Regina Pats captain Connor Bedard notched four goals and two assists for a new career high in Sunday’s 6-2 win over the Calgary Hitmen at the Brandt Centre.
It was his first match since breaking multiple records and earning a gold medal at this year’s World Juniors with Team Canada.
“It’s been amazing, to be in front of the crowd and with the group we have. We were very close and it was a lot of fun,” said Bedard reflecting on his World Junior Hockey Championship experience.
It was rumored that the great Wayne Gretzky had even contacted Bedard after this year’s tournament.
“Not from him but I forgot who it was, he texted through him and the guy showed me. I don’t remember who it was, but yeah that’s cool,” he said smiling.
Bedard wasted no time getting back into the Pats lineup after last Thursday’s gold medal game.
“I’m glad we had a fairly quick game [to] kind of get back into it and to see the boys again,” said Bedard.
“I know what the answer would be if it were up to him [to play tonight],” said John Paddock, head coach and general manager of Regina Pats. “So he will stay away from the arena for at least two days, if not three [this week]. I think it’s good to rest and he needs rest.
Before Bedard took his leave, he was able to show off his above average skills against the Hitmen. His six point night was a new career high for a single game appearance in the Western Hockey League. (WHL)
“When I’m out there and I have the puck, I want to make plays and be creative. It doesn’t always lead to points, but I just want to play my game and if the points are good, that’s good too,” said Bedard.
It was the first time he had played in front of the home crowd since November and the fans took notice, recording a season high attendance, registered at 4,671.
“If you are a sports fan or a hockey fan, you know there is [a limited] number of games left here to see him play. Maybe some people, they won’t go to Edmonton or Calgary or Winnipeg to see it (at the National Hockey League [NHL]). Tickets at those venues, which are closest, are nowhere under 100 bucks so why not see him play for $25 or whatever that is,” said Paddock.
“It’s about the group but I mean if people come it’s good. We want this building to shake and you know every night we want to hear it. It brings a lot of energy to our group,” said Bedard.
The Pats will need some energy as they sit in the middle of the standings at the moment with a 19-19-1-1 record. They are looking to book tickets into the post-season for the first time since 2018.
“It’s a pretty tight race here and it’s definitely a competitive league and that’s big for us,” said Bedard of the win over the Hitmen on Sunday. The team they are chasing in the standings.
Their next home game is Friday against the Saskatoon Blades.
