Connor Bedard's Story: the interview

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Joshua Deeds
May 29, 2023 (9:37)

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Meet Connor Bedard, an impressive 17-year-old hockey player who is poised to be the first selection in the NHL Entry Draft. He has been playing for the Regina Pats in the WHL during his junior career, and his idol is none other than Sidney Crosby, who, like Bedard, has the potential to be a franchise-changing player.

Bedard grew up in Vancouver, BC, where he practiced his stick handling and shooting skills in his house, despite his mother's disapproval of his chosen practice spot. At just 12 years old, he was already being interviewed by the Hockey News, just 13 days before Crosby was drafted by the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Bedard's dedication to the sport is evident in his willingness to take his hockey equipment with him on vacation, even to places like Hawaii, just so he can continue practicing. He is known for his impressive release, which he developed after a wrist injury and practicing his shot with one hand.

With accolades as one of the best prospects in Canadian history, Bedard gained exceptional status to play in the WHL in 2020 and even received a call from Wayne Gretzky, who was clearly nervous to speak to a superstar. His coach, John Paddock, is in awe of Bedard's skills on the ice, with his stick-handling and skating abilities making him a practical human highlight reel.

In his last junior season, Bedard tallied an impressive 71 goals and 72 assists in just 52 games, putting Regina on the map and selling out all arenas where he played with the Pats. But it was his play at the 2023 world junior hockey championships that truly put him on the map worldwide, with his overtime goal against Slovakia being a particular highlight.

Bedard has been compared to the likes of Sidney Crosby and Connor McDavid and is seen as a potential face of the NHL. But for now, he is eagerly awaiting the opportunity to be selected in the NHL and live out his dream of putting on his team's uniform.