BEDARD ADDED TO TEAM CANADA ROSTER

REGINA – Regina Pats exceptional rookie Connor Bedard will make his Team Canada debut later this month, as Hockey Canada announced their roster Thursday for the upcoming IIHF U18 World Championship in Frisco, Texas April 26-May 6.

Bedard found about his place on Team Canada Tuesday, prior to the Pats 3-2 overtime win over the Moose Jaw Warriors.

“I was pretty surprised. I didn’t even know that the tournament was happening until the day before, so it was a shock and just excitement,” said Bedard of hearing the news.

“I’ve never gotten the chance to play for my country and to be able to have that opportunity is just a dream come true for any hockey player growing up and wanting that opportunity. It’s super special.”

Bedard is the lone 2005-born player on Canada’s roster and is one of nine Western Hockey League players on the squad, which will convene April 17 in Frisco for training camp. Prior to assembling for camp, the team will self-isolate at home beginning April 12. That means Bedard’s final game in a Pats jersey this season will come April 9 against the Brandon Wheat Kings.

“Even at the start of the season we knew this was a possibility. As we’ve progressed through training camp and the start of the season it became clear that Connor would be in the mix for a spot on Team Canada. We’re proud of his start here and looking forward to watching him represent the Pats at U18 World Championship later this month,” said Pats VP of hockey operations and general manager John Paddock.

The North Vancouver, B.C. product has taken the junior hockey world by storm this season, registering nine goals and 10 assists through 10 games to lead the WHL in scoring.

Bedard is just the third double underager ever to be named to Team Canada for the U18 World Championship, joining fellow Canadian Hockey League exceptional status players Connor McDavid, and John Tavares.

He will join Tavares as just the second 15-year-old ever to play for Canada at the event, as Tavares accomplished the feat at the 2006 tournament in Sweden. McDavid was 16 when he led the tournament in scoring with 14 points in Russia back in 2013.

“It’s pretty cool when you hear your name with those guys. Those are two of the best players in the world and have both accomplished so much at the highest level possible. Knowing that is very special and super cool to be with those guys,” said Bedard.

Bedard and the Pats are in action tonight when they take on the Brandon Wheat Kings inside the East Division Hub at the Brandt Centre. Puck drop is 8 p.m. and can be seen on AccessNow TV, WHL Live, and heard on 620 CKRM.

(Evan Daum/Regina Pats Communications/PHOTO: Keith Hershmiller Photography)