Connor Bedard is Hockey's Next Man Up

Friends,

The Blackhawks did it again. They have a generational talent and his name is Connor Bedard. The Chicago Blackhawks selected the Canadian center with the No. 1 pick in the 2023 NHL draft. Hockey fans have been patiently waiting to see this kid in action. Well, that day finally arrived last month when the Blackhawks and Bedard took on Sidney Crosby, his childhood idol, and the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Hockey fans would love to see Bedard dominate right away, but he’s only 18 years old, and he’s still learning and needs time to take his game to the next level. I don’t think anyone can deny the talent, it’s there.

In the words of head coach Luke Richardson, “He’s young, he’s disciplined, and he’s really starting to figure things out.”

From a numbers perspective, Bedard’s debut on ESPN didn’t disappoint.

“Bedard’s NHL debut drew an average viewership count of 1.43 million on ESPN, making it the most-watched regular-season NHL game ever on cable television, excluding the annual Winter Classic games” (S.I., 2023).

Originally from Canada, Bedard isn’t a stranger to putting up impressive numbers.

“The native of North Vancouver, British Columbia, was the WHL's first player — and seventh in Canadian Hockey League history — to be granted exceptional status, allowing Bedard to play in the major junior ranks at 15. In 2021-22, he became the youngest WHL player to score 50 goals, finishing with 51 in 62 games. Bedard became the second No. 1 pick in Blackhawks history, joining Patrick Kane, who went first overall in 2007” (CBS, 2023).

Before that, Bedard played minor hockey with West Vancouver Academy Prep of the Canadian Sport School Hockey League. He led the league in goals and points and was named Most Valuable Player both years.

Connor’s early life was similar to other generational talents. He began playing the game at an early age.

“From the age of three on, Connor always had a ball and a hockey stick, that’s what he always seemed to be doing — not on the ice, but around the house. He would be stickhandling in our open kitchen, ruining the flooring, and he’d do it for hours” (Vanstone, 2023).

I’m sure his parents and sister are proud. He’s doing some pretty incredible things at a very young age. One of those accomplishments came on November 9th, 2023, against the Tampa Bay Lightning.

“Bedard registered four points, including three in the first period, scoring two goals and providing a pair of assists in the Blackhawks’ win. It was Bedard’s first-ever four-point performance, and he became the third-youngest player in NHL history to record four points in a game” (S.I., 2023).

Connor Bedard is young, talented, passionate, and hungry. He wants to go down as one of the greatest, and I believe he will. The Chicago Blackhawks are a great organization, and I hope they continue building and putting the necessary pieces around the kid. Nothing is promised, but I think it’s pretty safe to say Connor Bedard is Hockey’s Next man up.

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Joseph Thompson is a Professional Registered Nurse with a love and passion for sports. Check out his medium profile and get notified when he publishes new content. Thank you for your support!

References

CBS Interactive. (July, 2023). Chicago blackhawks and no. 1 overall draft pick Connor Bedard agree to 3-year contract. CBS News. https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/blackhawks-connor-bedard-contract/

Connor Bedard’s NHL debut vs. Penguins drew massive opening night ... (October 2023). https://www.si.com/nhl/2023/10/11/connor-bedards-nhl-debut-massive-viewership-numbers

Blackhawks’ Connor Bedard becomes youngest to reach impressive NHL ... (November 2023). https://www.si.com/nhl/2023/11/10/blackhawks-connor-bedard-history-four-point-game-third-youngest

Vanstone, R. From a young age, he was determined to be a hockey star ... (January 2023). https://torontosun.com/sports/hockey/connor-bedard-from-a-young-age-he-was-determined-to-be-a-hockey-star