Connor Bedard has been the subject of many headlines since being drafted 1st overall at the 2023 NHL entry draft. Today, he has made yet another headline as he took warmups for his first career NHL game.
Bedard Takes The Ice With No Bucket
Bedard took the ice ahead of his teammates today as is the tradition for rookies playing in their first career game. He was joined by fellow Blackhawks rookie Kevin Korchinski. One thing immediately stood out about their rookie laps though. Neither player was wearing a helmet.
The NHL instituted a rule last season that states that any player that joined the league after the 2019-20 season must wear a helmet in warm ups. Players who joined the league prior to the 19-20 season are exempt. Bedard and Korchinski seemingly ignored this rule as they took warm ups helmetless.
The penalty for breaking the rule is a 2,500 dollar fine.