VIDEO | Animated Conor McGregor Attends First NHL Game

Conor McGregor had a busy Saturday celebrating his homeland.

After walking the 2019 Chicago St. Patrick’s Day parade, alongside the likes of Mayor Rahm Emanuel (brother of WME CEO Ari Emanuel), McGregor flew his private jet to his home away from home — Boston, Massachusetts.

Shortly after his plane landed, McGregor was honored at the Boston Bruins game against the Columbus Blue Jackets. The Bruins organization featured McGregor as the ceremonial puck dropper, as part of their Irish Heritage Night.

The animated McGregor walked out of the runway tunnel to his signature mashup track of Sinéad O’Connor’s “Foggy Dew” and Notorious B.I.G.’s “Hypnotize”. McGregor received a thunderous ovation, as a highlight video was played on the screen.

Clearly fired up, McGregor took a couple of moments to pump up the crowd as Bruins captain Zdeno Chara and Columbus’s Boone Jenner watched on.

Speaking with NESN’s Dale Arnold in between periods, McGregor revealed it was the first hockey game he’s ever attended. The “Notorious” one also revealed he delivered a pump-up speech to the home team prior to puck drop.

“I am undefeated in this building, just like the Bostonians themselves — that’s what I told the team in there,” McGregor said. “That’s what I said when I walked in there. I said, ‘Are you’s ready for war? When I say Boston, you say strong. Boston Strong! Boston Strong!’ They all rose up with that energy, and I look forward to seeing that transfer onto the [ice].”

“I said to the Boston Bruins team, ‘Which one of you’s is the enforcer?” McGregor continued. “They all looked around, and I said, ‘Tonight, you’re all the enforcers!”

Unsurprisingly, the former UFC “Champ Champ” went on to express his interest in the combat side of ice hockey.

“I’m looking forward to an exchange happening,” McGregor said. “I know there’s enforcers in this game. I know that combat is somewhat allowed, somewhat refereed, and somewhat prepared for.”

In addition to Saturday night’s festivities, McGregor will also be marching in South Boston’s legendary St. Patrick’s Day parade, alongside Mayor Marty Walsh.

Before finishing his interview with NESN, McGregor expressed gratitude towards Boston’s strong Irish American population, claiming the support lit a fire under him.

“I’m very, very, very grateful for the support of these amazing people,” McGregor said. “Nothing gets done without support and without unity. We must support each other and back each other. That’s how heroes are born. I appreciate it and it motivates me to get back to work and keep pushing barriers and boundaries — things people say I cannot do.”