Players must be 18 as of September 15th in order to be eligible for the draft. Bedard was only 17 when he was drafted due to having a later birthday. He’s a product of the Canadian major junior hockey system, which consists of 3 leagues made up of players aged 16-20. Most players will return to their junior team for a year or two after being drafted to continue developing, but elite players like Bedard will step into the NHL right away
The world juniors is an under 20 tournament, most players are 18-19, but some younger players make the squads with an under age exception for exceptional players. I believe the number of underage players allowed on a team is limited to a maximum of 4.
I was at the Canada vs. Slovakia game!!! Everyone in the barn was silent when OT started and no one was sitting down, everyone was on edge. The OT goal was electric, we were all screaming and jumping up and down like crazy, I got a beer shower from the buddies behind me. Team Canada went on to win gold at the WJC in Halifax. Heave Away!
FYI, in Canada, we have known about him since he was 14. We have a thing called Exceptional Player Status, which allows a very select few to join the CHL a year before they would normally be eligible. the CHL is the Canadian Hockey League, which is actually three separate leagues: the Ontario Hockey League, the Western Hockey League, and the Quebec Major Junior Hockey league. Nearly all Canadian players are drafted to the NHL from these leagues. bedard was the first ever player outside of the OHL to be granted exceptional player status. He played in the WHL, which is a league known for toughness and good defense.
He is definitely a phenom, and expectations are very high. I think the worry for many (myself included) is that although an incredible player with moves and amazing hockey IQ, he's still on the smaller side and coming in at 18 in the fall could be challenging due to his size. Although the fighting is dwindling, the hard hits are still there - hoping Chicago has a good enforcer to protect him (they way Wayne Gretzsky was when he entered the pros).
With regards to the hits I think he'll be fine in the open ice. The game is changing a lot in regards to player safety, and discouraging excessive physicality, not unlike the NFL. Patrick Kane had Bedard's physical profile (He was even more slight than Bedard was) playing in a more physical NHL at that time, and he managed. Bedard's solid, he eats his wheaties and takes his time in the weight room seriously. The kid is yoked. I think where Bedard might get into trouble is that he's scrappy and not afraid to get his hands dirty in the rough areas. That could get him into trouble, or taken out, so he needs to make some business decisions about when to challenge some of those giants in the NHL.
There is a draft like the NBA and NFL, but it’s not like those where almost all players come from college. A lot of these guys started playing hockey in elite youth, high school, and Triple-A programs and from there they went to play in junior leagues which include Canadian major junior, lower provincial junior leagues, United States junior leagues, NCAA D1 hockey, or USports hockey (Canadian college). There is a lot of interchange between these pathways and there are many options for guys to take to get to the NHL, and players from overseas can even partake in these systems. Players can even play in pro leagues around the world before getting drafted if they feel that is the best for their development, and some times Europeans playing in pro leagues get drafted. Even if a player is drafted, they may have to spend some time in the minor pro leagues before the NHL, but a player like Bedard would be ready to step right into the league to be an NHLer.
You guys should check out a highlight reel of his goals and assists. This video is cool to contextualize him, but it doesn't really give you the entire picture of just how skilled he is.
Most Canadian kids ( girls and boys ) get their first ice skates at 3 - 4 years of age and start playing hockey by five, so hockey is absolutely in our blood…..not just a sport…..a religion!
he’s 18, and there is a draft with lottery picks, similar to the NBA with more rounds (7) they draft from junior leagues and different countries, Canada has the WHL OHL etc the US and many European countries like Sweden Russia etc
Next you should react to Punchup in Piestany. It was the 1987 World Junior tournament where Canada and Russia had a bench clearing brawl, both teams were disqualified. It was wild.
Yes, that's a great choice... And Theo Fleury, who is a major story in his own right, and who wound up playing briefly for the Belfast Giants (and tearing up their league), after his NHL days were over, was on that World Junior Team Canada... Also, for the record, the Russians left the bench first... They started the fight... But boy did our boys ever finish it...
Players get drafted at 18 generally. Sometimes players who have a late birthday like Bedard or Jack Hughes will get drafted at 17 knowing that they will be 18 by the time the season begins in September.
Bedard entered the draft at age 17 . Drafted #1 overall by the Chicago Blackhawks. He then turned 18 in July. So, he will enter the league at age 18...a very young 18.
He had to play with a "bubble" (helmet with a full visor) because he was too young for this tournament. He wasn't too young, but players under 18 usually never gets invited to this tournament. Still broke few records lol
Yes, of course, Team Canada, led by Bedard, went on to win the Gold Medal game vs the Czechs, the only team that had beat them... albeit earlier in the tourney... before the do or die games... Bedard also broke all the Team Canada World Jr scoring records, and in fewer games, as set by past stars like Eric Lindros, Jeff Carter and Jordan Eberle... From a Canuck... PEACE OUT
They will never get rid of the “enforcers “ because there are too many dirty players on the ice. Those guys would cause too many issues without the enforcement from teammates.
I dont think its possible to take enforcers out of the NHL. Some people are just big and aggressive. A nhl team will always want a tom wilson type of player. Its like saying highschools are getting rid of bullies. Its just impossible.
Connor Bedard only recently turned 18. He was 17 during the World Junior's.
He was 17 years old during this World Juniors
Players must be 18 as of September 15th in order to be eligible for the draft. Bedard was only 17 when he was drafted due to having a later birthday.
He’s a product of the Canadian major junior hockey system, which consists of 3 leagues made up of players aged 16-20. Most players will return to their junior team for a year or two after being drafted to continue developing, but elite players like Bedard will step into the NHL right away
Love the hockey content! Keep it up boys 👍
Exactly , love it !
Gotta check out Bedards world junior highlights hes an incredible player
The world juniors is an under 20 tournament, most players are 18-19, but some younger players make the squads with an under age exception for exceptional players. I believe the number of underage players allowed on a team is limited to a maximum of 4.
I was at the Canada vs. Slovakia game!!! Everyone in the barn was silent when OT started and no one was sitting down, everyone was on edge. The OT goal was electric, we were all screaming and jumping up and down like crazy, I got a beer shower from the buddies behind me. Team Canada went on to win gold at the WJC in Halifax. Heave Away!
FYI, in Canada, we have known about him since he was 14. We have a thing called Exceptional Player Status, which allows a very select few to join the CHL a year before they would normally be eligible. the CHL is the Canadian Hockey League, which is actually three separate leagues: the Ontario Hockey League, the Western Hockey League, and the Quebec Major Junior Hockey league. Nearly all Canadian players are drafted to the NHL from these leagues. bedard was the first ever player outside of the OHL to be granted exceptional player status. He played in the WHL, which is a league known for toughness and good defense.
That was a sick Play!!
I havent commented lately but I'm still watching! Love the content guys ✌❤🥂
The NHLs next potential superstar is a great 10 minute documentary on Bedard
He is definitely a phenom, and expectations are very high. I think the worry for many (myself included) is that although an incredible player with moves and amazing hockey IQ, he's still on the smaller side and coming in at 18 in the fall could be challenging due to his size. Although the fighting is dwindling, the hard hits are still there - hoping Chicago has a good enforcer to protect him (they way Wayne Gretzsky was when he entered the pros).
With regards to the hits I think he'll be fine in the open ice. The game is changing a lot in regards to player safety, and discouraging excessive physicality, not unlike the NFL. Patrick Kane had Bedard's physical profile (He was even more slight than Bedard was) playing in a more physical NHL at that time, and he managed. Bedard's solid, he eats his wheaties and takes his time in the weight room seriously. The kid is yoked. I think where Bedard might get into trouble is that he's scrappy and not afraid to get his hands dirty in the rough areas. That could get him into trouble, or taken out, so he needs to make some business decisions about when to challenge some of those giants in the NHL.
Proper sport, he’s hooked, love the dad
He’s still a child boys 😂😂. Not even drinking age yet
There is a draft like the NBA and NFL, but it’s not like those where almost all players come from college. A lot of these guys started playing hockey in elite youth, high school, and Triple-A programs and from there they went to play in junior leagues which include Canadian major junior, lower provincial junior leagues, United States junior leagues, NCAA D1 hockey, or USports hockey (Canadian college). There is a lot of interchange between these pathways and there are many options for guys to take to get to the NHL, and players from overseas can even partake in these systems. Players can even play in pro leagues around the world before getting drafted if they feel that is the best for their development, and some times Europeans playing in pro leagues get drafted. Even if a player is drafted, they may have to spend some time in the minor pro leagues before the NHL, but a player like Bedard would be ready to step right into the league to be an NHLer.
Yes he went number 1 overall to the Chicago Blackhawks
Also you need to be 18 to get drafted
Also his gold medal interview was one for the ages didn't talk about himself when asked instead praised his team and how it took the hole team to win
You guys should check out a highlight reel of his goals and assists. This video is cool to contextualize him, but it doesn't really give you the entire picture of just how skilled he is.
Most Canadian kids ( girls and boys ) get their first ice skates at 3 - 4 years of age and start playing hockey by five, so hockey is absolutely in our blood…..not just a sport…..a religion!
he’s 18, and there is a draft with lottery picks, similar to the NBA with more rounds (7) they draft from junior leagues and different countries, Canada has the WHL OHL etc the US and many European countries like Sweden Russia etc
More NHL
Hawks are back baby!
They way they looked at each other when it said he was 17🤣
Next you should react to Punchup in Piestany. It was the 1987 World Junior tournament where Canada and Russia had a bench clearing brawl, both teams were disqualified. It was wild.
Yes, that's a great choice... And Theo Fleury, who is a major story in his own right, and who wound up playing briefly for the Belfast Giants (and tearing up their league), after his NHL days were over, was on that World Junior Team Canada...
Also, for the record, the Russians left the bench first... They started the fight... But boy did our boys ever finish it...
The golden goal vid this guy made is really good. I suggest that one
You guys need to cover the summit series. It was Canada vs the Soviet Union. One of the best series in history.
The video you guys picked to react to is awesome, his channel is great, but you should check some full highlights of Bedard.
Players get drafted at 18 generally. Sometimes players who have a late birthday like Bedard or Jack Hughes will get drafted at 17 knowing that they will be 18 by the time the season begins in September.
Bedard entered the draft at age 17 . Drafted #1 overall by the Chicago Blackhawks.
He then turned 18 in July. So, he will enter the league at age 18...a very young 18.
He had to play with a "bubble" (helmet with a full visor) because he was too young for this tournament. He wasn't too young, but players under 18 usually never gets invited to this tournament. Still broke few records lol
He's good and he can get better because he has the potential.
Americans love the Miracle on Ice. The summit series is the best series in hockey history. You guys nee to do a video on this.
The thing is the NHL has a farm type system like the MLB does if I'm not mistaken, so they can slowly bring him up to the majors.
Connor Bedard was drafted #1 overall and he was 17 at the time.
He was 17 years old in those highlights.
The bigger the game the better Bedard is. He thrives on pressure
He was drafted number 1 overall when he was 17 years old! You have to be 20 or younger to play in the World Junior Championship.
Since he is wearing full face protection he was 17 at the world juniors
You should react to more Connor bedard.
He’s 18!!
NHL players are drafted quite young. But most will usually go play for the AHL minor league affiliate. Connor is 17 in these clips.
First pick of first round.
I guess if you want your kid to grow up to be a superstar hockey player, then you should name him Connor.
Bedard was only 17 years old when this happened
Soccer on Ice!
But you can hit and fight
Yes, of course, Team Canada, led by Bedard, went on to win the Gold Medal game vs the Czechs, the only team that had beat them... albeit earlier in the tourney... before the do or die games... Bedard also broke all the Team Canada World Jr scoring records, and in fewer games, as set by past stars like Eric Lindros, Jeff Carter and Jordan Eberle...
From a Canuck... PEACE OUT
NHL draft picks are 18 when drafted
Hockey is drafted younger than nfl and nba, I’m not to sure why honestly
He was 17
You get drafted at 17/18 basically your year 12 year
React dea'aron fox fastest moments 22-23
They will never get rid of the “enforcers “ because there are too many dirty players on the ice. Those guys would cause too many issues without the enforcement from teammates.
he got drafted at 17
I dont think its possible to take enforcers out of the NHL. Some people are just big and aggressive. A nhl team will always want a tom wilson type of player. Its like saying highschools are getting rid of bullies. Its just impossible.
Bedard is 18