Blackhawks rookie Connor Bedard enjoys touching moment with referee as hockey’s newest superstar takes to the rink for the first time: ‘Welcome to the NHL man’
- Connor Bedard is a highly touted prospect after being selected first overall
- And the center had an unforgettable moment before his first NHL game
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Connor BĂ©dard made his NHL debut Tuesday night, and even the referee was eager to welcome him to professional hockey.
BĂ©dard, 18, was selected first overall by the Chicago Blackhawks in June.
And he had an emotional moment with referee Kelly Sutherland â who was on the microphone â before facing the Pittsburgh Penguins.
BĂ©dard skated to center ice to take the first faceoff against NHL legend Sidney Crosby, and Sutherland began by saluting the two-time Most Valuable Player.
âHey Sid, welcome back to another season,â Sutherland began.
Connor BĂ©dard made his NHL debut Tuesday night with the Chicago Blackhawks
He faced Sidney Crosby to start the match, with the referee delivering a touching message.
âConnor, welcome to the NHL, man.â
âThank you,â BĂ©dard replied, before Sutherland said it was âshow timeâ and dropped the puck.
Crosby would win the faceoff and later score, while BĂ©dard would record an assist.
And it was the rookie Blackhawks who took a 4-2 victory to start the season.