Rap icon Snoop Dogg seen sporting an NHL team’s logo

Snoop Dogg’s Passion for Sports and Hockey: The Rap Legend’s Surprising Connection to the Ottawa Senators

For decades, celebrities and sports have gone hand in hand, creating some of the most iconic pop culture moments in history. From courtside appearances at NBA games to star-studded Super Bowl parties, Hollywood’s biggest names have often shown their love for athletics. Among these celebrity sports enthusiasts, few are as passionate and involved as rap icon Snoop Dogg.

Snoop Dogg, known for his laid-back West Coast vibe and chart-topping hits, has always been vocal about his love for sports. Whether serving as a correspondent at the 2024 Paris Olympics or openly professing his loyalty to the Los Angeles Lakers, Snoop has cemented his reputation as one of the biggest sports fanatics in Hollywood.

However, the Grammy-nominated artist hasn’t let his sports fandom overshadow his illustrious music career. Recently, the 53-year-old released his 20th studio album, Missionary, a collaboration with legendary producer Dr. Dre. The album, which pays homage to the 30th anniversary of Snoop’s groundbreaking Doggystyle release, has been a major highlight for fans of both hip-hop and nostalgia.

In the midst of the buzz surrounding Missionary, Complex released a behind-the-scenes video documenting the album’s creation. While music lovers were thrilled to hear Snoop and Dre share insights about their creative process, sports fans noticed something equally fascinating. In the footage, Snoop is seen in the recording studio wearing a sweater that merges the logos of the Ottawa Senators and Death Row Records, the label that launched his career.

The sight of Snoop Dogg rocking an NHL team’s logo, especially one from Canada, left fans buzzing. While it might seem surprising to see the “Doggfather” repping the Senators, his love for hockey is no secret. Back in 2018, Snoop hosted a popular segment called “Hockey 101 with Snoop” on NHL.com, where he explained the rules of the sport in his signature entertaining style. Additionally, he lent his voice to EA Sports’ NHL 20, where he provided commentary and even appeared as a playable character.

Snoop’s connection to the Ottawa Senators isn’t limited to his wardrobe choices. In 2023, he joined a Los Angeles-based ownership group, which also included R&B superstar The Weeknd, to bid for the NHL franchise. While the group ultimately lost out to Canadian billionaire Michael Andlauer, the attempt showcased Snoop’s deep interest in the team and his commitment to bringing more diversity and excitement to hockey.

The timing of the sweater’s appearance in the documentary added another layer to the story. Reports suggest the footage was filmed in March 2022, nearly a year before Snoop’s interest in purchasing the team became public. This has led fans to speculate that the sweater was an early nod to his eventual involvement with the Senators bid. Even though the purchase didn’t materialize, the sight of Snoop representing a Canadian NHL team was a memorable moment for both music and sports fans.

Snoop Dogg’s dedication to hockey highlights his unique role as a cultural bridge between two seemingly unrelated worlds—hip-hop and the NHL. As hockey struggles to gain the same level of attention as other major sports in North America, having an icon like Snoop advocate for the game brings much-needed visibility. His support also reflects his broader commitment to promoting diversity in sports, a mission he’s carried through his involvement in youth football leagues and beyond.

Whether it’s through his love for hockey, his involvement with the Ottawa Senators, or his unforgettable contributions to music, Snoop Dogg continues to be a larger-than-life figure who transcends genres and industries. One thing is certain: his ties to hockey are far from over. Fans can expect the rap legend to keep championing the sport in his own unique and authentic way, proving once again why he’s one of the most beloved figures in entertainment and sports culture alike.