COQUITLAM, British Columbia - March 23, 2021 - The first selection in the WHL draft and the first player from the WHL to ever be granted exceptional status. He is the next one, the next Sidney Crosby, the next Connor McDavid.

Connor Bedard (born July 17, 2005) is a Canadian junior ice hockey centreman who plays in the WHL for the Regina Pats. Bedard was selected by the Regina Pats first overall in the 2020 Western Hockey League Bantam Draft as the first ever WHL player of exceptional status. Bedard will be eligible for the National Hockey League entry draft in 2023.

In 2018, Bedard emerged as a young hockey prospect, being named "the future of hockey" in an article by The Hockey News. Bedard played minor hockey with West Van Academy Prep of the Canadian Sport School Hockey League. While playing with this school's U15 and U18 teams, Bedard led the league in goals and points, being awarded the Most Valuable Player both years.

In March 2020, Bedard was granted exceptional status by BC Hockey, and in the 2020 Western Hockey League Bantam Draft, Bedard was selected first overall by the Regina Pats as the first ever WHL player of exceptional status. In September 2020, Bedard was loaned to the HV71 junior hockey system, where he will play until the Western Hockey League returned to play.

Connor along with 3 other top prospects from the 2023 draft, Brayden Yager, Riley Heidt and Kalan Lind sat down with Ryan Haze and Big Mike of "I Only Touch Greatness" Podcast on Monday March 22nd 2021.

Full Interview:
https://youtu.be/ms89p8V314c


Contact
Ryan Simmonds