Memorabilia from Connor Bedard's 1st Goal is Limited

The Boston Bruins’ home opener last Wednesday saw a roster of former greats– and a big moment for a player who could be the NHL’s next big star. TD Garden was packed as “The Wonderkid,” Connor Bedard, played his second game and scored his first NHL goal.

The Chicago Black Hawks’ 18-year-old rookie has been the big buzz around the league.

*Connor Bedard (top) in action against Boston last week.*

It was a very festive atmosphere at the Garden. The Bruins kicked off their 100^th season celebration during their home opener against the Hawks by welcoming some of their most illustrious alumni. Bobby Orr, Ray Bourque, Phil Esposito, Cam Neeley, Rick Middleton, Terry O’Reilly, Zeno Chara, Gerry Cheevers, and other former Bruins were just some of those introduced in pregame ceremonies.

*Members of the 1970, 1972 and 2011 Stanley Cup champions.*

*Bobby Orr and Phil Esposito in the stands during pregame ceremonies.*

It turned out to be a memorable night but you have to hustle to commemorate it with any kind of memorabilia. Not that long ago fans would have come away with their ticket and maybe a game program if they chose to buy one. Those days have changed. The Bruins no longer issue printed tickets (even to season ticket holders). The Garden’s new system doesn’t allow printing of tickets before or after the game. You can ask for a commemorative ticket, but it, too, will be of the electronic variety you would print on your own.

An 11 x 7 game sheet is the only widely distributed item from the venue. I did come away with a few extra and will give them away (see below).

Bedard’s first period goal gave Chicago a 1-0 lead.

“I remember, like, being behind the net and kind of seeing it and I was just like, ‘Don’t screw this up,’” Bedard said afterward. “And then once it went in, just a lot of joy, for sure.”

*Bedard (bottom left) awaits faceoff minutes before he scores his first goal.*

It turned out to be the only score for the Hawks, who lost 3-1 but if Bedard fulfills the promise many have for him, it’ll certainly be a night those of us who were there won’t forget. Even if you weren’t there, there are some collectibles from both his debut and the night of his first game.

Topps once again has an NHL license for stickers and produced them for both the debut game and first goal under its NOW program. They’re available here through Oct. 19 or you can get one from quantity buyers on eBay.

Fanatics and its sister sites did produce some memorabilia, including nice photos of Bedard’s first goal (and debut) as well as some pucks and collages with game-used ice from his debut.

The game dated poster is what most Boston hockey fans will come away with and I’m happy to give away my extras.