Bedard’s grandfather killed in two-vehicle crash in B.C.

The grandfather of Regina Pats rookie Connor Bedard was one of two people killed in a two-vehicle crash Tuesday near Sicamous, B.C.

The RCMP said the head-on collision on the Trans-Canada Highway occurred seven kilometres east of Sicamous just after 1 p.m. local time.

The Mounties said a westbound pickup truck driven by a 73-year-old man crossed the centre line and collided with an eastbound car driven by a 46-year-old woman from Salmon Arm, B.C. Both drivers were killed.

On Wednesday morning, the WHL’s Pats issued a statement saying one of the victims was Garth Bedard. The team offered its deepest condolences to the Bedard family.

“We know how close Connor was with his grandfather, who was one of Connor’s biggest fans,” the Pats’ statement said. “Garth was incredibly proud of Connor and took great joy in his grandson’s passion for hockey and even more so in the person he has become.”

Connor Bedard is to remain with the Pats and play in Friday’s game against the Brandon Wheat Kings before heading home to North Vancouver, B.C. on Saturday.

He previously was named to Canada’s entry in the IIHF under-18 world championship in Frisco, Texas, which is set for April 26 to May 6. The team’s players are to self-isolate at home starting Monday.

Bedard had two goals and two assists Tuesday night, when the Pats beat the Swift Current Broncos 6-1 in the East Division hub at the Brandt Centre.

The 15-year-old has 26 points, including 10 goals, in 14 games this season.