It was a special game for Connor Bedard on Sunday afternoon.
The phenom rookie is the new superstar of the NHL after getting selected first overall in this summer’s Entry Draft.
Bedard had a record-breaking season in the WHL last year, completely dominating with the Regina Pats, and he entered the NHL with huge expectations.
So far, he’s not disappointed anyone. The Blackhawks rank last in the NHL, and they’ve had controversial incidents outside the rink, with veteran forward Corey Perry getting his contract terminated after a non-disclosed incident on a road trip.
Still, Bedard tops the rookie scoring list and has stunned fans with his amazing stickhandling, deeks, playmaking ability, and quick release.
On Sunday, Connor Bedard had his first-ever professional NHL game against the Vancouver Canucks. Bedard is a native of North Canucks and a lifelong Canucks fan.
Earlier this year, when the Blackhawks had drafted Bedard, he said that he won’t be throwing away his Canucks gear despite signing for a league rival of theirs.
“It’s awesome, I’m happy to be on this side of it, of course, and now it feels different, but no, I’ve always loved the Canucks, and I wouldn’t throw away that stuff from growing up; those are great memories for sure,” he said.
And the Canucks know about his love for their organization. In fact, ahead of Sunday’s game, the Canucks’ social media team took the opportunity to send a hilarious shot at Bedard and about how he still stays loyal to the Canucks.
The Canucks posted four pictures on their Twitter account, saying, “Canucks fans in every city.” The first three photos showed fans with Canucks jerseys on in the stands in various away games.
But the fourth picture instead displayed Connor Bedard. The post quickly went viral, with everyone enjoying the joke.
The Canucks got the last laugh in the game as well, as they won 4-3. Bedard extended his lead in the rookie scoring race with two primary assists in the game.
