Blackhawks reveal interesting tactic to keep Connor Bedard off the ice

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Tom Banks
April 5, 2024 (4:36 PM)

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The Chicago Blackhawks have an absolute star in Connor Bedard, but he's become so obsessed with hockey that the team now need to keep him off the ice.

It's no secret that 2023 first overall pick Connor Bedard was one of the most hyped prospects in NHL history, and while he's got the talent to make him a star, he's also got the drive and the determination. In fact, that drive and determination has been a major part of the Blackhawks year behind the scene, as reporter Emily Kaplan tells the story of Bedard's hunger for hockey.

"The Blackhawks have a hockey shooting range at their practice facility, which they sometimes rent out for birthday parties," Kaplan wrote. "Bedard is in there so much, the team simply refers to it as 'Connor's room.' Davidson joked he would need to lock it to keep him out. It was a bit of fun, until Davidson got a text one Sunday while watching NFL games on his couch. Bedard wanted to know why the room was locked, and if Davidson did it intentionally. The innocent error was duly fixed.

"... On one scheduled optional day, Bedard wanted to skate. Richardson thought Bedard needed rest, so he had the equipment staff hide Bedard's sticks in the coaches' room. Bedard is especially particular about his stick; his Sherwood features a 70 flex, its whippiness helps his signature release. 'So he has a choice to make,' Richardson said. 'Does he get out there with someone else's stick?'"

This certainly isn't a bad problem for the Blackhawks to have, but given the broken jaw that kept him off the ice for several weeks, it was tough to get him to rest. Bedard's hunger for hockey has made him the favourite for this season's Calder Trophy after tallying 58 points in 61 games played, and when it came to returning against his idol Sidney Crosby, GM Kyle Davidson revealed that there was absolutely no keeping him off the ice.

"Once we gave that green light," Davidson said, "there was a zero percent chance Bedard wasn't going to play that night."

Every single team in the NHL and professional sports would absolutely love to have the problem of a top rookie being too dedicated, and while there were fears that Bedard would burn out at some point, that simply hasn't happened, and if he can keep up this commitment to go along with his talent, he could be an all-time great.

Source: NBC Sports Chicago

Blackhawks lock the rink, hide Connor Bedard's stick to try to keep him from practicing: report