What an NCAA rule change might mean for junior hockey in Sask.
6h ago
Previously, WHL players were declared ineligible to play NCAA hockey in the U.S.
Connor Bedard became Canada’s all-time top scorer at the world junior hockey championship with a goal in the first period Monday against Slovakia.
The 17-year-old’s second goal of the game was bigger, as it sent Canada to the semifinal round.
Bedard scored the game-winner in overtime when he got by two Slovakian defenders and put a backhand past goaltender Adam Gajan, giving Canada a 4-3 win.
The win means Canada will take on the United States in a semifinal Wednesday for a chance to go for gold.
CONNOR BEDARD OVERTIME WINNER!
— Hockey Canada (@HockeyCanada) January 3, 2023
Bedard’s three points in the game moved him to 34 in 14 career games in world junior competition, passing the previous Canadian record for points held by Eric Lindros (31).
Bedard, a star with the WHL’s Regina Pats, also now sits at 16 goals in his career at the tournament, surpassing the mark previously held by former Pats star Jordan Eberle (14).
Bedard now has eight goals and 21 points in five games at the 2023 tournament in Halifax.
Canada’s Connor Bedard, right, reacts after scoring a goal on Slovakia goaltender Adam Gajan during first-period IIHF world junior hockey championship quarterfinal action in Halifax on Jan. 2, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darren Calabrese
Dylan Guenther and Zack Ostapchuk also scored for Canada in Monday’s game.
Slovakia’s markers came from Simon Nemec, Robert Baco and Libor Nemec. Baco is a member of the WHL’s Moose Jaw Warriors.
Canadian goaltender Thomas Milic faced 27 shots. Gajan was tested 57 times.