James Hagens’ NHL fantasy realized had an unplanned Hollywood spin—and he just had to express gratitude to the celebrity responsible in person. The Boston Bruins draft pick met actor Adam Sandler a few days after the legendary funny man, spoofing Happy Gilmore, comically made the pick of Hagens during the 2025 NHL Draft. It was “one of the coolest moments” of his life, James Hagens said, when Adam Sandler, in character as his beloved Happy Gilmore, came on a viral video to break the news that the Boston Bruins had drafted James Hagens in the first round of the 2025 NHL Draft. “It’s something that doesn’t feel real,” James Hagens said on draft night. “He’s a funny guy so hopefully I can meet him in person one day.” On Monday evening in New York City, Hagens witnessed the glamour premiere of Happy Gilmore 2, opening July 25. There, Hagens met Sandler in person and introduced himself to him as he celebrated the sequel to the original 1996 sports comedy in which he famously sported a Bruins jersey—forging a connection with the team and its fans that has continued for decades. The Boston Bruins all shared the moment on Twitter with a tongue-in-cheek caption, “Thank you for drafting me.” The video caught Hagens’ enthusiasm and Sandler’s corresponding warm response—a full-circle moment for the Bruins prospect and die-hard hockey fan. For Hagens, being drafted by the Boston Bruins was a dream realized. But having Happy Gilmore himself break the news? That’s a movie moment—literally. With Happy Gilmore 2 coming to screens later this year, and Hagens getting ready for his future on the ice, the silver screen and the NHL both just got that little bit more fun.
