(Kamloops) Connor Bedard made Canadian Hockey League history on Saturday.
The one expected to be selected first overall in the upcoming NHL Draft has won the CHL Top Prospect, Top Scorer and Most Valuable Player awards. It’s the first time since the top scorer award was added in 1994 that a player has won all three honors in the same season.
“It’s pretty special,” admitted Bedard. There are a lot of great players who have won the award (most outstanding player) and I think that also reflects the work of the whole team.
“There are a lot of people you play with who help you out and that’s what makes this honor special. »
Bedard – who will celebrate his 18e birthday July 17 – had 71 goals and 72 assists in 57 regular season games with the Regina Pats.
He added 10 goals and as many assists in seven games when the Pats were eliminated in the first round of the WHL playoffs by the Saskatoon Blades.
Former Calgary Flames star Jarome Iginla presented the MVP trophy to Bedard.
“He’s a hockey legend,” Bedard said. It was special to have the opportunity to meet him and receive this award from his hands. I always admired him when I was young. »
Bedard will now turn his sights to the NHL Draft, which takes place June 28-29 in Nashville. The Chicago Blackhawks own the first pick.
“I’m still young and I want to accomplish a lot in my hockey career,” he said. I am proud of the experience acquired during international tournaments and in the different leagues.
“I’ve had a lot of fun so far and I hope it will continue. »
Olen Zellweger of the Kamloops Blazers was preferred to Tristan Luneau of the Gatineau Olympiques and Pavel Mintyukov of the Ottawa 67’s for the title of defenseman par excellence. It was the first time that three prospects from the same NHL team were nominated for this title. Zellweger, Luneau and Mintyukov were drafted by the Anaheim Ducks.
Nathan Darveau, of the Victoriaville Tigres, was named goaltender par excellence, while Dave Cameron, of the 67’s, received the Brian Kilrea award, given to the coach of the year. Maxim Massé, of the Chicoutimi Saguenéens, was named rookie par excellence.
Evan Vierling of the Barrie Colts was honored for his sportsmanship, Colby Barlow of the Owen Sound Attack received the Outstanding Student Player Award, and Dalyn Wakely of the North Bay Battalion was recognized as Humanitarian of the Year.
The finalists were the winners for the same awards in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, OHL and WHL.