Growing up, Connor Bedard supported the Vancouver Canucks as a child. The rookie for the Chicago Blackhawks recalls the 2011 Stanley Cup Final quite vividly, even though he was only 5 years old at the time.

In the seven-game series between the Bruins and Canucks, Boston defeated Vancouver at Rogers Arena to win the Stanley Cup for the first time in 39 years. Not so much for Bedard, but for many other reasons, it was a memorable series.

“The Bruins won and I just remember crying for like a week,” Bedard told DJ Bean and Pete Blackburn on the “What Chaos!” podcast. “Little kid. Big Canucks fan.”

Though the Canucks had a thrilling run before losing to the Bruins, 2011 wasn’t all bad for Bedard. Alex Burrows’ overtime goal helped Vancouver defeat the Blackhawks in Game 7, something Bedard called “pretty cool.” He also attended Game 5, which Vancouver won in double overtime against the San Jose Sharks.

Bedard, who is currently in the NHL, hopes to lift the Stanley Cup one day. The Blackhawks don’t look anything like they did after winning three Cups in a row. However, Nick Foligno and Taylor Hall, who can relate to Bedard as the first overall draft pick, undoubtedly have strong leadership.

This season, Boston has defeated the Blackhawks in both of their meetings; however, Bedard scored his first NHL goal against the Original Six team.

Due to their ongoing rebuild, the Blackhawks are unlikely to make the playoffs this season. Conversely, following a disappointing 2022–23 season, the Bruins are off to another fast start this year and have Stanley Cup aspirations.