Regina Pats’ Connor Bedard has been invited to Team Canada’s World Youth Selection Camp.
Born in 2005, Bedard is the youngest on the 35-player roster.
“Growing up as a kid, you watch that tournament, but having the opportunity to go there and work harder to be part of the team is really special and a great feeling,” Bedard said in a press release.
Bedard, now 16, made Western Hockey League (WHL) history at age 15 when he became the first player to receive exceptional status, meaning he was allowed to play a full season in the league despite your age.
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Usually 15-year-olds can only play a maximum of five games unless their midget team’s season is over.
He was named the best rookie in the WHL for the 2020-21 season, scoring 28 points in 15 games.
The North Vancouver, BC native has tallied 17 points (11 goals, six assists) in 21 games this season. He also leads the team in goals and the WHL in shots at the net (109).
Regina Pats general manager and head coach John Paddock said the selection is an honor for both the organization and Bedard.
“That is a huge loss for our team, but it is something we expected to happen, whether this year or not,” Paddock said in the statement.
“He’s one of, I think, half a dozen guys in (WHL) who can change the game with one play.”
Bedard played for Team Canada in the IIHF U18 world championship last summer, where he was tied for second in tournament scoring with 14 points and third in goals with seven in seven games.
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Hockey Canada Announces World Youth Hockey Team Selection Camp Roster
Canada’s field of selection will take place December 9-12 with an announcement from the team expected on December 13.
The 2022 IIHF World Junior Championships will be held at Rogers Place in Edmonton and the Peavey Mart Centrium in Red Deer, Alta., From December 26 to January 5, 2022.
– with files from Jonathan Guignard
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