Pats Bedard named East Division Player of the Year

For the second straight season, Regina Pats Connor Bedard has been named the East Division Player of the Year.

In 57 games, the 17-year-old led the WHL in goals (71) and points (143), and was tied for the lead in assists (72). He also led the way in shots on goal (360), points per-game (2.51), goals per-game (1.24), and finished tied for first in game-winning-goals with 11.

The North Vancouver, B.C. product also tied for the longest point-streak in the WHL this season, going 35 straight contests with at least a point, surpassing his previous high of 21 set last season. During the 35-game streak he scored 44 goals and 46 assists for 90 points.

During the playoffs, Bedard led all WHL scorers in the first round recording 20 points (10G-20A) in seven games against the Saskatoon Blades.

The Pats captain also helped Canada claim a gold medal at the World Juniors in Halifax.

Bedard also became the leader in career points by a Canadian player, passing Eric Lindros’ record of 31 from 1990 to 1992 as well as the Canadian WJC single-tournament mark owned by Dale McCourt (1977) and Brayden Schenn (2011) at 18.

The league-wide award winners will be announced in May.