Connor Bedard
A teenage hockey phenom whose otherworldly skill and poise made him the most anticipated NHL number-one draft pick in a generation.
Born 2005 (age 21)·Canadian ice hockey player·Birthday: July 17·Generation Z
Biography
Connor Bedard’s destiny seemed written on ice almost from the moment he could skate. Hailing from North Vancouver, he was granted 'exceptional player' status in the WHL at just 15, allowing him to enter major junior hockey a year early. For two seasons with the Regina Pats, he wasn't just a star; he was a nightly highlight reel, breaking records set by legends like Wayne Gretzky. His shot, a blend of lightning release and pinpoint accuracy, became the stuff of viral clips and scout's dreams. Drafted first overall by the Chicago Blackhawks in 2023, he immediately shouldered the hope of a historic franchise, winning the Calder Trophy as rookie of the year despite missing time with injury. Bedard represents a new era of skill in hockey, carrying its future with a quiet, business-like demeanor.
Generation Z
1997–2012
Born into smartphones, social media, and school shootings. The most diverse generation in history. Pragmatic about money, fluid about identity, anxious about the climate. They do not remember a world before the internet.
Connor was born in 2005, placing them squarely in the Generation Z. The events that shaped this generation — social media, climate anxiety, and a pandemic — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Connor Was Born
The biggest hits of 2005
#1 Movie
Star Wars: Episode III
Best Picture
Crash
#1 TV Show
American Idol
Connor's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
2005Born
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2010Started school
Deepwater Horizon oil spill; iPad launched
Gas: $2.79/galHome: $147,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Tik Tok" — KeshaBest Picture: The King's Speech
2018Became a teenager
Royal wedding of Harry and Meghan; Parkland shooting
Gas: $2.72/galHome: $211,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"God's Plan" — DrakeBest Picture: Green Book
2021Could drive
January 6 Capitol breach; COVID vaccines roll out globally
Gas: $3.01/galHome: $298,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Levitating" — Dua LipaBest Picture: CODA
2023Could vote
ChatGPT goes mainstream; Israel-Hamas war begins
Gas: $3.52/galHome: $361,600Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Flowers" — Miley CyrusBest Picture: Oppenheimer
2026Turned 21
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won the Calder Memorial Trophy as the NHL's rookie of the year for the 2023-24 season.
- Became the first player ever granted 'exceptional status' to play in the Western Hockey League full-time at age 15.
- Set the Canadian national team record for points at a single World Junior Championship with 23 in 7 games in 2023.
Did You Know?
He broke Connor McDavid's record for the longest point streak by a U18 player in the WHL, registering a 23-game streak.
Bedard is known for his unique, curved hockey stick blade, which he has used since childhood.
He led the entire World Junior Championship in scoring in 2023, winning the tournament MVP award despite Canada finishing with a silver medal.
“I just want to be the best player I can be and help my team win. That's always been my focus.”
