Celine Dion announces Demidov selection at 2024 NHL draft

Celine Dion announced Montreal Canadiens chose Ivan Demidov fifth overall
Ivan Demidov said hearing Dion call his name was 'unbelievable'
Dion's appearance comes after her diagnosis with stiff person syndrome

Updated: Jul 1, 2024 / 01:03 PM EDT

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – JUNE 28: Celine Dion announces the fifth overall pick of the Montreal Canadiens onstage during the first round of the 2024 Upper Deck NHL Draft at Sphere on June 28, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Dave Sandford/NHLI via Getty Images)

(NewsNation) — Celine Dion made a surprise appearance at the 2024 National Hockley League draft to help the Montreal Canadiens announce their newest team member in Las Vegas.

“With the fifth overall selection in the 2024 NHL draft, the Montreal Canadiens are proud to select Ivan Demidov,” the five-time Grammy winner and Canadian native announced.

Demidov, who is 18, said that hearing Dion call his name was “unbelievable.”

“It’s unbelievable. It’s like a book. Like a movie. It’s … me,” Demidov said during his post-selection press conference at the event.

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – JUNE 28: Ivan Demidov poses for a photo with Celine Dion and team personnel onstage after being selected fifth overall by the Montreal Canadiens during the first round of the 2024 Upper Deck NHL Draft at Sphere on June 28, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Dave Sandford/NHLI via Getty Images)

Dion and longtime boxing announcer Michael Buffer shared the stage with former Sharks star Joe Thornton and rookie of the year Connor Bedard, announcing the selections to give the event a true Vegas flair.

As for Dion’s appearance, Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson was so excited he took a picture of the pop icon and sent it to his mother.

Dion’s appearance comes amid her diagnosis with stiff person syndrome.

The Associated Press contributed to this story.