Connor Bedard named WHL player of the year

It’s the cherry on top of a dream season for Connor Bedard.

The Regina Pats captain has been awarded the Four Broncos Memorial Trophy as the WHL player of the year for the 2022-23 season.

“It is such an honour to win this award, and I am so proud to play in the WHL with all the amazing players, and the players that have won this award before me,” said Bedard.

“I would not have been able to do this without my teammates, coaches, training staff and of course, the amazing Regina Pats fans. I would like to give a huge thank you to my family for the sacrifices they have made in helping me get to this point.”

This season, Bedard became the first WHL skater to record 140 or more points in a single regular season in 27 years. His 143-point campaign included a 35-game point streak.

Bedard adds his name to the list of Pats who have won the award before him: 2016-17 Sam Steel, 2009-10 Jordan Eberle, 2002-03 Josh Harding, 1979-80 Doug Wickenheiser and 1972-73 Dennis Sobchuk.

“Connor is fully deserving of this award,” said Pats head coach and general manager John Paddock. “There wasn’t any part of his game he didn’t excel at. He also filled every building in the Western Hockey League, making for a fantastic season.”

Bedard likely will soon be a member of the Chicago Blackhawks, who are expected to select him with the first overall pick in the NHL entry draft next month.