Blackhawks' Rookie Connor Bedard Forgot His Stick Before Warmups Ahead of NHL Debut

Connor Bedard was clearly nervous prior to making his NHL debut against Sidney Crosby and the Penguins on Tuesday night at the United Center.

Chicago's Connor Bedard was a bit nervous prior to making his NHL debut against his childhood idol Sidney Crosby and the Penguins on Tuesday night at the United Center.

The No. 1 pick in the 2023 NHL Draft, Bedard appeared to be sort of star-struck heading onto the ice. Cameras captured him forgetting his stick as he initially made his way out of the tunnel. 

The hockey phenom was shown frantically returning to the locker room to retrieve his stick.

Note to self:
Don't forget your stick ahead of your NHL debut. pic.twitter.com/guzVprRXfY

— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) October 10, 2023

Playing for Regina Pats in the Western Hockey League this past season, Bedard recorded 71 goals and 72 assists. The standout notched 271 points in just 134 career games in the WHL.

Fans joked about the nerves of the 18-year-old, while also pondering whether Bedard even needed his stick to score.

Maybe he really is so good that he doesn't need his wand to create on-ice magic? https://t.co/X5UMp14i9z

— Jim Cerny (@JimCerny) October 10, 2023

Maybe the only thing that can keep him from scoring goals 🤣🤣 https://t.co/wSyVUY9DaP

— Brandon Swango (@bswag78) October 11, 2023

Connor Bedard is so pumped for his debut that he forgot his stick in warmup😂 pic.twitter.com/CVXZIVj5ic

— Everything Hockey (@EHClothing) October 10, 2023

Whoops!
Connor Bedard, so excited to make his NHL debut, almost forgot his stick before warmups#Blackhawks pic.twitter.com/COCXvvtaiM

— CHGO Blackhawks (@CHGO_Blackhawks) October 10, 2023

1st game jitters?

Connor Bedard forgot to bring his stick with him for warmups 😂 pic.twitter.com/xdFTIJitln

— Gino Hard (@GinoHard_) October 10, 2023

Pregame jitters? 👀

Connor Bedard almost forgot his stick before taking the ice for the season opener pic.twitter.com/Gfmv1PRoxS

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) October 11, 2023

Bedard is being looked upon to turn around the fortunes of a Chicago club that finished last season tied for the second-worst record in the NHL (26-49-7; 59 points).