore, announced Boston’s selection of Boston College center James Hagens with the No. 7 overall pick.
“My name is Happy Gilmore, how are you? Proud to be part of the 2025 NHL Draft,” Sandler said in a video. “The Boston Bruins select from Boston College, James Hagens. Way to go homie!”
When Hagens met with reporters after getting selected at the draft, he specifically mentioned how awesome it was to have his name announced by Sandler.
“You’re just sitting there, waiting to hear your name called,” Hagens said. “When you hear Adam Sandler call it, it’s pretty cool. This is a really cool moment.”
In fact, Hagens is quite the Sandler and “Happy Gilmore” fan.
“It was probably one of the coolest moments I’ve ever had. I love ‘Happy Gilmore.’ It’s my favorite movie,” Hagens said. “Seeing him up on the screen, you’re hoping he says your name and he says Boston College. It’s just something that doesn’t feel real. He’s a funny guy, so hopefully I can meet him someday.”
Beyond Sandler, some other notable celebrities to announce draft picks on Friday included Charles Barkley (Flyers), Jerry Bruckheimer (Kraken), Dave Coulier (Red Wings), Nikki Glaser (Blues), and the Goo Goo Dolls (Sabres).
The person who received the loudest ovation, though, was Meredith Gaudreau, who announced the Blue Jackets’ first-round selection. Gaudreau, the widow of former Boston College star Johnny Gaudreau, received a standing ovation as fans chanted, “Johnny!”
“I just wanted to take this time to thank every single team and every single fanbase for your support for my family this past season,” Gaudreau said. “It’s truly an honor to be here. From the bottom of my heart, I thank you.”
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