From the Point: Pats centre Connor Bedard
Regina Pats centre Connor Bedard recently sat down with Junior Hockey Magazine to discuss his introduction into the WHL, his excitement to represent Canada at the Under-18s, and a special relationship he has developed with fellow exceptional talent Shane Wright:
Junior Hockey Magazine: What does it feel like to be introduced as the third double-underager to participate in the Under-18s?
Connor Bedard: It is really cool. For anyone, it is a huge honour to play for your country, no matter what your age is, so I am really looking forward to that. I am not really going to think about how much younger I am than those guys. We are all going there with a goal in mind. But it is really good and it is really surreal to hear that.
JHM: What has the transition been like for you in coming into the WHL?
CB: It is not an easy league. It is a lot of bigger guys, faster guys, stronger guys, and not what you are used to playing against, so it is different. Coming in, my coach and all my teammates instilled a lot of confidence in me and I knew that I was going to be free to make mistakes. I didn’t have to play nervous or worry about getting ice time. I think that really helped me a lot and that made the transition a lot smoother.
JHM: Walk me through the emotion of your grandfather passing and then you scoring the overtime winner the next night.
CB: It seemed like a perfect ending almost. It was a tough week for me and my family, so I really wanted to get one that game. When I got that first one, it felt great. I think I was tearing up a bit on the bench. And then the overtime winner was special. It was a super special game and something I will never forget for a long time.
JHM: Were you surprised that you were able to put up the sort of numbers you did in the WHL?
CB: I think a little. I probably wouldn’t have said that in 15 games I would have that many points, but it was harder for me to set expectations for myself in not knowing the league that well. I think it surprised me a little just in the amount of points, but it is also a team effort. That is a lot of thanks to them.
JHM: The only other double underagers to play for Canada in this tournament are Connor McDavid and John Tavares. What does that mean to you?
CB: I don’t think about that too much. I just want to go there and win a gold medal. We all want to do that. I think that is super cool, and once I sit back and realize that, it is pretty crazy to think about. But I am trying not to think about that too much. I just want to go in there and try to play my best and help the team win.
JHM: How much has Shane Wright been able to help you through this transition?
CB: He has been helpful. We have been through the same stuff with the exceptional status. Being able to reach out to him has been something that is huge in getting advice from him. If you watch his interviews, he is perfect in those, and what he does on the ice speaks for itself. He always gives me good advice and it just shows what a class act he is. I am pretty thankful for that.
JHM: How excited are you about what could happen at the Under-18s and how this could unfold?
CB: Just getting to play for your country, it is my first time. That is going to be crazy. I just got some clothes and to see the Hockey Canada logo on it is so surreal and something you always dream of as a kid, growing up watching the World Juniors. It is definitely crazy and I couldn’t be more excited.
Click here to listen to the full episode of Junior Hockey Magazine