When Connor Bedard was chosen with the first overall choice in the NHL draft on Wednesday, he was remembering his grandfather, Garth.
The 2021 car accident victim’s grandfather, who was drafted by the Chicago Blackhawks, admitted he always carried a poker chip with a picture of him on it:
In a March interview with Mike G. Morreale of NHL.com, Bedard talked about his grandfather Garth and how his optimism and work ethic continued to serve as an example for him while he pursued a hockey career.
Although I don’t wear anything that belonged to him, Bedard admitted that he is always on her mind. “I believe he is someone I play for right now. He’s someone I think of before every game during the Canadian (national) anthem. I’m hoping he’s still watching. He adored hockey television. I hope I’m doing him justice.
Bedard will make an effort to uphold his grandfather’s legacy as the Blackhawks’ upcoming franchise cornerstone.
He is regarded as the kind of generational player who can support a team for many years, and Chicago knew it would select him as soon as it was fortunate enough to win the NHL draft lottery.