With the Chicago Blackhawks season underway, several major changes have brought excitement to the team and its fans.
Connor Bedard center/forward has become the team captain while former Blackhawks star Patrick Kane has returned to the organization. These changes have created new opportunities for the team’s young players, leaving OH fans with plenty to discuss.
OH sophomore and Oswego Hockey Club member Mark Reppy believes Bedard becoming captain was a good decision for the Blackhawks. Since being drafted, Bedard has become one of the team’s most recognizable players and an important part of the team’s future.
Reppy said, “I think it is good that [Benard] is captain because he has been the face of the Blackhawks since he’s been drafted.”
Oswego Hockey Club Coach Lee was excited that Chicago legend Patrick Kane could return to the team. Kane played an important role in the team’s championship years, becoming a player many Chicago hockey fans admired.
“Like that was my childhood [[…]] he was like one of those guys I looked up to.” Lee explained He also believes Kane’s experience playing under pressure in Chicago will benefit Bedard. Having a highly admired veteran, who understands the expectations of playing for the Blackhawks, could help Bedard learn how to handle his new leadership role.
OH senior Ryan Ortinau also supported the decision to make Bedard captain. He also believes Bedard’s previous experience helped prepare him for the position. Bedard served as captain of the Regina Pats in the Western Hockey League and represented Canada in the World Junior Championship. Ortinau explained, “I think that Bedrard is ready to become a captain as he was a captain for the Regina Pats in the WHL.”
This experience gave Bedard opportunities to develop leadership skills and learn how to guide teammates through both successful and challenging moments. He also believes that because the Blackhawks have a younger roster, Bedard’s leadership could help bring the players closer together. Ortinau was equally excited about Kane returning to Chicago. He explained that the news brought back childhood memories and made the return especially meaningful.
Ortinau said, “When I first heard that Patrick Kane was back I called my brother and we were both so excited.” This reaction shows how important Kane has been to Blackhawks fans over the years.
Beyond the excitement, he believes Kane can help the team offensively and provide valuable experience. Playing alongside Bedard could also give the young captain an opportunity to learn from a player who has experienced success at the highest level of hockey.
Overall, Connor Bedard becoming captain and Patrick Kane returning to the Blackhawks have created excitement for the new season. Bedard brings young talent and developing leadership while Kane brings experience and a strong connection to Chicago.
As of publication deadline, Chicago Blackhawks are 3 – 5 – 0, Due to an injury Bedard’s first game of the season was on Oct. 13, and on Oct. 15, he got his first goal of the season.
As the Chicago Blackhawks continue building for the future with young talent like Connor Bedard and the excitement surrounding Patrick Kane’s return, OH fans remain hopeful that the team’s best days are still ahead.
Hi! My name is Kiera Anderson and I'm a junior at Oswego High School. This is my first year of the 42fifty staff, and I am very proud to serve as a staff reporter. You can contact me by emailing 42fifty@sd308.org and putting my name in the subject line. We welcome comments on our articles and feedback on our publication!
Hi! My name is Braden Zimmerman and I'm a senior at Oswego High School. This is my first year of the 42Fifty staff as a staff reporter. You can contact me by emailing 42Fifty@sd308.org and putting my name on the subject line. We welcome comments on our articles and feedback on our publication!
