An unscheduled part of Connor Bedard’s NHL initiation was injury recovery.
But when the centre came back ahead of the projected six-to-eight week minimum for a broken jaw, it only enhanced his status as the real thing among rookies.
The first-overall pick of the Chicago Blackhawks went on to win the Calder Trophy with 61 points in 68 total games.
“Unfortunately, injuries are a part of sports,” Bedard said in an e-mail exchange with the Sun after Gatorade Canada added him to its pro athlete endorsement roster this month. “I’m very thankful for all the doctors and trainers, family, and teammates that helped me recover.
“I think moving forward, the biggest thing is just taking another step as a team. We have a lot of exciting young players (five born in 2000 or later), and we’re working hard to find our way in the league together. We want to make sure we’re making positive progress with the goal of making the playoffs and a chance to compete for the Stanley Cup.
“It was definitely crazy to think how quickly the past year went by, but (watching the 2024 draft) brought back great memories, to see their excitement (such as San Jose’s Macklin Celebrini going No. 1). My advice would be to feel proud of what you’ve accomplished being selected and to listen and learn as much as you can. There are lots of great people who want to help you.”
tap here to see other videos from our team.
A month before being the youngest player picked for the NHL all-star game, the North Vancouver-born Bedard took a hit to set up a pass, unable to elude New Jersey defenceman Brendan Smith. The puck had bounced forward on a zone entry.
“Maybe bail out, but in the moment, you just want to make the play,” Bedard said at the time. “Unfortunately, (the busted jaw) was the result.”
Bedard did come to the league showcase in Toronto as a ‘celebrity passer’ during the skills competition. Two weeks later, four days before his absence reached the six-week mark, he was back in the Hawks lineup to get an assist against Sidney Crosby and the Penguins. He and Crosby are fellow Gatorade endorsers.
“There are a few (Gatorade commercials that stick out),” Bedard said, “but the ‘Be Like Mike’ (with Chicago Bulls legend Michael Jordan playing against his younger self) has to be the one I remember best. A bit before my time, but I’d still see it a bunch growing up.
“They’ve done some great ones over the years with Crosby and sledge hockey, too.
“Like so many Canadian kids, Gatorade has been a part of my hockey journey since Day 1. I remember asking my Mom and Dad if I could have my favourite flavour after practice or a big game. To have the opportunity to work with such an iconic company was exciting, especially with all the great athletes over the years.
“They have many different types of products. I’ve enjoyed learning about each one (Gatorade, G Fit and Gatorlyte) and how each can support my training and performance.”
CLIFF STILL CONTRIBUTING
Crowding 90, it’s still hard to keep Cliff Fletcher away from his life-long passion.
Fletcher, who turns 89 next month, and the Maple Leafs have agreed to another one-year deal to retain him as senior advisor.
After breaking in as a scout with the Montreal Canadiens under the legendary Sam Pollock in 1956, the Hall of Famer was with the St. Louis Blues, became general manager of the expansion Atlanta/Calgary Flames, Phoenix Coyotes and was twice GM of the Leafs.
He has been in his advisor’s role since being Toronto’s interim GM between John Ferguson and Brian Burke.
Fletcher, who lives in Arizona, was attending Coyotes games until their recent move to Utah, but mostly worked a full day from his home office watching AHL, NCAA, USHL and Canadian junior games from television and computer screens.
JACKETS TO FIT IN RECORD CROWD?
To date, the Leafs and Detroit Red Wings hold the single-game NHL attendance record of 105,491 on New Year’s Day 2014.
That could be topped March 1 of next year when the Columbus Blue Jackets host the Wings outdoors at Ohio University Stadium.
According to reports, 122,000 ticket requests have been received with actual sales beginning next Tuesday, exclusive to Columbus subscribers, followed by the general public later this year.
Ohio’s 102,780-seat stadium, known as the Horseshoe because of its shape, opened Oct. 7, 1922, with an Ohio State football game against Wesleyan University. It’s the 12th-oldest college football stadium in the United States.
The Blackhawks and Blues are playing this New Year’s Eve at Wrigley Field in Chicago.
X: @sunhornby