NHL star tries to explain strange ketchup ‘phobia’
NEWNow you can listen to News articles!
NHL star Connor McDavid pulled back the curtain on his ketchup “phobia” Saturday night following the Edmonton Oilers’ 3-2 loss to the Calgary Flames.
McDavid appeared on Sportsnet’s “After Hours” show after a one-goal game against the Flames. A question from a fan appeared on the broadcast and asked how McDavid is able to handle his extreme dislike for seasoning on the road.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON News
Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid (97) skates against the Calgary Flames during the second period at Scotiabank Saddledome on Dec. 27, 2025. (Sergei Belski/Image Images)
He said his teammates knew they had to keep him away from him.
McDavid was then asked how the problem developed and he said it simply happened during his childhood.
“Honestly, you know, it comes from childhood,” McDavid said. “My brother is the same way. I’m not sure where he came from. I’ll blame him. He’s worse than me. I learned from him, so talk to him about it.”
ISLANDER RETALIATION CAUSES CHAOS DURING LOSS AGAINST BLUE JACKETS
Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid (97) waits for play to resume during the first period of an NHL hockey game against the Minnesota Wild, Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025, in St. Paul, Minnesota. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
He couldn’t name anything he liked.
“I don’t know what it is,” he said. “The texture, the way it looks, it’s everything… I think it’s a phobia, yeah.”
McDavid’s wife, Lauren, first revealed the player’s problem with ketchup during Amazon’s “FACEOFF: Inside the NHL.” Last year he insisted it was something he and his brother grew up with.
Edmonton Oilers’ Connor McDavid (97) celebrates Zach Hyman’s (18) goal on the Calgary Flames during second period NHL action in Edmonton, Alberta, Tuesday, Dec. 23, 2025. (Amber Bracken/The Canadian Press via AP)
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE News APP
Heinz Ketchup’s Canadian social media account also mocked McDavid last October.
Follow News Digital sports coverage in X, and subscribe to the News Sports Huddle newsletter.
Ryan Gaydos is a senior editor at News Digital.