Bedard is the first player from Western Canada to receive exceptional status and just the seventh in CHL history. The family had previously stated that Bedard would “respect the draft” and play for whichever team selected him. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Katherine Hill This website uses cookies to personalize your content (including ads), and allows us to analyze our traffic. Connor Bedard, the 2023 draft phenom, is coming for the WHL. Bedard is the first western Canadian hockey player granted … That trend will continue in the WHL after being granted a special exemption by Hockey Canada, skipping the one-year wait period that usually applies to 15-year-old prospects. A welcome email is on its way. That said, it’s clear Regina was a preferred destination. Connor Bedard, 15, signed a standard player agreement with the Pats on Tuesday ahead of the draft. I hear the fans are unreal. I’m going to try to improve everywhere possible.”. © 2020 Regina Leader Post, a division of Postmedia Network Inc. All rights reserved. Please try again. “It’s a dream come true,” Bedard said from his home in North Vancouver. We ask you to keep your comments relevant and respectful. The main goal is to win so I’m going to do whatever I can to help the team win.”. We encountered an issue signing you up. List and rankings of all top prospects eligible for the 2023 NHL Entry Draft. Bedard is the first western Canadian hockey player granted "exceptional status" (Source: WHL.ca/Garrett James/CSSHL Media), Use of this Website assumes acceptance of Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy, CTVNewsRegina.ca Senior Digital Content Producer, Published Wednesday, April 22, 2020 10:11AM CST, Last Updated Wednesday, April 22, 2020 8:21PM CST, Active cases: 18,465 | Recovered: 147,508 | Deceased: 9,557 | Total: 175,559, WHL's first exceptional status player signs agreement with Regina Pats ahead of draft, Moose Jaw Warriors picking 3rd in WHL Bantam Draft, 'It's going to create a lot of buzz': Pats to pick Connor Bedard first overall, Regina Pats to pick 1st overall in exceptional Bantam Draft year, CTV News Regina meteorologist keeps the show going, How Elections Sask is keeping voters safe, Regina school closes after COVID-19 case, Run by 'NDP leftists & troublemakers' or defected Sask Party supporters? Connor Bedard, who carries an Exceptional Player label, selected first overall by the Regina Pats in the WHL Bantam Draft. locations, Sask. Another 233 players joined the Canadian Hockey League family on Wednesday with the completion of the 2020 Western Hockey League Bantam Draft. ; multijurisdictional outbreak declared, No explosive devices found following bomb threat at Cornwall Centre, 'I made some poor choices': Scott Moe speaks about 1994 impaired driving charge. REGINA -- “Growing up watching the WHL, I always had dreams of playing there. With the 3rd overall selection in the 2020 WHL Bantam Draft, we selected forward Brayden Yager. The news came just one day after Bedard was granted exceptional status. I’m really looking forward to that. “I am so honoured and excited to have the chance to be a part of a great organization like the Regina Pats,” Bedard said Tuesday. Everything about it is pretty positive.”. CTVNewsRegina.ca Senior Digital Content Producer. Comments may take up to an hour for moderation before appearing on the site. Postmedia is committed to maintaining a lively but civil forum for discussion and encourage all readers to share their views on our articles. Paddock wasted no time announcing his intention to select the blue-chip centre, who’s considered a generational talent. Regina, which has the first pick of the 2020 WHL draft on April 22, announced it will select Bedard. 365 Bloor Street East, Toronto, Ontario, M4W 3L4. Party attacks NDP candidate over 'anti-energy' posts, Dozens of COVID-19 potential exposure warnings issued for several Sask. “It’s crazy,” he admitted. Tuesday, 17:00. The Vancouver native is the league’s first prospect to receive the Exceptional Status designation to join up a year early. “My agency (Newport Sports Management) has told me great things. Suspicion swirls around Twitter account, Despite cases and outbreaks, Dr. Shahab pleased with re-opening of schools, COVID-19 in Sask: 18 new cases, 13 recoveries announced Thursday, Regina's municipal election candidates locked in, Sask. The WHL club was so eager to welcome Canada’s latest hockey sensation into the fold that GM John Paddock didn’t even wait until Wednesday’s bantam draft. “If I’m playing at my best, I think I can be a help to the team. “I do think I can make an impact (right away),” Bedard said. Great ownership. votes: The 2020 election promise tracker, Sask. “There’s always room to improve in every aspect of your game,” Bedard said. It may seem like a whirlwind courtship, but everything happens fast with Bedard, who played up a level throughout minor hockey. Connor Bedard, who is to be chosen first overall by the Regina Pats in Wednesday's bantam draft, is shown signing a standard player contract with the WHL team. We apologize, but this video has failed to load. 1 pick in our eyes and mine,” Paddock said. The Regina Pats signed Connor Bedard to a WHL contract on Tuesday — one day before they'll select him first overall in the bantam draft. The Regina Pats will pick Connor Bedard first overall in the 2020 WHL Bantam Draft. “Clearly we think a lot of him and clearly he was the No. leaders' debate to take place on Oct. 14, Social media history fair game in political campaigns: Professor, Sask. The Moose Jaw Warriors selected Brayden Yager with their third overall pick. Connor Bedard a.k.a. “I haven’t heard a negative thing,” he said. Bedard was the top scorer and league MVP this past season with the West Vancouver Warriors of the Canadian Sport School’s prep division. Read more about cookies here. In 2018-19 w/ Martensville (SBAAHL), he had 44-59-103pts in 31GP pic.twitter.com/kqtqrcXGAk, The Regina Pats will pick Connor Bedard first overall in the 2020 WHL Bantam Draft. The 5-foot-8, 165-pounder compiled 43 goals and 84 points in 36 games despite the fact that he was the youngest player in the league. As an underage player, he had 18-24-42pts in 44GP. Visit our Community Guidelines for more information and details on how to adjust your email settings. “The signing (before the draft) is something that is welcomed by us and welcomed by the league.