Pats make it official, sign exceptional status player Connor Bedard

It’s a dream come true for Connor Bedard.

The 14-year-old put pen to paper Tuesday, officially signing a WHL player contract with the Regina Pats.

“It’s pretty surreal,” Bedard told media during a video conference call Tuesday. “Growing up watching the Dub (WHL) and (I’ve) just always dreamed of playing there and getting to play with such a great organization.”

While there was little doubt the Pats would be taking Bedard first overall in Wednesday’s WHL bantam draft, the team put to rest any sort of speculation surrounding the pick by announcing his signing.

Bedard, who will be 15 once the 2020-21 WHL season gets underway, was the first player in WHL history to receive exceptional status from Hockey Canada. The status means there won’t be any playing restrictions on the centre’s 15-year-old season with the Pats.

Pats general manager John Paddock admitted there is a certain buzz around Bedard heading into the season.

“This is certainly excitement like only half a dozen other players have done in junior hockey so that’s going to be in our city and our organization,” Paddock said.

There have only been seven players granted exceptional status in the CHL’s history. That group includes former OHL stars John Tavares (2005), Aaron Ekblad (2011), Connor McDavid (2012) and Sean Day (2013) and current OHL player Shane Wright (2019).

Joe Veleno (2015) was granted the status in the QMJHL.

The Pats have the first overall pick via the Swift Current Broncos. The Broncos originally traded the pick to the Lethbridge Hurricanes, who then traded it as a part of a package to Regina for forwards Jake Leschyshyn and Nick Henry on Nov. 29, 2018.

While the Prince George Cougars won the WHL draft lottery, they could only move up two spots in the draft order. They went from fourth overall to second overall, assuring the Pats of the top pick.

Bedard said he has heard nothing but good things about the Queen City and the Pats organization.

“My agency has told me just great things — great ownership and I hear the fans are unreal and the accountability level is really high and I’m just really looking forward to that,” Bedard said.

While Bedard comes in with a lot of buzz and talent, he said there’s room in his game all-around that can see improvement.

“This summer is going to be huge training for me and I’m going to try and improve everywhere as much as possible,” Bedard said.

For anyone who hasn’t seen Bedard play, he describes himself as a 200-foot centre but it’s on the offensive side he feels most comfortable.

“I think I (visualize) the game pretty well and I’m a real hard worker so that’s what I bring to the table,” he said.

Bedard played for West Vancouver Academy’s U-18 team in the Canadian Sports School Hockey League (CSSHL) and had 84 points in 36 games. He was named the league’s MVP despite being an underage player.