Bedard staying grounded
Connor Bedard (2023 NHL Draft eligible), the youngest player for Canada at World Juniors, burst onto the tournament stage with four goals in an 11-2 win against Austria on Tuesday.
Bedard is the first 16-year-old to score a hat trick for Canada at the tournament since Wayne Gretzky did it twice in 1977.
But he won't be letting it go to his head.
"Obviously it's one game and I don't think I'll be getting 2,800 points in the NHL, so it's obviously cool just to hear my name with his," Bedard said. "But we've got a long way to go in this tournament.
"I'm 16. I haven't really done much yet in my career. I think you kind of just have to stay focused, and for me it's just maybe staying off social media sometimes. I think my parents have really helped me with that and my agency as well."
A top prospect for the 2023 NHL Draft, Bedard is the sixth player, and the youngest, to score four goals for Canada, joining Mario Lemieux (1983), Simon Gagne (1999), Brayden Schenn (2011), Taylor Raddysh (2017) and Max Comtois (2019). The WJC record for goals in a game is six, scored by Ola Rosander for Sweden in 1987.
Canada knows tougher tests ahead
Canada (2-0-0-0) is tied with Finland (2-0-0-0) atop the Group A standings after a 6-3 win against Czechia on Sunday and an 11-2 win against Austria on Tuesday. While Canada has scored 17 goals and allowed five in its two games, it understands things get more challenging.
"These guys are smart," Canada coach Dave Cameron said Tuesday. "As much as the coaches know what they're up against, so do the players. Right after the game there's a recognition. We were good offensively tonight, 60-plus shots, but it's a whole different challenge tomorrow against a team that's going to be way stronger away from the puck. The players were already talking about that in the room after and that's a sign of good leadership."
Canada plays Germany (0-1-0-1) at Rogers Place in Edmonton on Wednesday (7 p.m. ET; NHLN, TSN, RDS). Canada finishes the preliminary round Friday against Finland at 7 p.m. ET.
COVID-19 sidelines United States
The United States (1-0-0-1) forfeited its game against Switzerland on Tuesday after two players tested positive for COVID-19. It hopes to be back on the ice Wednesday against Sweden (9:30 p.m. ET; NHLN, TSN, RDS).
The status of the game, which is scheduled for WP Centrium in Red Deer, has not yet been made by the IIHF. The United States has isolated its players and staff and has undergone further COVID-19 testing since the positive results were discovered.
Another COVID-19-related forfeit on its own likely wouldn't end the United States' opportunity for a second straight WJC title. However, it could impact the ability to re-establish momentum and make for a more difficult quarterfinal matchup.
