Chicago Hockey Insider has no direct affiliation to the Chicago Blackhawks, NHL or NHLPA
Blackhawks unveil why Connor Bedard was named alternate captain
Photo credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
The Chicago Blackhawks head coach Jeff Blashill explained why Connor Bedard was named alternate captain for the game against the Calgary Flames.
Connor Bedard has been having quite the breakout season. After two rocky seasons at 18 and 19 years old, the 20-year-old forward is among the best scorers in the NHL, with 13 goals and 16 assists in 19 games so far.
Jeff Blashill revealed why he promoted him after the game in a press conference.
Blashill On Naming Bedard Alternate Captain: "He's absolutely earned it"
Real leaders don't work for a letter; it just comes when they're ready and the situation calls for it.
Bedard has shown a lot more maturity this season, both on and off the ice.
For Blashill, even if there were injuries to team leaders, Bedard earned the title:
"One of the things we talked about at the beginning of the year is making sure we earn things, that we're not entitled to success, we're not entitled to wear a letter, we're not entitled to any of that stuff. And in his case, he's absolutely earned it.
He's earned it, and when I told different people around the team today [Bedard would be an alternate captain], everybody said the same thing, it makes total sense and he's totally earned it."
"We had lost two guys (to injury) who wore letters with 'Fliggy' (Nick Foligno) and 'Dickey' (Jason Dickinson), so we needed someone, and ultimately, he earned it. He's earned that opportunity."
He's earned it, and when I told different people around the team today [Bedard would be an alternate captain], everybody said the same thing, it makes total sense and he's totally earned it."
"We had lost two guys (to injury) who wore letters with 'Fliggy' (Nick Foligno) and 'Dickey' (Jason Dickinson), so we needed someone, and ultimately, he earned it. He's earned that opportunity."
Bedard also shared his thoughts on getting the opportunity, an honor he doesn't take lightly:
"It's great, for sure. There have been a lot of great players who have had a letter on their chest and it's a great honor and something I don't take lightly, and no one would take lightly. It's cool, for sure."
Could we be witnessing the rise of the next Chicago Blackhawks captain?
Previously on Chicago Hockey Insider
| POLL | ||
NOVEMBRE 20 | 141 ANSWERS Blackhawks unveil why Connor Bedard was named alternate captain Do you think Connor Bedard will be named captain of the Chicago Blackhawks after Nick Foligno? | ||
| Yes | 122 | 86.5 % |
| No | 19 | 13.5 % |
| List of polls | ||
TRENDING NOW
