An Inspirational Story About Connor Bedard Is Unveiled A Head Of The NHL Draft Lottery
We are just days away from one of the biggest NHL Draft Lotteries since the Edmonton Oilers won in 2015, selecting a player you may know as Connor McDavid. Fast forward to 2023, and all eyes are on another Connor, the teenage hockey phenom, Connor Bedard.
We have been keeping an eye on Bedard since he was 15 years old, projected to be a first overall pick. However, he has shattered all expectations with his outstanding play in the Western Hockey League and leading Canada to two gold medals at the World Junior Hockey Championships.
Despite his success, many are unaware of Bedard's backstory, including the loss of his biggest fan, his grandfather Garth. Dan Robson of The Athletic has written a touching story about Bedard and his relationship with his grandfather.
In a incredible article from the Athletic:
We learned how Bedard is motivated to play for his grandfather, who was his biggest fan until he tragically passed away in a crash, «a car driven by an impaired driver collided head-on with Garth's pickup truck.'
Bedard's parents and the Pats' front office kept the news hidden from the forward because he was playing hours after the death notification his dad had received on the phone that day. After the game, in which Bedard scored two goals and added two assists, earning first star honors in Regina's 6-1 win over the Swift Current Broncos, the family told Connor about his grandpa Garth's death.
«After the game, Paddock and coach Dave Struch brought Connor into an office where Tom, Melanie and Madisen had called in on speakerphone. The team booked Connor a flight at 6 a.m. the next day so he could join his family, but Connor balked. There was a game later that week and he intended to be there.
«Grandpa would want me to play,» he said.
Three nights later, Connor scored an overtime goal to beat the division-leading Brandon Wheat Kings. As his Pats teammates swarmed the ice, Connor pumped his right fist and pointed to the sky. His eyes welled as he spoke about his grandfather to the media via Zoom afterward.
«He's definitely who I play for now and will for the rest of my life,» Connor said. «I know he's watching me.»
«After the game, Paddock and coach Dave Struch brought Connor into an office where Tom, Melanie and Madisen had called in on speakerphone. The team booked Connor a flight at 6 a.m. the next day so he could join his family, but Connor balked. There was a game later that week and he intended to be there.
«Grandpa would want me to play,» he said.
Three nights later, Connor scored an overtime goal to beat the division-leading Brandon Wheat Kings. As his Pats teammates swarmed the ice, Connor pumped his right fist and pointed to the sky. His eyes welled as he spoke about his grandfather to the media via Zoom afterward.
«He's definitely who I play for now and will for the rest of my life,» Connor said. «I know he's watching me.»
This is what drives this young player and you can't find anything purer than this.
He will be a star. And yes, Grandpa Garth will be watching.
He will be a star. And yes, Grandpa Garth will be watching.
Credit:Hockey Feed
| POLL | ||
MAI 6 | 342 ANSWERS An Inspirational Story About Connor Bedard Is Unveiled A Head Of The NHL Draft Lottery Will Connor Bedard Win The Calder Trophy Next year? | ||
| Yes | 184 | 53.8 % |
| No | 158 | 46.2 % |
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