VIDEO: NHL veteran Yanic Perreault works with Connor Bedard on improving one key factor of Blackhawks rookie's game
In a recent Twitter video shared by Charlie Roumeliotis, the Blackhawks Insider for NBCS Chicago, hockey fans got an exciting glimpse into the development of Connor Bedard, the promising young center for Chicago.
The clip showcased NHL veteran Yanic Perreault working closely with Bedard to enhance one crucial aspect of the rookie's game. The caption read:
"Connor Bedard getting tips from Yanic Perreault at the faceoff circle."
Connor Bedard, the highly-touted rookie, has been generating considerable buzz since joining the Chicago Blackhawks. His talent and potential have positioned him as a vital piece of the team's future.
In the NHL, faceoffs play a pivotal role in the flow and outcome of a game. Winning faceoffs provides a team with essential possession and territorial advantage, making it a skill of utmost significance for a player like Bedard, who aspires to make a meaningful impact on the ice.
Yanic Perreault, on the other hand, is a former Canadian professional ice hockey player. Perreault boasts an impressive resume of 13 seasons in the NHL. He earned a reputation as a faceoff specialist during his career, which is why his involvement in helping Connor Bedard refine this critical aspect of his game is noteworthy.
As the video of Bedard receiving tips from Yanic Perreault at the faceoff circle circulates among hockey fans and enthusiasts, it becomes evident that young talents, like Bedard, should often seek guidance and wisdom from experienced players such as Perreault.
A quick look at Connor Bedard's WHL journey
In 2020, Connor Bedard was granted exceptional status by Hockey Canada, enabling him to join the Regina Pats in the WHL. In his rookie season, he made a significant impact, notching 28 points in just 15 games, which earned him the titles of WHL's East Division Rookie of the Year and the Jim Piggott Memorial Trophy.
During the 2021-22 season, Bedard established himself as the youngest player in WHL history to score 50 goals in a single season, accumulating an impressive total of 100 points at the tender age of 16. His remarkable performances generated significant anticipation for the 2023 NHL entry draft.
In the 2022-23 season, Bedard continued to dominate the WHL, leading the league with a staggering 71 goals and 72 assists, which resulted in him being awarded the Bob Clarke Trophy and the Four Broncos Memorial Trophy.
Before even his 18th birthday, Bedard was selected as the first overall pick by the Chicago Blackhawks in the 2023 NHL entry draft and was subsequently signed to an entry-level contract.