The Blackhawks to pick Tanner Howe: Connor Bedard's WHL Regina Pats teammate
Photo credit: DobberProspects
Regina's dynamic duo: Tanner Howe and Connor Bedard forge paths to the NHL.
In the closely-knit world of hockey, bonds formed on the ice often extend far beyond the rink's boundaries. This rings true for Tanner Howe and Connor Bedard, former teammates with the Regina St.
Pats, who have supported each other through their burgeoning careers. While Bedard's trajectory has seen him ascend to the top of the draft as the 1st overall pick, Howe is diligently carving out his own path in the hockey world.
During a season punctuated by intense games, a line brawl involving the Moose Jaw Warriors and the Regina St. Pats brought a light-hearted moment between the friends. Bedard, reflecting on the incident, couldn't help but chuckle,
« I think 'Howie' started it." It's a testament to Howe's playing style—unapologetically aggressive and intensely competitive. "On the ice, he's a bit of a jerk, and [he's] really talented offensively, as well," Bedard remarked in March, adding, "All around, he's hard to play against. »
Howe's aggressive approach isn't just a facet of his game; it's a core part of his identity, as he shared during the NHL Combine.
« I play with a lot of fire in my stomach," he said. "I'm a very emotional guy. That's just the way I'll play for the rest of my life. »
This fire has fueled his impressive statistics, with Howe posting back-to-back seasons of remarkable point totals, culminating in 77 points over 68 games in the 2023-2024 season.
Despite his relatively smaller stature at 5'10" and 175 pounds, Howe's physicality on the ice belies his size.
« Even being a smaller guy, I like to be physical, I like to hit and I like to knock guys off pucks," he asserted. I play a lot bigger than I look. »
His playing style draws inspiration from NHL stalwarts like Brendan Gallagher and Brad Marchand, but if Howe could choose, he'd emulate Matthew Tkachuk's blend of emotion and competitiveness.
The upcoming NHL draft in Las Vegas on June 28-29 presents a potential turning point for Howe. With the Chicago Blackhawks holding four picks in the second and third rounds, there's a real possibility that Howe could join their ranks, deepening the narrative of a Regina to Chicago pipeline.
« That would be pretty sweet," Howe mused, reflecting on the possibility of reuniting with Bedard. "Getting the chance to play with him would be super cool. »
Howe's journey to the NHL is being closely watched, not only because of his ties to a superstar like Bedard but also due to his own undeniable talent and relentless work ethic. As teams weigh their options, Howe remains a standout prospect, likely to ignite the NHL with the same fiery spirit that has defined his play from Regina to the global stage.
With an engaging, scoop-driven tone, this article leverages the compelling narrative of friendship and rivalry, weaving together the past performances and future aspirations of these promising young athletes.
As they step onto the ice in the NHL, the echo of their skates will carry the legacy of their time in Regina, a testament to the enduring bonds formed through the sport.
Previously on HawksLatest
| POLL |
13 JUIN | 42 ANSWERS The Blackhawks to pick Tanner Howe: Connor Bedard's WHL Regina Pats teammate Should the Blackhawks Tanner Howe? |
| Yes | 31 | 73.8 % |
| No | 11 | 26.2 % |
| LIST OF POLLS |
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