SIX MORE POINTS FOR BEDARD, CANADA BLOWS OUT AUSTRIA 11-0
HALIFAX – Connor Bedard is doing his best to downplay an outrageous stat line.
It might be the only thing he hasn’t accomplished at the world junior hockey championship.
The 17-year-old phenom had two goals and four assists to tie another national record just 24 hours after a seven-point performance as Canada pounded Austria 11-0 for the host country’s second straight blowout win.
“I’m another player on the team,” Bedard said. “We’ve got so many guys that are special players. I’m just here as one of the guys.
“And obviously trying to contribute.”
The presumptive first pick at the 2023 NHL draft is going about that work with assassin-like precision – including a goal against the Austrians from what should be an impossible angle.
“Phenomenal,” Canadian forward Adam Fantilli said. “What he’s been doing is so special, and the way he’s doing it is amazing.
“Absolutely nothing but smiles for him right now.”
Bedard has scored six times in three games to tie Jordan Eberle’s all-time Canadian mark of 14 goals at the men’s under-20 event, and his 27 total points at the world juniors are just four back of the national record held by Eric Lindros.
“His ability to score goals is (among) the best I’ve ever seen,” said captain Shane Wright. “He’s always creative with the way he shoots the puck and where he can release it.
“Really impressive.”
The North Vancouver, B.C., native’s seven points in Wednesday’s 11-2 victory over Germany also tied four others for the most by a player sporting the Maple Leaf at the tournament.
Bedard leads the world juniors with 14 points – seven more than linemate Logan Stankoven, who’s at No. 2.
“Just enjoying my time on the bench watching him play,” Canadian forward Nathan Gaucher said with a laugh. “Unbelievable.”
Stankoven added a goal and three assists Thursday, while Gaucher and Joshua Roy each scored and set up two others. Fantilli, with a goal and an assist, Wright, Dylan Guenther, Zach Dean, Nolan Allan and Tyson Hinds provided the rest of the offence.
Benjamin Gaudreau made 12 saves for the shutout.
Benedikt Oschgan stopped 36 shots for the overmatched Austrians, outscored 31-0 through their three games.
“The score is what it is, but I couldn’t be prouder of the group,” said Nova Scotia-born head coach Kirk Furey, whose largely no-name roster held a powerhouse opponent to one shot through the game’s first 14 minutes. “We gave up one odd-man rush at the end against a team with … everybody.”
Canada was embarrassed 5-2 by Czechia in Monday’s opener before rebounding with that emphatic victory over Germany.
Sweden leads Group A with eight points, followed by the Czechs’ seven and Canada’s six with one game to go for each.
The Canadians meet the Swedes on New Year’s Eve, while Czechia – the country commonly known as the Czech Republic – will take on the Germans.
(Canadian Press/Photo: Hockey Canada)
