It’s not every day that two of the NHL’s most elite players lace up their skates for a low-key recreational beer league game. But that’s exactly what happened recently in Newmarket, Ontario, where Edmonton Oilers superstars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl stunned fans by showing up to play in what would otherwise have been just another weeknight game.
Word spread like wildfire once the two showed up at the local Toronto-area rink. Videos and pictures flooded social media, and fans poured in to catch a glimpse of the dynamic duo in action, skating not under the bright lights of Rogers Place, but rather in a casual, non-professional setting.
NHL Insider Doubts Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl’s Scoreless Beer League Showing
But what caught people’s attention wasn’t just their appearance; it was the shocking report that both McDavid and Draisaitl were held off the scoresheet in a 6-2 loss. That’s right: two of the NHL’s top scorers, who together have totaled hundreds of points in a single season, apparently went pointless in a recreational league game.
Cue NHL insider Frank Seravalli, who couldn’t help but weigh in on the bizarre turn of events during his segment on the NHL Insider Notebook.
“First off, thank God I wasn’t on the other end of that,” Seravalli joked. “That would certainly strike the fear of God into me going up against those two guys and how well they skate in any sort of beer league appearance.” (18:30 – 19:30)
But as amusing as the idea of beer leaguers facing down two NHL MVPs might be, Seravalli expressed skepticism over the claims that McDavid and Draisaitl didn’t record a single point in the game.
“I don’t know about the reporting,” he said. “Were those scores accurate? Were they really held off the board? Maybe they were just out there having fun.”
It’s a fair point. The structure of beer league games is often relaxed, no official stat-keepers, casual defensive play, and certainly no real pressure to perform. If McDavid and Draisaitl were simply playing for the enjoyment of it, they might not have been pushing for highlight-reel goals or even taking the game seriously.
Another factor to consider is the dynamic of the teams they played with. Beer leagues are typically filled with players of widely varying skill levels. It’s entirely possible the duo didn’t want to embarrass opponents or overshadow their teammates. There’s also the real chance that, by mutual agreement, they took a back seat during the game to preserve the friendly spirit of the league.
The game featured McDavid and Draisaitl wearing Oilers practice jerseys with no numbers, keeping their appearance casual despite being two of the NHL’s biggest stars. While neither of them scored during the game, the crowd wasn’t disappointed; they were just excited to watch the two legends play up close.
McDavid and Draisaitl chose not to go all out. Instead of dominating the game, they kept the intensity low to make sure everyone on the ice could enjoy the moment. It wasn’t about showing off; it was about having fun.
After the match, the referees shared what it felt like to officiate a game with two Hart Trophy winners. They praised the players for their respectful attitude, saying that McDavid and Draisaitl didn’t try to steal the spotlight or outshine their teammates and opponents.
The refs and fans also gave credit to the opposing goalie, who did a great job holding his ground against two of the best hockey players in the world. Despite all the excitement, the game remained relaxed and enjoyable for everyone involved.
Whether they scored or not, their presence alone was a gift to fans and players alike. Imagine being a local rec player and stepping onto the ice to find yourself lined up against two of the best to ever play the game. For many, it was the kind of unforgettable hockey moment you only dream about.