Connor Bedard started the 2024 IIHF World Championship like a house on fire with five goals and an assist in Canada’s first three games. There have been no points since then but, no matter, the Canadians have emerged victorious all three times, and have taken 17 of 18 possible points overall.
But naturally, the first question he got was, “How do you feel the pressure?”
“What?” Bedard asked with genuine confusion on his face.
“How do you feel the pressure? Your third game without a point.”
The look changed from confusion to amusement, and the 18-year-old chuckled, “Next question.”
A comment was then made from the group of assembled reporters about the increased intensity level of the last two games against Finland and Switzerland, which were both close in score and very physical.
“Yeah, it’s good,” said Bedard. “Some great teams going at it and that’s going to happen. It’s fun hockey to be a part of and we feel we’re as good as anyone, so it’s been fun to get to prove that.”
About the game against Switzerland in particular, which featured several penalties, including a major for kneeing to Kevin Fiala, which the Canadians scored twice on.
“It’s a contact sport and teams are going to hit and be physical,” said Bedard. “We’re going to get every team’s best, being Canada, and we got that tonight. It was a good effort from them – they’re a really good team.”
Bedard was asked about Chicago Blackhawks teammate Philipp Kurashev, to which he replied that he hadn’t spoken to him yet in Prague. “We were competing but we’ll probably hang out a bit now. He’s a good friend and it was fun to play him,” he added.
As for the plan on Monday, “Our families are in town, so I think we’ll spend time with them, refresh, regroup, and we’ve got a big game the next day.”
That game will be against the host Czech team on Tuesday, with first place in Group A on the line.
“Yeah, it’ll be buzzing in here and we’re excited to be playing in that atmosphere. They’re a great team and obviously, they’ve added some big pieces so that’ll be a great challenge for us.”