Regina Pats forward Connor Bedard. (File photo courtesy of Keith Hershmiller Photography)
The first player in WHL history to be granted exceptional status was named the league’s top first-year player Wednesday.
Regina Pats centre Connor Bedard was named the WHL’s rookie of the year after leading the league’s freshmen in scoring with 28 points during the 2020-21 season.
The 15-year-old the first WHLer to be granted exceptional player status by the Canadian Hockey League had 12 goals and 16 assists in 15 games in the East Division bubble at the Brandt Centre. He tied Ryker Evans for the Pats’ scoring lead.
By Drew Postey
Photo Keith Hershmiller.
Zack Smith recorded his first career WHL hattrick, but it wasn’t enough as the Regina Pats fell 6-4 to the Winnipeg Ice Tuesday night, to wrap up their 24 game hub season at the Brandt Centre.
Carter Massier scored the other goal for the Pats, who finish the year (9-12-2-1).
Then end of the season also marks the end of junior hockey for Pats 20-year-old’s Roddy Ross, Carson Denomie and Kyle Walker.
Two more games will be played Wednesday before the lights go out at the Brandt Centre.
Saskatoon takes on Brandon at 4:00 p.m., then it’s Swift Current and Prince Albert at 8:00 p.m..
Saskatoon / 650 CKOM
Apr 27, 2021 11:01 PM
The Regina Pats on the ice following their final game of the 2020-21 WHL season on April 27, 2021. (File photo courtesy of Keith Hershmiller Photography)
While there weren’t any fans to salute following the Regina Pats’ final game of the year, the team did so to recognize the end of one of the most unique seasons in WHL history.
Due to COVID-19 measures, the Pats and all of the teams in Saskatchewan and Manitoba played an abbreviated season in a bubble in Regina without any fans in attendance at any of the games.
While it was tough being away from family, staying in small dorm rooms and only leaving to go to the rink, the Pats are grateful to have had a chance to hit the ice this season.