Keanu Reeves signs one-day contract with Windsor Spitfires

A Hollywood superstar known for dodging bullets in slow motion has become a Windsor Spitfire.

Matrix star Keanu Reeves signed a one-day contract with the Ontario Hockey League team on Thursday, roughly four decades after an injury prevented him from trying out for the Windsor club as a teen.

“I almost think that it was just as exciting for him as it was for us,” Remo Agostino, manager of brand and entertainment for the Spitfires, told the Star.

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“He came in wearing his Canadian tuxedo — a jean jacket and jeans — so he was ready for the occasion.

Keanu Reeves signs a one-day contract with the Windsor Spitfires on Thursday, Aug 22, 2024, decades after missing his tryout with the teen due to injury. (Kiley Gray of Caesars Windsor) Photo by Courtesy of Kiley Gray of Ceasars Windsor /Windsor Star

“It was super exciting. I think he was a little bit taken aback by the whole presentation. We always make sure it’s a memorable experience for any of our players, when you sign a contract and you finally get a jersey.”

Reeves, who at 59 is likely the club’s oldest-ever player — “and probably the most famous,” Agostino said — also signed three jerseys: one for the Spitfires Hall of Fame collection, one for himself, and one to auction off in support of the Canadian Mental Health Association Windsor-Essex County Branch.

Spitfires general manager Bill Bowler was on hand to make the contract signing official, as was team co-owner Brian Schwab.

“It’s a big day for our organization,” said Bowler in a written statement. “We are so proud to finally have Keanu on our squad. If he’s half the goalie he was in Youngblood we should do well this season. We are big supporters of the CMHA and hope the auction for this extremely rare jersey will help such an important cause in our community.”

In a career spanning four decades, Reeves has starred in a long list of popular movies besides The Matrix, including the John Wick series, Point Break, Speed, Ronin, and Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure.

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Reeves was in Windsor with his band, Dogstar, for a show at The Colosseum stage at Caesars Thursday night.

Guitarist-vocalist Bret Domrose, drummer Rob Mailhouse and bassist Reeves are touring in support of their album, Somewhere Between The Power Lines And Palm Trees.

Keanu Reeves signs a one-day contract with the Windsor Spitfires on Thursday, Aug 22, 2024, decades after missing his tryout with the teen due to injury. (Kiley Gray of Caesars Windsor) Photo by Courtesy of Kiley Gray of Ceasars Windsor /Windsor Star Actor Keanu Reeves signs a Windsor Spitfires jersey after signing a one-day contract with the team on Thursday, Aug. 22, 2024. (Kiley Gray of Caesars Windsor) Photo by Courtesy of Kiley Gray of Ceasars Windsor /Windsor Star Actor Keanu Reeves dons a jersey and shows off his one-day contract with the Windsor Spitfires on Thursday, Aug. 22, 2024. (Kiley Gray of Caesars Windsor) Photo by Courtesy of Kiley Gray of Ceasars Windsor /Windsor Star

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