Chicago Blackhawks Fans Demand Suspension After Neal Pionk's Old-School Hip Check on Connor Bedard
Tonight Chicago Blackhawks fans are enraged after a massive hip check from Winnipeg Jets defenseman Neal Pionk to Connor Bedard.
The Chicago Blackhawks struggled throughout the 2022-23 NHL season and as a result, got their franchise savior in Connor Bedard. Last season Connor Bedard debuted and became a superstar almost instantly. Despite a broken jaw that cost him nearly 20 games of the NHL season Connor Bedard was incredible.
Even with his incredible stats fans did still have to endure many games without Connor Bedard after his injury. This has now left an impact on fans who want to do everything they can to protect Connor Bedard. Tonight while playing against the Winnipeg Jets Connor Bedard was taken down by a huge hip check from Neal Pionk.
After being hit Connor Bedard stayed down on the ice momentarily before popping back up and continuing on in the game. Immediately after the hit his teammate Pat Maroon came to the aid of Connor Bedard and stepped up to Neal Pionk. Maroon was brought in this summer to provide veteran leadership and be a personal protector to Connor Bedard. Tonight he filled both of those roles.
While Connor Bedard seems to be fine the Chicago Blackhawks fans are taking the opportunity to defend Connor Bedard still.
Blackhawks fans come to the defense of Connor Bedard
After the hit from Neal Pionk began to circulate the internet fans of the Chicago Blackhawks and Connor Bedard came to his defense. Many seem to think the hit from Neal Pionk was dangerous and unnecessary.
With the Blackhawks already losing Artyom Levshunov to a major injury before the season began they cannot afford to lose Connor Bedard too. While the hit does look to have some knee-on-knee contact no penalty was called. As a result the NHL's Department of Player Safety likely won't be handing out any discipline either.
Once the game is over it will be interesting to see what Connor Bedard and the Blackhawks have to say about the hit. There also will likely be an update just to make sure Connor Bedard is all good to go after such a big hit.
