HALIFAX | We probably don't yet realize the full extent of what Connor Bedard is accomplishing at the World Junior Hockey Championship.
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The 17-year-old forward is literally rewriting the Canadian record books at this tournament and could even, by the end of the competition, tackle some of the all-time marks of the event.
One thing is certain, his next goal will be historic, on several levels.
Before facing Slovakia on Monday night in the quarterfinals, Bedard holds the record for most career goals by a Canadian player at the World Juniors, with 14, which puts him tied with Jordan Eberle. He also holds the record for most career points by a Canadian-born hockey player, with 31, tied with Eric Lindros.
“Destroy it!”
The latter, moreover, did not hesitate to wish Bedard to break his mark, Sunday, on Twitter.
" Good year ! Don't just break the record, Connor Bedard, destroy it! Win the tournament. Go Canada!
“It’s pretty cool to know that he knows who I am, reacted Bedard afterwards. It's incredible. It's amazing to know that he wants me to break the record and I have a few games left so we'll see if I can do it. »
And these are not the only brands that are within reach. With 18 points in the tournament so far, his next would put him first all-time in points in a single tournament among Canadian players. For now, he shares the brand with Dale McCourt and Brayden Schenn. He would also become the most productive under-18 player in World Juniors history in a given tournament, another mark he currently shares with Jaromir Jagr, who also had 18 points in 7 games in 1990.
No freebies for Slovaks
The Slovaks will be the first team to try to stop the momentum of the talented no. 16 Canadian, Monday night.
In the only game between the two teams, a preseason game that Canada won 6-1, Bedard not only did not score but also took four minor penalties in the game.
“We could see that his state of mind was not very good, mentioned Slovak striker Robert Baco to TSN. The latter faces Connor Bedard in the WHL, he who wears the colors of the Moose Jaw Warriors.
“We know each other well and we have already had a few spats in the past. I'm ready for him and I'll keep an eye on him. He's a very skilful player, who handles the puck well and has a good sense of the game. We have to play physical against him, it's the only way to stop him. »
Same story for defender Simon Nemec, who should have the mission to stop Bedard Monday night.
“He is a good player but the physical game is not for him. »
Most career goals for a Canadian player
Previous record: 14 (Jordan Eberle)
Bedard : 14
Most career points for a Canadian player
Previous record: 31 (Eric Lindros)
Bedard : 31
Most points in a single tournament for a Canadian player
Previous record: 18 (Dale McCourt, Brayden Schenn)
Bedard : 18
Most points for a player under 18 in a single tournament
Previous record: 18 (Jaromir Jagr)
Bedard : 18
Most assists in a single tournament for a Canadian player
Previous record: 12 (Jason Allison)Bedard: 12
