Connor Bedard's Debut Game Breaks Records
The hype for Connor Bedard's first game was real, and the numbers are showing for it as he has already broken an NHL record.
Connor Bedard's First Game Breaks Viewership Record for NHL
Last night, all eyes were on Connor Bedard and the Chicago Blackhawks as they took on Sidney Crosby and the Penguins. "All eyes" isn't much of a stretch, either, as the game broke viewership records for the NHL.
Connor Bedard's Debut Averaged 1.43 million viewers on ESPN, the most for a regular season game ever.
The viewership number is a direct indicator of the hype around Bedard, and the bump has been dubbed "the Bedard effect".
Bedard has become an Instant Star in the NHL
Bedard is no stranger to the spotlight, performing in one of the best junior leagues in the world and playing for Canada in the World Junior Championships. However, the NHL is a whole new ball game, and with that comes even more media, interviews, and spotlight.
Here's a video of Connor Bedard scoring a highlight-reel overtime goal in the 2023 World Junior quarterfinals, then celebrating with Patrick Kane's heartbreaker move. It's even been reported that Bedard has had an impact on Blackhawks ticket sales, and his jersey has topped the sales charts since he was drafted.
Since it debuted around the #NHLDraft in June, Connor Bedard has the top-selling jersey on @NHL_Shop
Bedard recorded an assist in his first game in the NHL, and it's only a matter of time before he nets his first goal.
| POLL |
How many goals do you think Bedard scores this year? |
| Under 20 | 31 | 12.3 % |
| 20-30 | 118 | 46.6 % |
| 30-40 | 73 | 28.9 % |
| 40+ | 31 | 12.3 % |
| List of polls |
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