Chicago Blackhawks Deliver Unfortunate News to Connor Bedard

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Hunter Bowman
December 30, 2023 (9:32 PM)

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Hockey enthusiasts are well aware that 18-year-old sensation Connor Bedard is not your typical newcomer; his drive has been evident since the beginning of the NHL season.

In the early stages of the 2023-24 season, Blackhawks head coach Luke Richardson expressed his surprise at finding Bedard in a rather intriguing place at 6:30 AM the morning after a game � the team hotel's gym:

"According to Luke Richardson, he was caught off guard at the hotel gym when his 18-year-old rookie strolled in for some morning stretching. But that's the kind of athlete Bedard has proven to be,"

noted NBC Sports Chicago.

"I think he's that guy. He's eager," Richardson shared. "I'm in the gym at 6:30 this morning, and he rolls in not too long after me, and he's in there stretching in his bare feet, preparing his routine before the game."

Demonstrating his relentless nature at 18, Bedard consistently stays on the ice well beyond his teammates' practice hours. It reached a point where the Blackhawks had to remind him to wrap up, as he continued practicing while his teammates were boarding the bus to leave the arena.

Despite Bedard's nonstop dedication, it's essential for the rookie sensation to get much-needed rest, both physically and mentally. Blackhawks head coach Luke Richardson took the initiative to inform Bedard to take a rest day during today's morning practice.

For the first time this year, Bedard was absent from the ice during practice, raising concerns among fans. However, it turns out it was merely a precautionary measure to prevent overworking himself.

Blackhawks reporter Ben Pope shared on X (formerly known as Twitter) this morning that Bedard didn't join the practice group, prompting a fan's query:

'No Bedard? Is that a first?'

Pope of Chicago Suntimes responded with:

'Yeah, I'm shocked he's not out there. They might have told him he has to rest.'

While Bedard's constant pursuit of improvement might not make this ideal for him, it's undoubtedly in his best interest to give his body the rest it needs, especially considering he has been leading the Blackhawks in goals and points throughout the team's 35 games this season.

Source: Hawksinsider