. @CanadiensMTL P.K. Subban and Snoop Dogg will shoot hoops for charity this summer https://t.co/3RdC3OLEqF pic.twitter.com/E4ZAVlbRHQ
— NBC Sports (@NBCSports) May 12, 2016
P.K. Subban is fast becoming the face of the National Hockey League, and accepting the challenge from Snoop Dogg to a basketball game for charity can only help.
Subban loves the spotlight and he loves making people happy. In 2015, he did both in a big way when he donated 10 million dollars to the Montreal Children’s Hospital. His next benevolent moment will take place this summer on the basketball court of the Verdun Auditorium in Montreal, where Subban and Snoop along with a star-studded ensemble will go head-to-head to raise funds for each man’s cause.
A portion of the proceeds from the 4,000-seat venue will go to Subban’s Montreal Children’s Hospital Foundation and Snoop Dogg’s Youth Football foundation.
It’s a great opportunity for the Canadiens defensemen to bring attention not only to his name but also his entire sport. It’s rare that NHLers get to mix it up with stars the likes of Snoop D-O-Double-G. So far, Subban has done a great job of growing the game of hockey with his work as “Hockey Ambassador” for Scotiabank as well as his countless commercials and media appearances.
P.K. Subban has all the intangibles to be the face of the game. He plays for the league’s most storied franchise in the Montreal Canadiens. He’s talented, articulate, and handsome. He’s got star power and celebrity friends. He knows how to have a good time without getting into trouble. Short of a Stanley Cup win, he’s got it all going for him and going in the right direction — not to mention being the most fashionable man in hockey:
Yesterday I gave @E60 a tour of my closet… @JeremySchaap looking good buddy!! pic.twitter.com/ulJRIdKuAg
— P.K. Subban (@PKSubban1) April 6, 2016
Snoop Dogg has always been a sports enthusiast and he’s been getting more involved with the NHL, which bodes well for the league. In terms of popularity, within the four major North American sports, the NHL still lags behind the NFL, MLB, and NBA. Snoop Dogg says he “loves” hockey and there’s no better clip to prove why:
P.K. Subban got to know Snoop Dogg during the Canadiens California road trip. It was there that they unofficially agreed to putting the charity basketball game together. The two saw eye-to-eye – well not literally, as Snoop has about half-a-foot on Subban, something that could be troublesome for the Canadiens defensemen when they square off on the hardwood. Subban gave Snoop one of his jerseys as a token of their friendship. A friendship where Snoop refers to P.K. as his “nephew” and Subban respectfully retorts by calling him “Uncle Snoop.”
P.K. and Snoop will each recruit 11 teammates of notoriety to play in the game. Subban, who is a native of Toronto, might look to the Raptors for support. Snoop Dogg probably has the more impressive rolodex when it comes to NBA connections, so Subban might be in trouble when it comes to drafting a team. If no one from the NBA answers the call, maybe Colts QB Andrew Luck might be an option as a passer, seen here with Subban:
Hanging with the best of the best #drewluck pic.twitter.com/Fc75yEWNJS
— P.K. Subban (@PKSubban1) April 23, 2016
There’s a lot of positive speculation surrounding the basketball charity event between Snoop and “Subby.” Making this an annual attraction would be fantastic for Montreal, as it would give the city another great summertime event for its citizens and the international aspect could improve tourism. It has the possibility of being televised next year, which bodes well for NHL and NBA exposure. Perhaps most interestingly is it might further the process of getting Montreal a basketball team in the NBA (something the city has never had). NBA basketball is one of the most exciting sports to watch in the world and the party atmosphere within NBA stadiums would fit perfectly for a city known for having a good time.
The game between the “Doggfather” and the “Subbanator” will take place Saturday, June 11, at the Verdun Auditorium in Montreal, hosted by Just For Laughs in conjunction with Montreal’s Grand Prix Weekend.
Call (1) 514-845-2322 or visit hahaha.com , for ticket information.
[Photo by Federick Breedon/Getty Images]