‘I’ve loved it here’: Pats’ Bedard wants to stay in Regina

Connor Bedard wants to remain a Regina Pat.

“I’ve loved my time here and however many years I’m playing junior hockey, I’d love it to be here,” the 17-year-old centre said Wednesday. “I think we’ve got a good team as well. I’ve loved it here and I’d like to continue my career here.”

The trade availability of Bedard — the first player in the WHL to be granted exceptional player status — came up while the Pats were on a B.C. road trip, on which they went 5-1-0.

When asked if the North Vancouver product would be traded by the league’s deadline on Jan. 10, Pats general manager and head coach John Paddock firmly and repeatedly stated that Bedard would not be traded and that he had a no-trade clause in his contract.

“I don’t really understand too much (about the no-trade clause), to be honest. I think since I’m in high school I can say no. I think John made it pretty clear he’s not going to attempt to trade me — I don’t really want him to either,” Bedard said. “We don’t have to worry about that too much.”

While the Pats will be with their superstar forward for the long term, they’ll be without him for the short term.

After a start to the season that has seen Bedard rack up a WHL-leading 64 points (27 goals, 37 assists) in just 28 games, he will be at the Canadian world junior selection camp — and he’s expected to make the team for the tournament being held in Moncton and Halifax.

Bedard was a part of the 2022 Canadian squad that won gold in Edmonton in August. He recorded eight points (four goals, four assists) in seven games.

“It’s exciting. I know it’s kind of weird for the country to have two of them in four months. That’s probably a little different, but for us, it’s super-exciting,” Bedard said.

“It’s a challenge and a chance to win. For myself, you’re playing against the best 19-year-olds in the world. It’s going to be a challenge, but I think it’s good for me to learn how to do that and I think it will be a lot of fun.”

Meanwhile, the Pats (14-12-1-1) will need to find a way to fill the hole left in their lineup. Bedard leaves for selection camp in Moncton on Thursday. The tournament gets underway on Dec. 26 and will run until Jan. 5.

“I don’t think you do replace him. The goals and what he means to our team — even when we’re not playing well, we can always rely on him to get a scoring opportunity or a goal,” Pats assistant coach Brad Herauf said.

“I think our attention to detail and play without the puck is going to be important … Our five-on-five game is coming and we’re getting better at it all the time.”

While he’s not a stranger to competing in international competitions, Bedard said every tournament is special.

“I think the first time you put that jersey on (in) every tournament, it’s pretty surreal. You kind of take a step back and seem to want to thank the people who have helped you almost,” Bedard said.

“It’s one of the biggest hockey tournaments in the world. It’s exciting and it’s an honour.”