Connor Bedard Shines at NHL Winter Classic

Connor Bedard, the Chicago Blackhawks' 19-year-old forward, was the focal point of the 2025 NHL Winter Classic held at Wrigley Field, despite the team's 6-2 loss to the St. Louis Blues. Bedard's popularity was evident as fans donned jerseys with his number 98, and he played a significant role in the event's commercial success. Practicing on the iconic field with his family, Bedard expressed excitement for the unique outdoor experience, noting the importance of the atmosphere. He has been on a scoring streak, recently achieving 60 points in a calendar year, joining legends Bobby Hull and Eddie Olczyk as the only Blackhawks teenagers to do so. The event marked the first outdoor game featuring teams that made in-season coaching changes, with the Blues' new coach, Jim Montgomery, leading them to an 8-5-3 record since his appointment. As Bedard continues to impress, he is seen as a key figure in revitalizing the struggling Blackhawks franchise.