Top Ad
I DIG Radio
www.idigradio.com
Listen live to the best music from around the world!
I DIG Style
www.idigstyle.com
Learn about the latest fashion styles and more...

Bedard: Try to look at outside noise 'as a positive'

Written by 
Published in Hockey
Monday, 05 June 2023 16:52

LAS VEGAS -- Connor Bedard still isn't ready to admit what the rest of the hockey world has long assumed: that he'll be selected No. 1 overall by the Chicago Blackhawks in this month's NHL draft.

"If they decide to take me, that would be unbelievable," the 17-year-old forward told reporters Monday ahead of Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final. "But we'll see what happens."

Bedard said he will have 30 guests -- a mix of family, friends and coaches -- with him for the event in Nashville.

The NHL invited Bedard and other top prospects to Las Vegas to take in the Stanley Cup Final experience. They toured the Golden Knights' practice facility in the morning -- Bedard said he was impressed by just how many sticks players had outside the locker room.

He also met players from both the Golden Knights and Florida Panthers, and said the overwhelming piece of advice was to "enjoy the moment."

Bedard said he's learning to get used to the spotlight.

"It's definitely something you've got to get used to; I'm still obviously a kid," Bedard said. "There's a lot of outside noise surrounding myself and a lot of these guys. For me, I try to look at it as a positive. I've been very fortunate to have a lot of these experiences ... World Juniors and being here, these are things that not everybody gets to do. So I'm really grateful for that."

Bedard said it was his first time in Las Vegas, and he was soaking in the city's unique flavor.

"Getting off at the airport and seeing the slot machines, I've never really seen that before," he said.

Bedard is coming off one of the greatest junior hockey careers of all time, including scoring 143 points (71 goals, 72 assists) in 57 regular-season games this season for the Regina Pats of the Western Hockey League. The 5-foot-10 centers swept the CHL's end-of-season awards, being named the Top Prospect, Top Sorer and David Branch Player of the Year; it's the first time a player has taken home all three in a single season.

Bedard is known for his wicked shot -- which Colorado Avalanche star Nathan MacKinnon told ESPN is "already one of the best in the world."

Up next for Bedard is a trip to Buffalo for the NHL scouting combine, which begins Wednesday.

Read 274 times

Soccer

Miami trades forward Robert Taylor to Austin FC

Miami trades forward Robert Taylor to Austin FC

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsInter Miami CF has traded forward Robert Taylor to Austin FC for $7...

Madrid face Copa crisis as Camavinga, Alaba hurt

Madrid face Copa crisis as Camavinga, Alaba hurt

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsCarlo Ancelotti admitted that it will be "difficult" for David Alab...

Arteta: Arsenal 'dropped standards' against Palace

Arteta: Arsenal 'dropped standards' against Palace

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsLONDON -- Mikel Arteta admitted Arsenal "dropped our standards" in...

2026 FIFA


2028 LOS ANGELES OLYMPIC

UEFA

2024 PARIS OLYMPIC


Basketball

Celtics' Tatum misses first playoff game of career

Celtics' Tatum misses first playoff game of career

EmailPrintCeltics star forward Jayson Tatum missed the first playoff game of his career Wednesday ni...

Knicks' Brunson wins NBA's Clutch Player award

Knicks' Brunson wins NBA's Clutch Player award

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsAfter arriving in New York three years ago, Knicks star Jalen Bruns...

Baseball

Diaz 'good' after exiting Mets' win with hip issue

Diaz 'good' after exiting Mets' win with hip issue

EmailPrintNEW YORK -- Edwin Diaz left the New York Mets' 4-3, extra-innings win over the Philadelphi...

O's Rodriguez has lat injury, weeks from throwing

O's Rodriguez has lat injury, weeks from throwing

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsWASHINGTON -- Baltimore Orioles right-hander Grayson Rodriguez, who...

Sports Leagues

  • FIFA

    Fédération Internationale de Football Association
  • NBA

    National Basketball Association
  • ATP

    Association of Tennis Professionals
  • MLB

    Major League Baseball
  • ITTF

    International Table Tennis Federation
  • NFL

    Nactional Football Leagues
  • FISB

    Federation Internationale de Speedball

About Us

I Dig® is a leading global brand that makes it more enjoyable to surf the internet, conduct transactions and access, share, and create information.  Today I Dig® attracts millions of users every month.r

 

Phone: (800) 737. 6040
Fax: (800) 825 5558
Website: www.idig.com
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Affiliated