Bedard fever hits Saskatoon
CTV
After weeks of anticipation, the day Saskatoon Blades fans have been waiting for finally came.
After weeks of anticipation, the day Saskatoon Blades fans have been waiting for finally came.
A historic hockey game in Saskatoon with a sellout crowd of 15,000 people packed into Sasktel Centre in what could be the largest crowd for a hockey game in the city’s history. The obvious draw with the Regina Pats in town is the lure of superstar Connor Bedard.
"It's just that he's so good. This is my only chance to see him live," Blades fan John Herbison said prior to the game. "Soon I'll be seeing him on TV, but it just won't be the same."
Fans loading on to shuttles for the game two hours before puck drop were certainly in the sporting mood and ready to make the afternoon as uncomfortable as possible for the Western Hockey League's latest phenom.
"Everybody's got the bug. He's filling every stadium in the league," Frank Shychoski said.
Many people at the park and ride locations across the city said they simply want a fond memory to look back on later, and have the opportunity to say they saw Connor Bedard play in Saskatoon before he went on to the pro ranks.
Father and son duo Pat and David Fodey were eager to attend their first Blades game in years. With Pat growing up in Regina as a Pats fan and raising his son in Saskatoon as a Blades fan, the pair bought their tickets over a month ago realizing what a perfect occasion it would be.