Kelly Sutherland made sure to welcome the Pittsburgh Penguins captain and rookie sensation to the 2023-24 NHL season.

The Pittsburgh Penguins opened their season playing host to the Chicago Blackhawks and the NHL debut of Connor Bedard.

Before the puck was dropped between the Penguins and Blackhawks, veteran NHL official Kelly Sutherland welcomed the two centers taking the opening draw to a new season.

This was a special face off, however, as it was between the debuting Bedard and an idol of his growing up in Sidney Crosby.

The Penguins captain is entering his 19^th season in the NHL and has been inspiring kids to pick up the sport of hockey ever since his debut in 2005.

When Crosby made his NHL debut on October 5, 2005, Bedard wasn’t even three months old.

Before dropping the puck between Crosby and Bedard, Sutherland had some words of encouragement for the centers.

Sutherland welcomed Crosby back for another season and gave a ‘welcome to the NHL’ for Bedard.

The official gave a quick ‘it’s show time’ before dropping the puck on the new season.

Crosby won the draw with emphasis, asserting some dominance against Bedard.

The Blackhawks would eventually go on to win the contest 4-2.

At least Sutherland was short, sweet, and to the point as apposed to referee Chris Rooney last year who basically had a whole speech planned.

Make sure you bookmark Inside the Penguins for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns and so much more.

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