Team Canada Junior (ECJ) has only played one preseason game and Connor Bedard is already wowing the gallery.
The player, who was selected as the first overall winner in the forthcoming National League Draft, had three assists in the 6-0 win against Switzerland.
Video of the assist he provided in the Maple Leaf’s recent third-period win made the rounds on sports newscasts. The 17-year-old snagged teammate Brandt Clarke’s puck in his zone, crossed the rink and handed the puck to Shane Wright, who jiggled the strings slightly.
Bedard’s individual performance surprised even the players on his own team.
“I was laughing on the bench,” said Clarke, who made the substitution after the forward took the puck from him. I didn’t even want to give it to him. He reversed his steps and just took her with him. I said to myself: He’s going to have a good game, let him go. He ended up making the best possible game. It was pretty incredible to see.”
“Connor has so many options in his game,” added the Los Angeles Kings prospect, whose comments were reported by the TSN network. It can overflow. He can cut in the middle. He can fire shots through his rivals. He can do so much and is unpredictable for defenders.”
For his part, Wright was just happy to be in the right place at the right time.
“It’s definitely one of the easiest goals I’ve ever scored,” he said. I wasn’t sure if he would make the pass. I thought he was going to net the puck. I followed him to see if I could make a comeback or something. Looks like he has eyes in the back of his head and he sent the puck right to my racquet.”
In fact, it was about misunderstanding Bedard’s abilities.
“I knew he had my back,” said the talented ice hockey player. I went behind the net and the defender followed me. So I sent him the puck and hoped it would be in the right spot. He did a good job in front of goal.
Bedard and his ECJ teammates return in a pre-game showdown against Slovakia on Wednesday. The Canadian team will open the World Junior Championship on December 26 against the Czech Republic.
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