Chicago Blackhawks hide Connor Bedard's equipment over weird reason

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Sam Walker
April 5, 2024 (5:40 PM)

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Kyle Davidson and the Chicago Blackhawks hit the jackpot in the 2023 NHL Draft Lottery, snagging the top pick and choosing Connor Bedard, a already proven star forward in the NHL.

The team is going all out to protect their young talent, even resorting to locking up the rink and hiding his gear to prevent him from overdoing it.

According to a report by ESPN's Emily Kaplan, the Blackhawks are making sure Bedard doesn't overwork himself. Despite their efforts, Bedard's dedication to the game shines through as he continues to train relentlessly.

'The Blackhawks have a hockey shooting range at their practice facility, which they sometimes rent out for birthday parties, Bedard is in there so much, the team simply refers to it as 'Connor's room.' Davidson joked he would need to lock it to keep him out. It was a bit of fun, until Davidson got a text one Sunday while watching NFL games on his couch. Bedard wanted to know why the room was locked, and if Davidson did it intentionally. The innocent error was duly fixed. On one scheduled optional day, Bedard wanted to skate. Richardson thought Bedard needed rest, so he had the equipment staff hide Bedard's sticks in the coaches' room. Bedard is especially particular about his stick; his Sherwood features a 70 flex, its whippiness helps his signature release. 'So he has a choice to make,' Richardson said. 'Does he get out there with someone else's stick?'

Coach Richardson once tried to give Bedard a day off by hiding his sticks, but Bedard's dedication to his craft saw him unfazed.