Pittsburgh Penguins Stolen Jagr Bobbleheads Found
Pittsburgh Penguins fans rejoice -- the thousands of Jaromir Jagr bobbleheads that were stolen earlier this month have been located and returned ... and the team is now preparing to hand them out to their rightful new owners.
The organization released a statement on the development Monday ... saying a special cargo recovery team was able to negotiate the return of the bobbles and secure them at a warehouse in Ontario, CA.
The mini Jagrs then made their way to the Steel City ... and are slated to eventually arrive at PPG Paints Arena at some point in the next week.
Of course, the giveaways were originally supposed to go to fans in attendance for the March 14 game against the San Jose Sharks ... as part of a big night to celebrate the NHL legend's historic career.
The team said the Jagr bobbleheads will be made available to those with tix to the original game starting April 6 ... and it will host a drive-thru pickup period at the arena as well.
The heist was a big deal -- the team worked with local and federal law enforcement to track the bobbles ... and now all is right with the world again.
related articles
'Mighty Ducks' Star Shaun Weiss Leading 'Quack' Chant ... Flinging Jerseys Into Crowd
-
Exclusive
- 468 shares
![032424_shaun_weiss-kal_V2](https://imagez.tmz.com/image/d0/16by9/2024/03/24/d04bfe5adb734f20b4bee8cc6421afcd_md.jpg)
"Mighty Ducks" star Shaun Weiss knows how to get a crowd excited ... leading an audience in an iconic 'Ducks' chant -- and tossing out signed gear.
The actor/comedian -- best known as Goldberg the Goalie from the 'Ducks' trilogy -- hit up the House of Blues in Anaheim for country singer Niko Moon's tour.
Weiss & Moon are both former addicts, and we're told Moon wanted to highlight Weiss' recovery -- pointing to him as a "hometown hero" of sorts -- since the Anaheim Ducks, who actually got their name from the film series, play real close to the House of Blues.
CELINE DION LIVIN' ON A PRAYER AT NHL GAME!!! Rockin' Amid Health Woes
Celine Dion's proving she can still rock by jamming out to Bon Jovi at a Boston Bruins game ... and the heartwarming video also makes it clear she's not letting her health challenges stop her from living life to the max.
Check out the clip -- Celine didn't hold back as she started singing along to the rock band's classic "Livin' on a Prayer" Thursday night at the Bruins game against the NY Rangers ... a rare public appearance amid her ongoing Stiff-Person Syndrome battle.
📈 | Céline Dion playing her iconic imaginary non-existent electric guitar at the TD Garden.pic.twitter.com/9hclr1UJE2
— Céline Dion Charts (@celinebible) March 22, 2024 @celinebible
Celine's right in the thick of the action at Boston's TD Garden alongside her twin sons Nelson and Eddy ... when the camera zeroes in on her as she pumps her fists in the air and claps along while singing along to the catchy tune.
Celine Dion is indeed at the Bruins game. pic.twitter.com/8U237fOY71
— Conor Ryan (@ConorRyan_93) March 22, 2024 @ConorRyan_93
Her inner rockstar comes alive in the X clip shared by fan account @celinebible ... she rises from her seat to unleash an air guitar solo that's pure magic.
You can take the girl off the stage, but you can't take the performer outta her!
Now, THAT'S a legendary lineup read 🎤 🎶 @celinedion | #BehindTheB pic.twitter.com/xCqj0pAWRv
— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) March 22, 2024 @NHLBruins
Celine wasn't just there to watch the game ... she and her sons got the royal treatment from Bruins coach Jim Montgomery, who introduced them to the team for a legendary line-up read.
The icon's ice hockey antics came hot on the heels of her heartfelt tribute on International Stiff-Person Syndrome Awareness Day ... where she thanked her family, team, and fans for all their love and support since her diagnosis.
![celine dion sad](https://imagez.tmz.com/image/1c/16by9/2022/12/08/1c9626c38eec4117b7781623647ab9b0_md.png)
Celine was diagnosed with SPS in 2022, and she's been fighting tooth and nail to cope with the autoimmune disorder, even pulling the plug on her tour to prioritize her health.
The truth is ... she has her good days, and bad ones too during this battle. Her sister has said at times Celine is suffering and completely immobilized.
But, CD's shining moment at the NHL game is proof she's doing all she can to get back in the groove.
related articles
Aryna Sabalenka Mourns Konstantin Koltsov's Passing ... Confirms Split Before Death
Tennis star Aryna Sabalenka is breaking her silence on Konstantin Koltsov's passing ... calling it "an unthinkable tragedy" -- while confirming the two had split prior to his death.
Sabalenka -- who dated the former NHL player from 2021 until recently -- penned a heartfelt message on her Instagram page Wednesday evening ... two days after Koltsov had died in Miami.
"Konstantin's death is an unthinkable tragedy," she wrote, "and while we were no longer together, my heart is broken."
"Please respect my privacy and his family's privacy during this difficult time."
It's unclear when Sabalenka and Koltsov officially called things off ... but she had just posted a collage of photos and videos of them together for his birthday last April.
Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.
Sabalenka is still expected to compete in this weekend's Miami Open in the wake of the tragedy, although she reportedly will not speak to media members throughout the event. She's slated to play her first match at the tournament on Friday.
As we reported, Koltsov -- an ex-Pittsburgh Penguins first-round pick -- was found dead at around 12:39 AM on Monday at the St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort. Cops suspect he died by suicide ... saying in a statement that no foul play was apparent.
An investigation, however, remains ongoing.
related articles
Ex-NHLer Chris Simon Died By Suicide ... Family Believes He Suffered From CTE
-
Breaking News
- 221 shares
Ex-NHL player Chris Simon's family is revealing the tragic details surrounding his sudden passing ... confirming the 52-year-old took his own life, and they believe it was the result of CTE.
The former enforcer's loved ones released a statement via his former agent Paul Theofanous on Wednesday ... saying they saw Simon show strong signs of Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy, a brain disease caused from concussions and traumatic head injuries.
"The family strongly believes and witnessed firsthand, that Chris struggled immensely from CTE which unfortunately resulted in his death," the statement read.
"We are grieving with the loss of our son, brother, father, partner, teammate and friend," the family continued. "The entire Wawa community is sharing in our grief. We will not be releasing any further details at this time and ask for privacy during this very difficult time. We appreciate everyone who shares in our tragic loss."
As we previously reported, the hockey community was devastated by the news ... and an outpour of tributes came out in honor of the 15-year NHL vet.
The NHL Alumni Association addressed the loss ... saying, "Chris was never afraid to stand up for his teammates, and played a key role in the dressing room. He was a beloved friend, father, brother, and son."
Chris won a Stanley Cup with the Colorado Avalanche in 1996 ... and played for several other teams, including the Washington Capitals, Chicago Blackhawks, Calgary Flames and New York Islanders.
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org.
related articles
Ex-Capitals' Chris Simon NHL Enforcer Dead At 52 Years Old ... Stanley Cup Champ
Longtime NHL player Chris Simon -- known as one of the most ferocious and scary athletes on the ice -- has died at 52.
Simon played 15 seasons in the National Hockey League, including stops with the Colorado Avalanche, Washington Capitals, Chicago Blackhawks, Calgary Flames, and New York Islanders where he was a feared enforcer, racking up over 100 fights and nearly 2k penalty minutes throughout his decade and a half career.
The NHL Alumni Association broke the news of Simon's death on Tuesday, saying ... "Chris was never afraid to stand up for his teammates, and played a key role in the dressing room. He was a beloved friend, father, brother, and son."
Simon's pro hockey career started in 1990 when the Philadelphia Flyers selected the Canadian native with the 25th overall pick in the NHL Draft.
CS won a Stanley Cup title with the Avalanche in 1996.
Chris also played in the Ontario Hockey League and eventually joined the Kontinental Hockey League before retiring in 2013.
Hearing early reports that former NHL player Chris Simon has passed away at the age of 52 😔
— Missin Curfew (@MissinCurfew) March 19, 2024 @MissinCurfew
One of the toughest players ever to play the game 🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/dKO8leLeyu
Simon was most known for being a dog on the ice ... and having the backs of his teammates. In fact, he was suspended eight times during his NHL career for a total of 65 games.
Unfortunately, Simon's death comes just hours after news of Konstantin Koltsov's passing ... a suspected suicide.
He was 52.
RIP
related articles
Ex-NHLer Konstantin Koltsov Dead At 42 ... Cops Suspect Suicide
-
Exclusive Details
- 60 shares
UPDATE
10:42 AM PT -- The Miami-Dade Police Department tells TMZ Sports ... Konstantin Koltsov was found dead in an apparent suicide at around 12:39 AM on Monday at the St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort.
An investigation into the death is ongoing, but cops said no foul play is currently suspected.
Ex-NHL player Konstantin Koltsov -- the boyfriend of tennis star Aryna Sabalenka -- has died.
The hockey player's former club in Russia, Salavat Yulaev, announced the heartbreaking news Tuesday ... though further details surrounding his death were not made immediately available.
"He was a strong and cheerful person," Salavat Yulaev officials said, "he was loved and respected by players, colleagues, and fans. Konstantin Evgenievich forever wrote himself into the history of our club."
"May he rest in peace."
Koltsov got his start in the NHL after the Pittsburgh Penguins selected him with the 18th overall pick in the 1999 draft. He eventually logged time on the ice for the team in the 2002-03, 2003-04 and 2005-06 seasons.
After becoming a free agent in 2006, he jetted to play professionally in Russia, signing on with Salavat Yulaev. Following his playing days, he later returned to the team as an assistant coach.
Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.
In 2021, Koltsov began dating Sabalenka -- the No. 2-ranked women's tennis player in the country -- and the couple appeared inseparable.
Throughout their years of dating, 25-year-old Sabalenka posted him on her Instagram page often ... most recently sending him birthday wishes in April with a sweet collage of pics and videos.
Sabalenka was just seen competing at Indian Wells last week ... and had been slated to play in this weekend's Miami Open.
Koltsov was just 42 years old.
RIP.
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org.
Originally Published -- 6:18 AM PT
related articles
NHL Star Nathan MacKinnon That's Gotta Puckin' Hurt!!! Bloodied After Hit To Face
NHL Star Nathan MacKinnon is proving once again why hockey players are not like the rest of us -- the Avalanche center was a bloodied mess after getting rocked in the face by a puck during a game ... but somehow, he was back on the ice just minutes later!!
The incredible act of toughness went down during the second period of Colorado's matchup against the Tampa Bay Lightning on Thursday ... when a puck was deflected right into his schnoz.
Nathan MacKinnon went straight down the tunnel after taking a puck to the face 😳 pic.twitter.com/R0F5dtcqVc
— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) February 16, 2024 @BR_OpenIce
Blood immediately flowed from the Stanley Cup champ's face ... leaving a trail as he rushed into the tunnel, clearly rattled by the gnarly hit.
But, this is a hockey guy we're talking about ... so, naturally, he wouldn't let the injury keep him out of the contest for long.
In fact, he rejoined his teammates shortly after getting cleaned up ... with a noticeably larger visor on his helmet.
MacKinnon's heroic return and two assists in the game weren't enough to snag a win for the Avs ... as Colorado fell to Tampa Bay, 6-3.
Ice up, champ!!
related articles
Tate McRae y Kid LAROI se dan la mano durante el fin de semana
Tate McRae parece tener una nueva llama en The Kid LAROI, es decir, si su apretón de manos durante el fin de semana puede tomarse en serio.
La cantante fue vista muy cariñosa con el artista australiano. Fueron fotografiados de la mano saliendo de una cena con Justin y Hailey Bieber el sábado, esto en los talones de su cabeza de cartel en el partido de la NHL All-Star de manera espectacular.
![020524_kid_laroi_date_kal](https://imagez.tmz.com/image/89/16by9/2024/02/05/894147325d384ddaaa0889ef451b7d13_md.jpg)
Desde la demostración de amor en público, la gente está asumiendo lo obvio... que están saliendo.
El lenguaje corporal de Tate y TKL definitivamente parecía estar telegrafiando una relación entre ellos y Kid parecía feliz de jugar al caballero, llevando Tate en su carro de forma romántica.
La pareja dio inicio a los rumores de citas apenas el mes pasado, apareciendo de vacaciones juntos en México, y más tarde fueron vistos disfrutando de un tiempo a solas en Los Ángeles en un restaurante italiano de lujo llamado Giorgio Baldi.
Tate estaba saliendo con la estrella de hockey sobre hielo Cole Sillinger, que supuestamente inspiró su mega-éxito "Greedy" de 2023 que filmó reveladoramente en una pista de hockey sobre hielo.
Su actuación el pasado fin de semana fue un poco irónico en ese sentido, pero ahora, ella tiene un nuevo amor.
En cuanto a Kid, estuvo saliendo con la influencer Katarina Deme durante tres años antes de borrar todo rastro de ella de su Insta en agosto de 2023. A primera vista, todos se atraen mutuamente.
![kanye_promo_kal](https://imagez.tmz.com/image/14/16by9/2024/02/02/146d40289eb04361bff0a631015163ce_md.jpg)
Hay que reconocer que hacen una pareja muy linda, sobre todo cuando están en el Canadá natal de ella. Hablando de amor codicioso de nuevo, ¿eh?
TATE MCRAE HAND IN HAND WITH THE KID LAROI ... At NHL All-Star Weekend
Tate McRae seems to have a new flame in The Kid LAROI -- that is, if their hand-hold over the weekend is any indication ... and it most certainly seems to be.
The singer was spotted getting cozy with the Aussie entertainer ... as they were photographed hand in hand while exiting dinner with Justin and Hailey Bieber Saturday -- this on the heels of her headlining the NHL All-Star game in dramatic fashion.
![020524_kid_laroi_date_kal](https://imagez.tmz.com/image/89/16by9/2024/02/05/894147325d384ddaaa0889ef451b7d13_md.jpg)
From the PDA alone, most everyone is assuming the obvious ... they're dating.
Tate's and TKL's body language definitely seemed to be telegraphing a new relationship status between them ... and the Kid was happy to play gentleman, leading TMR to their car through a massive pap crush.
This has been a long time coming if you've been following along -- the pair kicked off dating rumors just last month ... they appeared to vacation in Mexico together, and were later spotted enjoying some alone time at L.A.'s upscale Italian restaurant Giorgio Baldi.
Tate was previously dating ice hockey star Cole Sillinger ... who supposedly inspired her 2023 mega-hit "Greedy" ... which she tellingly filmed at an ice hockey rink.
Her performance this past weekend was a bit ironic in that sense -- but now, she's got a new boo.
As for Kid, he was dating influencer Katarina Deme for 3 years ... before scrubbing all traces of her from her IG in August 2023. On the face of it, they're all in on each other.
![kanye_promo_kal](https://imagez.tmz.com/image/14/16by9/2024/02/02/146d40289eb04361bff0a631015163ce_md.jpg)
Gotta say, they make a cute couple ... especially when they're in her native Canada. Talk about greedy love again, eh?
related articles
Michael Bublé Sorry, Everyone ... I'm On Shrooms!!!
![020224_michael_buble-kal](https://imagez.tmz.com/image/2d/16by9/2024/02/02/2d7cfec109934ea08a54ca93f3b66a1c_md.jpg)
Michael Bublé was seemingly feeling too good during NHL All-Star Weekend festivities on Thursday ... and he's chalking it all up to taking way more mushrooms than he signed up for.
The 48-year-old Canadian musician -- who's a celebrity captain for the All-Star Game -- spoke with the media following the Player Draft at Scotiabank Arena ... and as he fielded questions, he abruptly claimed he was spaced out on psychedelics.
"My buddy told me, this is just a microdose of mushrooms and he was LYING," Bublé said ... adding the drugs made him feel like he was in a Will Ferrell movie.
![grave_injustice_kal](https://imagez.tmz.com/image/d0/16by9/2024/01/26/d0aebdab77f243eb97989b9ad0fe4541_md.jpg)
"So, I’ll be honest, I thought I was in 'Blades of Glory' for most of the time that I was out there, until it sort of settled down and then I realized, 'Holy s***, I am in the NHL All-Star Game."
Actor Will Arnett -- who was up onstage with Bublé -- took it all in stride ... and the two joked his admission lost him a lot of endorsement money.
![020224_tmz_live_buble_kal](https://imagez.tmz.com/image/36/16by9/2024/02/02/367321e8b3524d509e8bd68a3f840890_md.jpg)
Despite the hilarious moment, Bublé later backtracked on his statement at dinner after his All-Star appearance ... saying the whole thing was an attempt to be funny.
![020224_michael_buble_bread_kal](https://imagez.tmz.com/image/4a/16by9/2024/02/02/4aa22a7f97364d919a6947eb4c47a846_md.jpg)
"It was a joke," Bublé said alongside YouTuber Steve Dangle. "Of course I wasn’t [on mushrooms]! I'm sitting here at dinner. I do have a problem with bread. When I get anxious, I can’t stop eating it. But no, not mushrooms."
"Mitchy, get over here!" - @justinbieber pic.twitter.com/7IthLW7JwY
— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) February 1, 2024 @MapleLeafs
The NHL is pulling out all the stops with the star power this All-Star Weekend ... with Justin Bieber and Tate McRae also joining in on the event.
related articles
Michael Bublé Lo siento mucho... Me comí unos hongos!!!
![020224_michael_buble-kal](https://imagez.tmz.com/image/2d/16by9/2024/02/02/2d7cfec109934ea08a54ca93f3b66a1c_md.jpg)
Michael Bublé se estaba sintiendo demasiado bien durante las fiestas de la NHL All-Star Weekend el jueves, algo que él atribuye a haber consumido más hongos de lo que pensaba.
El músico canadiense de 48 años, que es capitán en el Juego de las Estrellas, habló con los medios después del Player Draft en el Scotiabank Arena, y mientras respondía a las preguntas abruptamente confesó que estaba bajo los efectos de los psicodélicos.
"Mi amigo me dijo, esto es solo una microdosis de hongos y estaba mintiendo", dijo Bublé y añadió que las drogas lo hicieron sentir como si estuviera en una película de Will Ferrell.
![grave_injustice_kal](https://imagez.tmz.com/image/d0/16by9/2024/01/26/d0aebdab77f243eb97989b9ad0fe4541_md.jpg)
"Así que, voy a ser honesto, pensé que estaba en "Blades of Glory" la mayor parte del tiempo, hasta que se asentó y me di cuenta, santo dios, estoy en el Juego de las Estrellas de la NHL".
El actor Will Arnett, que también estaba en el escenario con Bublé, se tomó todo con calma y los dos bromearon que su admisión le hizo perder un montón de dinero en apoyo.
A pesar del hilarante momento, Bublé se retractó más tarde de su declaración en la cena, diciendo que todo era un intento por ser gracioso.
![020224_michael_buble_bread_kal](https://imagez.tmz.com/image/4a/16by9/2024/02/02/4aa22a7f97364d919a6947eb4c47a846_md.jpg)
"Fue una broma", dijo Bublé junto a YouTuber Steve Dangle. "¡Por supuesto que no estaba [con hongos]! Estoy sentado aquí cenando. Tengo un problema con el pan. Cuando me pongo ansioso, no puedo parar de comerlo. Pero no, hongos no".
"Mitchy, get over here!" - @justinbieber pic.twitter.com/7IthLW7JwY
— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) February 1, 2024 @MapleLeafs
La NHL está tirando la casa por la ventana con este Fin de Semana de las Estrellas, que también tendrá a Justin Bieber y Tate McRae.
NHL's Brendan Gallagher Throws Vicious Elbow At Opponent's Head ... Fans Demand Ban
Brendan Gallagher was ejected from the Canadiens game Thursday night for throwing a vicious elbow at his opponent's head ... and now, fans want to see him sidelined for a while for the dirty play.
The incident happened during the Canadiens' game against the Islanders at the Centre Bell Arena in Montreal ... when Gallagher tried to stop Adam Pelech from getting deep into the neutral zone.
Brendan Gallagher received a 5-minute major and a game misconduct for this elbow to Adam Pelech. pic.twitter.com/TlAgNQZ24i
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) January 26, 2024 @Sportsnet
Video from the game's broadcast shows right as Pelech crossed the blue line ... Gallagher elbowed him in the face -- sending the defenseman crashing to the ice.
Pelech stayed down for a while -- although he was eventually able to skate to his team's locker room. He did not return to the game. Gallagher, meanwhile, was ejected for the illegal check.
Puckheads were furious over the play ... rushing to social media to demand a lengthy ban for Gallagher. Even the right winger's former teammate, P.K. Subban, said the 12-year NHL vet needs to be suspended.
"I don’t know how else I’m supposed to call that," Subban said about the collision, "but to me, those are the hits that we just can’t have. That’s just inexcusable. There’s no upside."
I hate to say it, but this hit is worthy of a suspension.#nhl #habs #isles pic.twitter.com/BHVp69X9Li
— P.K. Subban (@PKSubban1) January 26, 2024 @PKSubban1
This isn't the first time Gallagher has made a move like this on the ice ... in November 2021, he punched Barclay Goodrow, and was fined $2,500.
Gallagher will have a hearing later Friday to determine his punishment for Thursday's illegal hit.
related articles
Ex-NHL Star Tony Hrkac Saved Choking League Staffer In Press Box At Kings Game
-
Exclusive
- 214 shares
Former NHL star Tony Hrkac played hero recently, likely saving the life of a league employee who was choking on a pretzel in the press box during an L.A. Kings game.
The harrowing incident went down at Crypto.com Arena on January 4 ... where the Kings were playing the Detroit Red Wings.
Sources tell TMZ Sports an NHL employee (who wishes not to be identified) began choking and turning "purplish" while eating inside the arena.
It was an incredibly dire situation ... but fortunately, 57-year-old Hrkac -- a Tampa Bay Lightning scout -- was on the scene.
We're told Hrkac sprung into action, administering the Heimlich maneuver on the choking person, who then ejected a piece of pretzel. The employee then began to breathe normally.
People who were on the scene believe Tony saved the choking person's life.
If you're not familiar with Hrkac, he played 14 seasons in the NHL ... after winning the Hobey Bakey Award at the University of North Dakota in 1987 (they also won a national championship), given to the nation's best college hockey player. Tony went on to play for the Blues, Blackhawks, and Stars, among other organizations during his pro career.
He even won a Stanley Cup with Dallas in 1999.
Hrkac hung up his skates in 2005 (though he did come back years later).
Hero! 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏
related articles
Anaheim Ducks Fan KO'ed During Brawl At Game ... Cops Investigating
-
Exclusive Details
- 58 shares
![010824_anaheim_ducks_brawl_kal](https://imagez.tmz.com/image/54/16by9/2024/01/08/5452e05c0586421bb689c6873472ceb0_md.jpg)
A fan at the Anaheim Ducks game on Friday night appeared to be knocked completely unconscious during a wild brawl ... and now, cops say they've launched an investigation into the matter.
The fight broke out as the Ducks took on the Winnipeg Jets at the Honda Center ... when a group of fans who were reppin' opposite teams got into it with each other right in the middle of a concourse.
You can see in video from the scene ... a man in a Jacob Trouba Jets jersey broke off from the squabble and began tussling with a guy in purple Ducks jersey.
During their ensuing wrestling match, the Winnipeg fan slammed the Anaheim supporter to the tile floor using a leg takedown maneuver ... appearing to leave the man KO'ed.
The guy lay motionless for several moments ... before he rolled over in what seemed to be a heap of pain.
The Anaheim Police Dept. said in a statement to TMZ Sports officers were dispatched to the area after the tilt had gone down ... and one person was transported to the hospital with a head injury.
"The investigation is ongoing," a spokesperson for the department said, "and no arrests have been made."
Cops added they will be using "videos circulating on social media" "as a part of our investigation."
related articles
BROOKE HOGAN SECRETLY WED PRO HOCKEY PLAYER LAST YEAR!!!
-
Exclusive
- 3.4K shares
Brooke Hogan is a married woman ... and has been so for over a year!!
Sources close to Brooke tell TMZ ... she tied the knot with ice hockey player Steven Oleksy June 8, 2022, in a private ceremony in Orlando, FL ... and we can also share the first-look image of the pair shortly after being pronounced husband and wife.
Brooke looks stunning in bridal white ... walking away from the altar hand-in-hand with her suited and booted new husband.
We're told it was only the 2 of them during the ceremony ... though earlier this month, they had a reception with Steven's side of the family in Michigan to celebrate.
Steven -- a professional ice hockey defenseman who played for the Washington Capitals and Pittsburgh Penguins -- slid into Brooke's heart after they met through mutual friends.
It's been a good ol' time lately for Brooke ... who's also doing great on the career front ... running her own Nashville-based interior design firm, BB Designs by Brooke.
She's also been working on new music ... releasing a new single this month called "Don't Know It Yet."
Congrats Brother!!!