A look at Connor Bedard, NHL’s next prodigy

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A look at Connor Bedard, NHL’s next prodigy
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

Bantam
Credit: USA Today/IMAGN
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

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

Regina Pats
Credit: KH Pohotgraphy
Finally, the Pats had not made a mistake in selecting him first!

  North Vancouver

North Vancouver
Credit: USA Today/IMAGN
Originally from North Vancouver, B.C., Bedard had to move to Saskatchewan to start his junior field hockey career.

  U18

U18
Credit: USA Today/IMAGN
Bedard's travels were numerous over the next few months. He played in the World Under-18 Championship...

  CMJ

CMJ
Credit: KH Pohotgraphy
...and then at the World Junior Hockey Championship, twice!

  2022

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

  Wayne Gretzky

Wayne Gretzky
Credit: USA Today/IMAGN
Wayne Gretzky in 1978.

  Eric Lindros

Eric Lindros
Credit: USA Today/IMAGN
Eric Lindros in 1990.

  Jason Spezza

Jason Spezza
Credit: USA Today/IMAGN
Jason Spezza, in 2000.

  Jay Bouwmeester

Jay Bouwmeester
Credit: USA Today/IMAGN
Spezza was also joined by another 16-year-old player in 2000, Jay Bouwmeester.

  Sidney Crosby

Sidney Crosby
Credit: USA Today/IMAGN
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

Connor McDavid
Credit: USA Today/IMAGN
Finally, Connor McDavid, in 2014. Frankly, we're talking big guns!

  Gold Medals

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

  23 points

23 points
Credit: USA Today/IMAGN
Bedard scored 8 points in 7 games in 2022 and dominated in 2023 with 23 points in 7 games.

  The Best

The Best
Credit: KH Photography
Not surprisingly, he was named the best player of the tournament.

  More than two points per game

More than two points per game
Credit: USA Today/IMAGN
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

1st pick
Credit: USA Today/IMAGN
There seems to be no doubt that Connor Bedard will be the first pick.

  Who's up?

Who's up?
Credit: USA Today/IMAGN
It remains to be seen which team will earn the first ever selection!

  A jewel

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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