At only 17 years old, Connor Bedard has already made a name for himself in the hockey world. The phenom from North Vancouver, British Columbia, is widely considered to be the best prospect in the world and is expected to be taken first overall in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft. Bedard recently sat down with NHL.com to discuss his life on and off the ice .
Bedard's on-ice success is well-documented. He led the WHL in scoring in both of his first two seasons with the Regina Pats, and he was named the WHL Player of the Year in 2022. He also represented Canada at the World Junior Championships in 2022 and 2023, winning gold both times.
"I've always loved hockey," said Bedard. "It's all I've ever wanted to do. I'm just grateful for the opportunity to play at a high level and represent my country."
Off the ice, Bedard is a well-rounded young man. He is a straight-A student and enjoys spending time with his family and friends. He is also an avid golfer and fisherman.
"It's important to have a life outside of hockey," said Bedard. "It helps me stay grounded and focused."
Bedard has big goals for the future. He wants to win a Stanley Cup, play in the Olympics, and be the best player in the world.
"I know it will be a lot of hard work," said Bedard. "But I'm confident that I can achieve my goals."
There are many things that make Bedard a special player. He is an elite skater with excellent puck-handling skills. He also has a great shot and is a dangerous scorer. But what sets Bedard apart from other players is his hockey IQ.
"Connor is a student of the game," said Regina Pats head coach Dave Struch. "He understands the game better than anyone else I've ever seen."
Bedard's hockey IQ allows him to make quick decisions and to anticipate his opponents' moves. This makes him a very difficult player to defend.
Bedard has been compared to Sidney Crosby by many hockey experts. Crosby is one of the greatest players of all time, and Bedard has the potential to be just as good.
"I'm honored to be compared to Sidney Crosby," said Bedard. "He's my idol. I've learned a lot from watching him play."
Whether or not Bedard can reach the same heights as Crosby remains to be seen. But one thing is for sure: he is a special player with a bright future.
Connor Bedard is a remarkable young man who has already achieved a great deal in his career. He is a talented hockey player with a bright future. He is also a well-rounded young man who enjoys spending time with his family and friends.
Bedard is a role model for young hockey players and a source of pride for Canadians. He is a player to watch in the years to come.
| Accomplishment | Year |
|---|---|
| WHL Champion | 2021 |
| WHL Player of the Year | 2022 |
| World Junior Champion | 2022, 2023 |
| CHL Player of the Year | 2023 |