NY Islanders owner prayed with priest at dinner before winning 2025 NHL Draft Lottery

New York Islanders co-owner Jon Ledecky revealed that he prayed with a priest during dinner shortly before winning the 2025 NHL Draft Lottery. Speaking at Long Island University with ESPN Radio's Alan Hahn, Ledecky explained that he asked the priest for a prayer just minutes before the results were announced, despite the franchise holding only a 3.5% chance of securing the top pick.

Following the prayer, Ledecky's phone was flooded with messages confirming the Islanders had won the lottery. The team subsequently used the No. 1 overall selection to draft Matthew Schaefer, who Ledecky stated has revitalized the franchise's fan base.