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A look at Connor Bedard, NHL’s next prodigy

All Buzznews

2023-03-21 10:00:08

Connor Bedard is a hyper-talented young hockey player. At the age of 15, the Western Junior Hockey League named him an outstanding player.

Bantam

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He was selected first overall in the 2020 Bantam draft in the midst of the pandemic, when the development of young field hockey players was uncertain.

Regina Pats

Credit: KH Pohotgraphy

It was in 2020-21 that young Bedard began his journey to the top: 28 points in 15 games with the Regina Pats!

Regina Pats

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Finally, the Pats had not made a mistake in selecting him first!

North Vancouver

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Originally from North Vancouver, B.C., Bedard had to move to Saskatchewan to start his junior field hockey career.

U18

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Bedard's travels were numerous over the next few months. He played in the World Under-18 Championship...

CMJ

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...and then at the World Junior Hockey Championship, twice!

2022

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In 2022, Bedard became only the 7th player in Canada's history to be selected at age 16. The others?

Wayne Gretzky

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Wayne Gretzky in 1978.

Eric Lindros

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Eric Lindros in 1990.

Jason Spezza

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Jason Spezza, in 2000.

Jay Bouwmeester

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Spezza was also joined by another 16-year-old player in 2000, Jay Bouwmeester.

Sidney Crosby

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Sidney Crosby, not surprisingly, is also one of 7 players selected as a 16-year-old in Canada's junior program. That was in 2004.

Connor McDavid

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Finally, Connor McDavid, in 2014. Frankly, we're talking big guns!

Gold Medals

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The rest is history: Canada won two gold medals with Bedard in 2022 and 2023.

23 points

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Bedard scored 8 points in 7 games in 2022 and dominated in 2023 with 23 points in 7 games.

The Best

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Not surprisingly, he was named the best player of the tournament.

More than two points per game

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Back in Canadian junior field hockey, it's still a dream season for Connor Bedard as he's averaging more than two points per game.

1st pick

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There seems to be no doubt that Connor Bedard will be the first pick.

Who's up?

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It remains to be seen which team will earn the first ever selection!

A jewel

Credit: TSN

This team could then get their hands on a gem of the Crosby or McDavid type, no less...

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