Connor Bedard, the top-projected choice in the 2023 Upper Deck NHL Draft, was determined to make Regina’s first playoff campaign in five seasons memorable in his own unique way.
He achieved this by sporting a hairdo that was reminiscent of one of his favorite players, Patrick Kane.
“Patty Kane did it when he had his mullet, so I had a photo of him to the hairdresser and held it out there a bit,” Bedard claimed on Tuesday. “I think mine is fine, but his was a little nicer.”
Prior to the start of the 2010 Stanley Cup Playoffs, when Kane’s Chicago Blackhawks defeated the Philadelphia Flyers to win the championship in six games, Bedard had hair that is similar to Kane’s. This year, Kane is a member of the New York Rangers.
For their first Western Hockey League playoff trip since 2018, Bedard and his teammates spent this week getting ready at several barbershops and hair salons in Regina. On Friday, Game 1 of the Pats’ best-of-seven Western Hockey League playoff series against Saskatoon will take place.
I don’t know whose idea it was [to get haircuts], but a lot of players certainly did it, and it kind of strengthens the squad, according to Bedard.
In 57 regular-season games this season, the 17-year-old center led the WHL in goals (71), points (143), shots on goal (360), points per game (2.51), and goals per game (1.24).
Bedard, who helped Canada win a second consecutive gold medal, finished first among all players at the 2023 IIHF World Junior Championship in January with 23 points (nine goals, 14 assists). He was also voted the competition’s best forward and most important player.
The NHL Draft Lottery will take place on May 8, and NHL teams will learn their odds of obtaining Bedard then.