Connor Bedard just had his legacy moment at the World Juniors.
Bedard scored the overtime goal for Team Canada against Team Slovakia in the quarterfinals of the 2023 World Juniors on Monday. The sensational goal sent Canada to the Semi-Finals for a matchup with Team USA on Wednesday.
After already breaking multiple Canadian records earlier in the game, Bedard capped off his night with a sensational goal in extra time. With the game tied 3-3 in OT, Bedard deked through two Slovak players before undressing the goalie and depositing the puck in the cage.
Check out Bedard’s nasty overtime winner below. The youngster even pulled out the Patrick Kane “heartbreaker” celebration as he crushed Slovakia’s gold medal dreams.
Video:
CONNOR BEDARD SENDS CANADA TO THE SEMIS! #WorldJuniors pic.twitter.com/4s06UDY6oX
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) January 3, 2023
We’ve never seen a World Juniors performance like the one we’re seeing from Bedard this year. The 17-year-old phenom has set the record for most points by a Canadian player in a single World Juniors with 18.
Bedard finished with 10 shots on goal in the quarter-finals and was doing whatever he could to propel Canada to victory. He seemed to find another gear Monday.
“I couldn’t score on a shot so I kind of had to do something,” Bedard said about his overtime goal.
Bedard’s overtime goal Monday night will go down in history, but the phenom has his eyes set on the ultimate prize.
“I’m not focused on personal success here. I want another gold medal and that’s all I want.” – connor bedard
Canada vs USA is always appointment viewing, but Bedard’s play makes this semifinal game truly can’t-miss TV. Make sure you tune in Wednesday to see how Bedard follows up on this performance.
Bedard is the projected first overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft. We couldn’t be more excited to see what this kid brings to the next level.