Connor Bedard of Regina Patti named the best newcomer in the Western Hockey League for 2020-21

Regina Pats Connor Bedard has been named Western Hockey League Newcomer of the Year for the 2020-21 season in a announcement made on Wednesday.

Bedard, the first-ever WHL player to be awarded an exceptional status, earned the Jim Piggott Memorial Trophy point after scoring 12 goals and 16 assists for a total of 28 points to lead all first-year players in scoring.

As the season approached, my goal was to be the newcomer of the year. The chance to win it, especially with all the other such awesome seasons, is really special and exciting, Bedard said.

I look forward to the coming season because I can’t wait to get back to Regina with my teammates and finally play in front of our fans that I’ve heard so much about.

Bedard, who was number one in the 2020 WHL draft, tied Patsi’s defenders Ryker Evans first in team scoring.

When he set out to join the Canadian team for the IIHF U18 Championships in Texas roughly mid-season, Bedard led the league in points and averaged 1.87 points per game.

Among the beginners, Bedard led in goals, points, 70 goals and 10 power games.

It’s yet another recognition of who she is and what she’s done to this point in her young career as a person and player, and she’s rewarded for that, said Regina Pat’s head coach Dave Struch.

There will be small such gains throughout his career and they are all part of his development. This is one of the things he can build on.

Bedard is the sixth Pat to be named WHL Rookie of the Year and will join Jeff Friesen, Dale Derkatch, Dave Michayluk, Dennis Sobchuk and Ron Garwasiuk.

6:40Connor Bedard is considering her first year with Regina Patsi