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Connor Bedard, the first overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft by the Chicago Blackhawks, became the second player from Regina (WHL) and second British Columbia native to be drafted No. 1. He won the 2024 Calder Trophy as NHL rookie of the year after leading or co-leading both the Blackhawks and all rookies in goals (22), assists (39), and points (61) despite missing 14 games. At 18, he became the third-youngest player in franchise history to score his first NHL goal and one of only five 18-year-olds in League history to record a five-point game. A prolific scorer in junior, Bedard dominated the 2022-23 WHL season with 71 goals and 143 points, then led the 2023 IIHF World Junior Championship with 23 points to help Canada win gold.
