Gatorade Canada has announced the newest addition to its elite roster: NHL’s Calder Trophy winner, Connor Bedard. The 18-year-old Vancouver native, expected to become Canada’s next big household name, is also poised to become the league’s next-generation superstar. Bedard joins a team at Gatorade that already includes another generational phenom in captain Canada Sidney Crosby.
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Gatorade Canada partnership
“I’m proud to join the Gatorade family and grateful for the opportunity to be a part of a team that helps fuel some of the best athletes in the world,” Bedard shared. “Like so many kids who grew up playing hockey, Gatorade has been a part of my journey from day one. Gatorade is committed to excellence and is passionate about sports at all levels – I am really looking forward to working together.”
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Connor Bedard’s impressive accolades include being a two-time World Junior Champion and recipient of several WHL and CHL awards. His recent Calder Trophy win marks a stellar first professional season with the Chicago Blackhawks, following his first overall selection in the 2023 NHL draft. As Bedard embarks on his second NHL season, this partnership aims to further enhance his performance and solidify his legacy.
Reflecting on joining Gatorade’s elite roster, Bedard expressed his excitement, stating, “It’s obviously really exciting. Gatorade works with a group of athletes that I really admire and enjoy watching play their various sports. When you look at all the different athletes who have been a part of the Gatorade family over the years, it’s a real honour to join them.”
Lourdes Seminario, Senior Director of Marketing, Sports Nutrition, Gatorade Canada, emphasized the significance of this partnership: “This partnership recognizes Connor’s momentous achievements and celebrates his ability to inspire the next generation of athletes. We are energized by Connor’s many achievements and are excited to continue being part of his journey and legacy in hockey.”
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Being part of a roster alongside Canadian greats like Sidney Crosby and Hayley Wickenheiser is a big deal for any young athlete. For Bedard, it holds special meaning. “They are two that I really did look up to as a Canadian kid who loved hockey and dreamed of one day making the NHL. What they have accomplished and continue to do for hockey is amazing,” he said.
The partnership with Gatorade is more than just a sponsorship for Bedard. “I’m really proud to join the Gatorade team. They are a group that is really committed to excellence, and I’m looking forward to working with them in many different ways,” he noted.
Upcoming season
As he prepares for the upcoming season, Bedard remains focused and grounded. “I think like many athletes, I’m fortunate to get to work with a lot of great coaches and trainers in the offseason. It is really about following my routine and trying to learn as much as possible and focus on improving in every way I can,” he explained. His off-season training regimen is a balanced mix of off-ice training in the gym and on-ice practice, with a strong emphasis on recovery.
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Bedard’s journey in the NHL has been a learning experience. “It is the best league in the world for a reason, and the game is faster in every way,” he said, reflecting on the biggest lesson he’s learned since his first NHL game. When faced with challenges, Bedard focuses on what he can control: his routine and effort. “I trust that it will turn for me if I continue to support my teammates and do the right things every day,” he added.
For young athletes aspiring to follow in his footsteps, Connor Bedard offers simple yet profound advice: “Really just to have fun, and to put the work in. If you are having fun, and working hard, that is usually when I find the best results are possible.”
