Bedard, Fantilli score hat tricks in rookie tournament

Connor Bedard. Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Connor Bedard, Adam Fantilli score hat tricks in rookie tournament

Originally posted on Daily Faceoff | By Steven Ellis | Last updated 9/17/23

Talk about a debut.

In his first competitive hockey game in five months, Connor Bedard scored three goals and an assist in Chicago’s massive 5-0 win over the St. Louis Blues at the Tom Kurvers Prospects Showcase on Saturday.

It was the first time he donned the Chicago Blackhawks’ red, black and white in a game, opening up play in Minnesota. Bedard had 11 shots on net while easily showing why he’s the best young player in the game today.

Bedard scored his first goal on the power play late in the second period, beating goaltender Colten Ellis with a nice wrister. He then scored with a pair of quick wristers in the third, showcasing his trademark release in the exhibition contest.

The game doesn’t mean anything in the grand scheme of things, but seeing Bedard — the first player taken in 2023 — do what he does best has to excite Hawks fans ahead of the 2023-24 season.

The performance was outdone by Adam Fantilli’s five-point night with the Columbus Blue Jackets over in Traverse City. He recorded a hat trick and scored two assists in a 10-7 win over Detroit — a game that saw the Red Wings take a 4-1 lead early.

Both games were elite showings from two of the best prospects in the world, of whom are set to take part in NHL training camps for the first time next week.

Bedard collected a staggering 71 goals and 143 points in just 57 games with the Regina Pats during the 2022–23 WHL regular season. He registered 20 points in seven WHL playoff games and 23 points in seven games with Canada en route to gold at the 2023 World Junior Championship.

Selected third overall in 2023, Fantilli dominated the University of Michigan this past season, notching an NCAA-leading 30 goals and 65 points in 36 games, earning him the Hobey Baker Award as the NCAA’s top player. He also won gold at the World Junior Championship and men’s World Hockey Championship.

This article first appeared on Daily Faceoff and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: