Former Red Wings With Roles in Hit Hollywood Sequel

Adam Sandler may be decked out in a Boston Bruins jersey as the star of Happy Gilmore 2, but a couple of former Detroit Red Wings are the ones representing the NHL in the hit film.

Sandler portrays a hockey player turned golfer, but it’s ex-Red Wings Sean Avery and Chris Chelios who are hockey players turned actors on screen.

Well, actors might be a bit of a stretch. Extras would be the more appropriate acting handle to apply to their cameo roles on screen.

Things you may have not noticed in Happy Gilmore 2.

These pair of henchmen, on the screen ever so briefly are Chris Chelios and Sean Avery. pic.twitter.com/eDejmKinFJ

— Dan Marrazza (@DanMarrazza) July 27, 2025

Billing in the credits shows them as Henchman #1 (Avery) and Henchman #2 (Chelios). The two former hockey stars feature briefly in a black and white scene, serving as the muscle for a 1950s-era gangster. Chelios appears especially impressive in his role, looking as though they were lifting him straight out of an old George Raft gangster flick. Don’t blink or you might miss it, though.

There are plenty of sporting references in the film. NFLer Travis Kelce and former Detroit Lions running back Reggie Bush have roles, as does a who’s who of past and current PGA Tour stars. You’ll see everyone from Jack Nicklaus, Lee Trevino, Nick Faldo, and John Daly, to current stars such as Rory McIlroy, Scottie Scheffler, Collin Morikawa, and Bryson DeChambeau.

Sandler even inserts a subtle tribute to Johnny Gaudreau into the film.

Latest Film Appearance For Former Red Wings Player

Avery, 45, is beginning to assemble quite a filmography next to his name. The ex-Red Wings center has appeared in minor roles in 16 films. That list includes Oppenheimer, Tenet, Mile 22, and Patriots Day. He’s also appeared in the hockey-based television series Shoresy.

Ladies and gentlemen, Sean Avery. 👏

Catch Sean and Shoresy going head-to-head this season on #Shoresy, only on Crave. pic.twitter.com/Y2rtElJMwT

— Crave (@CraveCanada) February 4, 2025

As for Chelios, 63, he’s becoming a sports-based sequel specialist. His previous film appearances include brief cameos in Slap Shot 2 and D2: The Mighty Ducks.

It’s been a big week for the Hockey Hall of Fame defenseman. Earlier this week, the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame was announcing Chelios among this year’s inductees.