Lessons from Connor Bedard: What Every Hockey Player Can Learn
By Enio Sacilotto
Connor Bedard went from playing hockey in North Vancouver to becoming the Chicago Blackhawks’ star player. The West Van Hockey Academy student shows us that being great at hockey isn’t just about being naturally talented. It’s about learning the basics well, working harder than everyone else, and being smart about how you play the game.
Why Bedard’s Shot is So Good
What makes Bedard different from other players is how he shoots the puck. He uses a technique known as the “toe drag release,” which is the same technique that Auston Matthews uses. Kevin Bieksa, from Hockey Night in Canada, who used to play in the NHL, noticed two essential things about Bedard’s shot:
How He Holds His Stick
First, Bedard keeps his hands away from his body when he shoots. This gives him more power. Second, he uses a special motion with his hands. His top hand is the control hand or the steering wheel, snaps out, then pulls back in, while his bottom hand (which is your power hand or your engine) pushes the puck forward.
The trick is to press down first, getting the torque or the stick to flex, then push out. This toe drag move lets him change the angle of his shot quickly, which surprises goalies.
Bedard puts his whole body into every shot. His hips, shoulders, elbows, wrists, and body weight all work together. Here’s a cool fact: you can make your shot 15 to 30% faster just by lifting your top hand higher when you shoot.
Bedard also believes in shooting fast – get the puck on your stick and get it off your stick as quickly as possible.
He’s a Great Skater
Bedard’s amazing shots start with being an excellent skater. He has great edge work and uses crossovers to get speed. He skates heel-to-heel like Sidney Crosby does, and he always keeps good posture on the ice. This strong skating gives him the balance he needs for both fast skating and accurate shooting.
He has excellent hockey IQ.
Bedard isn’t just skilled with his hands and feet – he’s smart about the game:
He’s Always Looking Around: Bedard constantly looks over his shoulder and keeps his head up. He’s like a photographer taking pictures of what’s happening on the ice. This helps him know two crucial things: where the pressure from the other team is coming from and where his teammates are.
He Tricks the Other Team: When Bedard looks one way but passes the other way, he fools defenders. This is good deception. They can’t tell if he’s going to shoot or pass, which gives him a significant advantage. He’s also great at making and receiving passes.
He Finds Open Spaces: Because he’s so smart about hockey, Bedard always seems to know where to go on the ice to get good scoring chances.
He Stays Cool Under Pressure
Even when the game gets crazy, Bedard stays calm. This helps him make good decisions when other players might panic or rush.
He Works Harder Than Anyone
The incredible thing about Bedard is how hard he works and how much he loves hockey; he is passionate. When he hurt one arm as a kid, he kept practicing his shot using just his good arm. He gets to the gym earlier than everyone else, even before his coach, Luke Richardson.
Bedard doesn’t just love playing hockey – he loves getting better at hockey. He always looks for ways to improve his game and never thinks he’s good enough already. He has a growth mindset.
He Plays Defence Too
Even though Bedard is famous for scoring goals, he works hard on defence too. He tries to steal the puck back from the other team and excels at using his stick to lift other players’ sticks. He competes hard in every part of the game, not just when his team has the puck.
He’s also very disciplined, which means he follows his routine with precision and does what his coaches ask him to do.
What Every Player Can Learn
Connor Bedard’s journey from a kid in North Vancouver to an NHL star teaches us important lessons:
- Learn the basics well: Great shooting, skating, and passing skills are the foundation for all other skills.
- Always pay attention: Keep your head up, look around, and know where everyone is on the ice. Hockey IQ can be developed by looking at and taking in key information: 1) where the pressure is coming from (opponents) and 2) where my teammates are.
- Never stop trying to get better: Even when you’re hurt or things go wrong, keep working on your game!
- Be disciplined: Good habits and listening to your coaches will help you improve faster.
- Play defence too: The best offensive players also work hard to get the puck back when the other team has it.
- Work harder than everyone else: Having passion, loving the game, and working hard can make up for not being the most naturally talented player.
Bedard’s story shows us that while some people are born with more talent, what makes great hockey players is learning the proper techniques, being smart about the game, and working harder than everyone else. Any player, no matter how good they are right now, can use these ideas to get better.