This North Vancouver 20-Year-Old Just Made History

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Long before he was sharing a top line with Patrick Kane, Connor Bedard was just a kid on rollerblades in North Vancouver, spending endless summer afternoons shooting pucks into a backyard net in Lynn Valley. Like so many young players across Metro Vancouver, he held early dreams of what it would feel like to wear the captain’s “C” for an Original Six franchise.

That childhood vision became reality when the Chicago Blackhawks officially named the 21-year-old superstar the 37th captain in franchise history.

 

After being chosen first overall in the 2023 draft, Bedard met the heavy expectations that were put on him since he was 14. Winning the Calder Trophy as a rookie and racking up 203 points through his first 219 professional games. Yet, he earned the letter “C” through far more than just generational play.

Watching Chicago games reveals a player who leads his team both during live play and between whistles. After whistle blows, he’s constantly removing his mouthguard to direct teammates. It’s no surprise Bedard isn’t scared to speak up to players older than him. Bedard spent his whole childhood playing with players older than him. He even honed his leadership qualities in 2022 when, at just 17 years old, he became the youngest captain in Western Hockey League history as a member of the Regina Pats.

Reflecting on joining a historic lineage of Chicago leaders, Bedard acknowledged the deep weight of the moment:

“To follow in legends like Toews and Chelios, it’s incredibly special,” Bedard said. “It’s the proudest I’ve ever felt in my life. When I FaceTimed my family, we didn’t have to say much. We’ve all been on this journey together since I was a little kid. You don’t have to find the words about an Original Six team telling you you’re wearing the C.”

Bedard’s captaincy milestone gained even more drama following a grueling rehab process. After undergoing offseason shoulder surgery following a training session in Burnaby, Bedard endured months of physical therapy that sidelined him for summer training and Chicago’s opening six games of the season.

As the Blackhawks push to secure their first postseason berth since 2020, they will be led by a player whose impact extends far beyond rookie of the year awards and high point totals. Bedard’s story as one of North Vancouver’s premier sports icons continues to grow shift by shift.