Pats sign Bedard, will select him first overall

The Regina Pats have signed Canadian Sport School Hockey League student athlete Connor Bedard to a WHL Standard Player Agreement.

Bedard, 14, will be selected first overall by the Pats at Wednesday’s WHL Bantam Draft.

The North Vancouver, B.C. product was named the CSSHL’s U18 Prep Division MVP this past season after posting 84 points (43-41-84) in 36 games with the West Van Academy.

The previous season, Bedard was named the CSSHL’s U15 Prep Division MVP after collecting 88 points (64-24-88) in 30 games with the West Van Academy.

Bedard became the first player in WHL history to be granted exceptional status.

“This is a big day for our organization,” said Pats VP of Hockey Operations and General Manager John Paddock. “Connor is an exceptional person and a great player; we look forward to seeing him in a Pats uniform next season.”

The 2020 WHL Bantam Draft begins at 10am MT on Wednesday.