Connor Bedard practiced with the Chicago Blackhawks right on the field at Wrigley, skating alongside his parents and sister.
For the 19-year-old center, the experience was unforgettable.
“It’s one of the coolest experiences of my life so far,” Bedard said. “And obviously, the game hasn’t even started yet. So I’m looking forward to it.”
The Blackhawks will face the St. Louis Blues on Tuesday in the 16th Winter Classic. This marks Wrigley’s second time hosting, after also hosting the event in 2009, and it will be the first rematch in the event’s history.
This game will be Bedard’s first major showcase since being selected by Chicago as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 draft. He had been named an All-Star but missed the game due to a broken jaw.
Bedard is the most well-known player in what is otherwise a quieter Winter Classic. While he’s used to being the focus, especially after a high-profile first NHL season, he knows this game is different.
“Playing outside, playing at Wrigley here, and getting that different experience — that’s what excites me,” he said. “It’s not really about people tuning in, but that’s obviously great for us. To have more people in the crowd, it’s going to be an exciting atmosphere.”
This Winter Classic is also unique because it’s the NHL’s first outdoor game featuring two teams that made a coaching change during the season.
Since Jim Montgomery replaced Drew Bannister on Nov. 24, St. Louis has a record of 8-5-3. Montgomery, who had been out of work for five days after being fired by the Boston Bruins, has brought fresh energy to the team.
“He brings a great energy around the locker room,” said goalie Jordan Binnington, who has a Winter Classic mask featuring sketches of St. Louis Cardinals legends Albert Pujols, Yadier Molina, and Adam Wainwright.
Montgomery is familiar with outdoor games, having coached the Bruins to a 2-1 win over Pittsburgh in the 2023 Winter Classic at Fenway Park.
He also has players experienced in outdoor games, like Jordan Kyrou, who scored two goals and two assists in a 6-4 win at Minnesota’s Target Field during the 2022 Winter Classic. St. Louis forward Brandon Saad, now playing in his sixth outdoor game, also has experience, including three with Chicago.
Kyrou’s first outdoor game was in cold weather, and while temperatures for Tuesday’s game are expected to be in the high 30s, rain may be an issue.
“It’s a pretty awesome stadium,” Kyrou said after the Blues’ practice at Wrigley. “I’m sure it’s going to be super packed tomorrow, and it’ll be a crazy atmosphere. So we’re all looking forward to it.”
The Blackhawks will play outdoors for an NHL-record seventh time, though their last outdoor game was in 2019. Chicago is going through a tough stretch after a period of success, including three Stanley Cup titles.
Currently, the team is 4-7-0 under interim coach Anders Sorensen, who replaced Luke Richardson after Richardson was fired on Dec. 5. Heading into the Winter Classic, the Blackhawks are on a four-game losing streak.
“I think the biggest thing we talked about today was just, hey, the outcome of the last couple of games is not what we want, but let’s try to enjoy where we are right now, and then take it for the experience and enjoy it,” Sorensen said. “And then put our best foot forward tomorrow.”
Despite the Blackhawks’ struggles, Bedard has been playing well since the coaching change. After a 12-game scoring drought, he has recorded seven goals and 10 assists in his last 16 games.
“I don’t know if I’ve been on a run,” Bedard said. “I’m playing obviously decent and you have a little stretch. This is more what I am as a player. It’s about how much I’m creating and how many plays I’m making, and I feel like I’ve been doing that pretty well.”
