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.
REGINA Regina Pats forward Connor Bedard has been named the Western Hockey League’s (WHL) 2021 Rookie of the Year. Bedard, the first player in WHL history to be granted exceptional status, was announced as the winner of the Jim Piggott Memorial Trophy on Wednesday. The 15-year-old centre earned the honours after leading all first-year players in scoring, registering 12 goals and 16 assists in 15 games. He led all rookies in goals, points, shots on goal and power play points in 2021. “Coming into the season it was a goal of mine to be Rookie of the Year. Being able to win it, especially with all the other rookies that had such great seasons, is really special and exciting,” Bedard said.
Joshua Clipperton
Connor Bedard, shown in a handout photo playing for the Regina Pats, the first 15-year-old granted exceptional status to play in the Western Hockey League, travelled to Sweden in the fall to practice and play with HV71. THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO-Keith Hershmiller MANDATORY CREDIT April 30, 2021 - 3:42 PM
Melanie Bedard couldn t sleep.
It was 4 a.m. and her two kids â Connor and Madisen, aged 15 and 17 â were flying to Sweden in two days.
In the middle of a pandemic. I sat up and thought, I don t think I can do this, she recalled. You think about if something happens and you re so far away.
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.