As the Chicago Blackhawks forward gets set to play in Vancouver for the first time as an NHL player, excitement is building in his hometown of North Vancouver, just across the water. For the 19-year-old Connor Bedard, it’s not just another game — it’s a chance to return to the rink he grew up near, and his family and friends are eager to witness the moment.
“It’s not overwhelming, but I’ll definitely be playing in front of a lot of people I know,” Bedard said with a smile, referring to the highly anticipated match between Chicago and the Vancouver Canucks at Rogers Arena on Saturday (10 p.m. ET; CBC, SN, CITY, TVAS2, CHSN).
The hype has been growing ever since last season when Bedard, the No. 1 pick in the 2023 NHL Draft, was sidelined with a broken jaw and missed the chance to play in Vancouver. Now, fans who coached him, played alongside him, and watched him develop from a young beginner into one of the most skilled and hardworking players in the game can’t wait to see him live in an NHL uniform.
Clint Colebourn, who coached Bedard at North Shore Winter Club in 2016-17, reflected on the buzz in the local community: “Even in minor hockey, people have been talking about it for months. Parents and coaches can’t wait to see him back here.”
North Vancouver, with a population of around 64,000, lies just across Burrard Inlet from Vancouver. It offers a scenic blend of water, mountains, and parks, along with a more relaxed, small-town vibe compared to its larger neighbor. The city’s proximity to downtown Vancouver (a short 12-minute SeaBus ride) provides residents with the best of both worlds.
Steve Marr, who coached Bedard with the West Vancouver Warriors, described the area as “Vancouver Light” — close enough to the city for easy access but maintaining its own unique charm, surrounded by nature and mountains.
North Vancouver is also home to the famous Grouse Mountain and the Grouse Grind, a tough 2.5-kilometer hike nicknamed “Mother Nature’s Stairmaster.” Bedard has tackled the hike several times, including a 37-minute run this past September, and his coach Marr joked, “He’s getting close to beating me, but I still have a bit of an edge.”
It was here in North Vancouver, at the age of 3, that Bedard first stepped onto the ice. Initially, he wasn’t so sure about the sport. “At first, he didn’t enjoy it much,” said his father, Tom. “But once he started getting the gear and figuring it out, he loved it. It became more fun.”
Growing up in the Lynn Valley neighborhood, Bedard spent countless hours practicing his stickhandling and shooting on the flat streets. “It was great for practicing inline skating and stick work,” Tom said. “He was always developing, whether on his own or with me.”
Though North Vancouver doesn’t boast signs proclaiming “Home of Connor Bedard,” the community fully embraces him. “It’s a bit more intimate than Vancouver, but it’s still part of the larger city,” said Marr. “Everyone around here takes pride in his success.”
As Bedard’s career developed, he trained in various rinks across the region, including Canlan Sports North Shore and Burnaby Winter Club, but his primary rink was always North Shore Winter Club. “When March came, they’d leave the ice open for pick-up games, and Connor spent a lot of time there,” said Tom. “That extra ice time was huge for his development.”
Bedard’s style off the ice was also unique. “He used to wear jorts and really colorful laces on his skates,” said Colebourn. “He wanted to stand out in his own way, even back then.”
Despite all the attention, Bedard’s ability to stay focused hasn’t changed. “When he was younger, the rink would always be packed with fans, and he handled it well,” said Jon Calvano, who worked with Bedard since he was 5. “He’s just focused on getting better.”
At age 10, Bedard got his first taste of NHL-level competition, skating with players like Mathew Barzal and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins. “He didn’t seem fazed at all,” Calvano said. “He just fit right in with the older guys.”
That composure was evident when Bedard, at age 14, joined a 4-on-4 league with NHL players. Landon Ferraro, who played with Bedard, recalled being impressed by the teenager’s skill. “He was a little kid among men, but after one shift, everyone wanted to play with him,” Ferraro said. “He was that good right away.”
During this past offseason, Bedard worked with trainer Ryan Kerr at RK4 Development, maintaining his grueling workout regimen. “Connor sets the bar for others. He works hard, and other players look up to him,” Kerr said.
With Bedard’s first game in Vancouver as an NHL player finally here, the city is buzzing with excitement. Kerr, Calvano, and others will be at Rogers Arena to see Bedard in action. “It’s great for him to finally play in front of his family and friends,” said Colebourn, who couldn’t attend but will be watching the game on TV.
Despite all the attention, those closest to Bedard insist he hasn’t changed. “He’s the same kid,” said Calvano. “He plays hard, he plays the right way, and he wants to be better every time he hits the ice.”
Luke Richardson, his coach with the Blackhawks, is confident Bedard will thrive in the spotlight. “He’s played great against top teams,” Richardson said. “I’m sure he’ll rise to the occasion in Vancouver.”
For Bedard, this game represents more than just another NHL match — it’s a homecoming that highlights how far he’s come and the pride his community takes in his success. As Colebourn put it, “It’s just great that he gets to play in front of everyone who’s supported him from the beginning.”
