Connor Bedard may no longer be affiliated with the Regina Pats, but it appears that he still keeps an eye on the junior team he once played for. This was evident in his reaction when asked about the recent altercation between the Pats and the Moose Jaw Warriors last Saturday.
In response to the on-ice scuffle, Bedard expressed his amusement, stating, “That was awesome,” as reported by Bleacher Report Open Ice.
During the third period of the Western Hockey League matchup between the Pats and the Warriors, a physical altercation erupted among several players on the sidelines, prompting intervention from the referees. As tensions escalated, both teams’ goalies engaged in a skirmish at center ice, further complicating the situation for the officials.
The intensity didn’t end there. Pats’ head coach Brad Herauf was ejected from the game for exchanging heated words with the Warriors’ bench from behind the dividing glass.
Overall, it was a chaotic sequence of events that Connor Bedard, the rising star of the Chicago Blackhawks, found entertaining to witness.
In a separate incident, Bedard, who is considered one of the standout rookies of the year, has been making waves in the NHL since being drafted first overall in 2023. With an impressive record of 21 goals, 34 assists, and 55 points in 57 games this season, Bedard has proven his worth as a top rookie. Despite missing the All-Star game due to jaw surgery, he remains a frontrunner for the Calder Trophy, competing against other talented rookies like Pyotr Kochetkov and Brock Faber.
Bedard’s journey to stardom began when he was granted “Exceptional Player Status” by Hockey Canada, allowing him to compete at the junior level at just 14 years old. During his final season with the Pats, Bedard showcased his exceptional skills, tallying an impressive 71 goals, 72 assists, and 143 points in 57 regular-season games.
Internationally, Bedard has solidified his reputation as one of Canada’s top junior players. His remarkable performance at the 2023 World Junior Championships, where he accumulated nine goals, 14 assists, and 23 points in seven games, further highlights his talent on the global stage.
Looking ahead, the Chicago Blackhawks are pinning their hopes on Bedard’s offensive prowess. As a player with exceptional playmaking abilities, a sharp hockey IQ, and a knack for scoring, Bedard has already emerged as a key player for the struggling Blackhawks this season, leading the team in points, goals, and assists.
While the Blackhawks may be facing a challenging season with little hope of making the playoffs, Bedard represents a beacon of hope for the team’s future. As the centerpiece of the franchise moving forward, it is crucial for Chicago to build a competitive team around him to maximize his potential and lead the team to success in the years to come.