Connor Bedard, the young hockey phenom and future NHL superstar, was picked No. 1 overall by the Chicago Blackhawks on Wednesday night, a surprise to no one.
Simultaneously, Hyundai announced it has signed an agreement with Bedard, who’s going to turn 18 on July 17, to represent the automaker in Canada through public appearances, social media, advertisements and more.
“I am excited to partner with Hyundai Canada, they are a group that clearly shares a love of hockey and a commitment to celebrating the best of the sport at all levels across Canada,” Bedard said. “I’m looking forward to working with the team.”
In 2022, Hyundai Canada brought their hockey investment to the highest level by becoming the official Automotive Partner of the NHL and the National Hockey League Players’ Association (NHLPA) in Canada through a multi-year deal—the company’s biggest partnership since its inception 40 years ago.
“We took our hockey involvement to the next level with the NHL and NHLPA partnership last year. Bringing one of the game’s most elite young stars on board is both an honour and a natural next step,” said Christine Smith, director of marketing at Hyundai Canada. “We warmly welcome Connor to the Hyundai family, who is already an inspiration to so many already, and will inspire the next-generation of hockey fans.”
Earlier this month, Bedard won the CHL Top Prospect, Top Scorer and David Branch Player of the Year awards, marking the first time since the Top Scorer award was introduced in 1994 that a player has won all three in a single season. At the 2023 NHL Awards, Bedard was also named the recipient of the E.J. McGuire Award of Excellence.
The Blackhawks and Bedard will be visiting Montreal’s Bell Centre to face the Canadiens on October 14, followed by a meeting with the Maple Leafs at Toronto’s Scotiabank Arena two days later. Will you be there?
