Training camps haven’t even started yet, but Connor Bedard is already making headlines.
Bedard won’t make his regular-season debut for Chicago until October 10th, but he joined fellow prospects in St. Paul, Minnesota for the Tom Kurvers Prospect Showcase. He notched a hat trick Saturday in his very first game in a Blackhawks uniform in Chicago’s 5-0 victory over St. Louis.
The 2023 first overall pick got his first goal of the night late in the second, sending a wrist shot flying past Blues prospect Will Cranley to put the Blackhawks up 2-0.
This Connor Bedard highlight should go over well pic.twitter.com/JdSVx5ZurY
— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) September 17, 2023
After earning an assist on Colton Dach’s goal in the third period, Bedard would continue to put on a show with his second goal of the night, weaving around several Blues skaters before taking a sharp-angle shot from just behind the goal line.
bestie wake up Bedsy scored again pic.twitter.com/301IcroT2K
— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) September 17, 2023
Even that wasn’t enough. With the Blackhawks already up 4-0 late in the third, Bedard closed out the night’s scoring with a quick shot off the crossbar. The crowd at TRIA Rink got to their feet, while the rookie himself kept to a restrained celebration.
🚨HAT TRICK CONNOR BEDARD🚨 pic.twitter.com/ltdmshwdPp
— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) September 17, 2023
The 18-year-old phenom will have to wait a little longer for a proper hat trick celebration, however. Though fans attempted to throw their caps onto the ice, they were thwarted by the protective netting encircling the rink.
If Bedard lives up to his hype, he won’t have to wait long. He recorded an awe-inspiring season in his draft year with the WHL’s Regina Pats, notching 143 points (71g, 72a) in just 57 games to become the first WHL player to hit the 140-point mark since 1995-96.
Bedard wasn’t the only 2023 pick with a big night on the scoreboard. Third overall pick Adam Fantilli earned a hat trick of his own at the annual NHL Prospects Tournament in Traverse City, Michigan as the Columbus Blue Jackets secured a 10-7 win over the Detroit Red Wings.
Headline photo: Katie Adler/RMNB
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