Connor Bedard chastised for blowing off roller hockey game to be No. 1 pick
Connor Bedard's dreams finally came true Wednesday when he heard his name announced as the No. 1 pick to the Chicago Blackhawks in the 2023 NHL Draft. Not everyone was pleased to see Bedard walk the stage in Nashville, though.
Columbus Blue Jackets forward Kent Johnson congratulated Bedard and fellow draft prospect Andrew Cristall on their big day but also chastised both for missing out on what has to be the most poorly-timed roller hockey game ever.
"What's up, A.C. and Beds? Just want to wish you guys good luck in the draft tonight," Johnson said. "Pretty crazy you're missing the roller game for this, but yeah, hopefully, we can get the W without you guys."
Johnson also jokingly warned that both could find themselves off the team for their no-show, calling it "pretty selfish."
For those curious, the game in question pitted The Holes versus Bedard's team, the Great Guys, in Vancouver's North Shore In-line adult league. According to this year's stats, Bedard is third on the team in points (30), while Cristall slots in at fifth (21).
On the ice, many regard Bedard as a generational talent in line with Sidney Crosby and Connor McDavid and perhaps even at the level of Wayne Gretzky. Bedard averaged two points per game over three junior seasons with the Regina Pats of the WHL, tallying 134 goals and 137 assists in only 134 games.
Bedard has already heard his name called Wednesday night, but Cristall will, too, most likely before the end of the first round. So, it's no surprise the two passed on their roller hockey game and instead chose to be in-person for their first respective steps toward making their NHL hopes a reality.
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