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
- DailyMail.com provides all the latest international sports news
Connor Bédard made his NHL debut Tuesday night, and even the referee was eager to welcome him to professional hockey.
Bédard, 18, was selected first overall by the Chicago Blackhawks in June.
And he had an emotional moment with referee Kelly Sutherland – who was on the microphone – before facing the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Bédard 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.
“Hey Sid, welcome back to another season,” Sutherland began.
Connor Bédard 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.
“Connor, welcome to the NHL, man.”
“Thank you,” Bédard replied, before Sutherland said it was “show time” and dropped the puck.
Crosby would win the faceoff and later score, while Bédard would record an assist.
And it was the rookie Blackhawks who took a 4-2 victory to start the season.