Move over McDavid, there’s another Connor that’s being labeled as hockey’s next generational talent.
Introducing 16-year-old North Vancouver native Connor Bedard. Last year, BC Hockey granted Bedard with early entry to play in the WHL under the league’s exceptional status rule. This permitted him to play full-time in Canada’s highest level of junior hockey as a 15-year-old. All other players in major junior hockey range from 16 to 21 years old. What makes this even more impressive is that Bedard is the first player in WHL history to be given this privilege, which accepts applicants based on not only hockey performance, but also off-ice factors such as academic abilities and mental and physical maturity. The process involves essay writing, teacher and coach interviews, and having the player and their family meet with a psychologist to discuss the transition to the league. It’s a very thorough procedure and shows how difficult it is for players to get the green light and play in the league before they’re typically eligible.
Following Bedard’s exception, the Regina Pats unsurprisingly drafted him with the first overall pick in the 2020 WHL Bantam Draft. After the pandemic delayed the start of the WHL last season, Bedard made his debut in March of this year. It didn’t take long for the superstar to get on the scoresheet. He sniped his first career goal from the top of the right faceoff circle 5 minutes into the second period.
What a shot. 🎯
That's Connor Bedard's first goal in @TheWHL!
(🎥: @WHLPats) pic.twitter.com/p1kBxjqbTo
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) March 13, 2021
And then he scored again. 48 seconds later.
The first ever WHL player to receive exceptional status, Connor Bedard scores 2 goals in 48 seconds in his debut. pic.twitter.com/bAalos0plC
— World Hockey Report (@worldhockeyrpt) March 13, 2021
Little did we know that was only the beginning of what would be a historic season. Bedard finished his rookie campaign leading the league at the time with 28 points in 15 games, capping it all off with an emotional game-winning goal in overtime just a few days after his grandfather passed away in a car crash.
His WHL season was cut short after being named to the Canadian team at the U18 world championship, where he was also the youngest player. He finished tied for second in tournament scoring with 14 points in 7 games as Canada took home the gold medal. All things considered, Bedard deserves way more than a Pat on this back for his efforts that season. Pun intended. He’s not eligible for the NHL Draft until 2023, and people are already predicting he’ll go first overall.
With his phenomenal rookie year in the books, I can’t imagine the damage he’ll do in a full season. Unfortunately, the Regina Pats won’t be playing against the Vancouver Giants this season, or, should I say, fortunately for the Giants.
But that doesn’t mean you’ll be able to watch him. The Pats play their home opener against Prince Albert Raiders this Saturday, October 2, at noon on CBC.