Bedard among Sask.-based players invited to Hockey Canada World Junior selection camp
Regina Pats’ star Connor Bedard is among three Saskatchewan-based players invited to attend Hockey Canada’s selection camp for the World Junior Hockey Championships.
Hockey Canada released its selection camp roster on Wednesday morning. Bedard, who many scouts believe could be the first overall pick in the 2023 NHL entry draft, is excited to be on that list.
“Just to get the opportunity to go there and work my hardest to make the team is really special,” Bedard said in a media release.
The 16-year-old North Vancouver, B.C. product made headlines last season after becoming the first player in Western Hockey League (WHL) history to be granted exceptional status to enter the league a year at 15 years old.
He went on to be named rookie of the year after putting up 28 points (12 goals, 16 assists) in 16 games inside the WHL hub at Regina’s Brandt Centre.
Bedard has 11 goals, 6 assists in 21 games with the Pats this season.
“He’s one of a half-dozen guys in the WHL who can turn the game around in one play,” Pats general manager and head coach John Paddock said.
Paddock added that the invite is an honour for both the player and organization.
Moose Jaw Warriors captain and defensive work horse Daemon Hunt also got the call to join selection camp.
The 19 year-old Minnesota Wild draft pick has seven goals and 14 points through his team’s first 18 games.
Hunt will be joined at the defensive position by Prince Albert Raiders star Kaiden Guhle. The 19 year-old was selected 16th overall by the Montreal Canadiens in the 2021 NHL Draft.
Team Canada lead Alan Millar said three goaltenders were invited to camp and there will not be any cuts at the position. The only battle for the goalies will be for starter and back-up.
Hockey Canada’s selection camp takes place in Calgary from Dec. 9-13.
Canada will play two selection camp games on Dec. 11 and 12.
The World Junior Hockey Championships will be held in Red Deer and Edmonton from Dec. 26 to Jan. 5.
THE ROSTER
Goaltenders: Brett Brochu (London, OHL), Sebastian Cossa (Edmonton, WHL), Dylan Garand (Kamloops, WHL)
Defence: Lukas Cormier (Charlottetown, LHJMQ), Kaiden Ghule (Prince Albert, WHL), Daemon Hunt (Moose Jaw, WHL), Vincent Iorio (Brandon, WHL), Carson Lambos (Winnipeg, WHL), Ryan O’Rourke (Sault Ste. Marie, OHL), Owen Power (Michigan, NCAA), Donovan Sebrango (Grand Rapids, AHL), Ronan Seeley (Everett, WHL), Jack Thompson (Sudbury, OHL), Olen Zellweger (Everett, WHL)
Forwards: Connor Bedard (Regina, WHL), Xavier Bourgault (Shawinigan (LHJMQ), Mavrik Bourque (Shawinigan, LHJMQ), Will Cuylle (Windsor, OHL), Zach Dean (Gatineau, LHJMQ), Elliot Desnoyers (Halifax, LHJMQ), William Dufour (Saint John, LHJMQ), Luke Evangelista (London, OHL), Jack Finely (Spokane, WHL), Ridly Greig (Brandon, WHL), Dylan Geunther (Edmonton, WHL), Kent Johnson (Michigan, NCAA), Hendrix Lapierre (Acadie-Bathurst, LHJMQ), Mason McTavish (Peterborough, OHL), Jake Neighbors (Edmonton, WHL), Cole Perfetti (Manitoba, AHL), Joshua Roy (Sherbrooke, LHJMQ), Justin Sourdif (Vancouver, WHL), Logan Stankoven Kamloops, WHL), Ryan Tverberg (Connecticut, NCAA), Shane Wright (Kingston, OHL).
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
NEW Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
NEW Life got in the way of one woman's reunion with her father, but a DNA test gained her a family
Anne Marie Cavner was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father, but then life dealt her a blow. From an unexpected loss to a host of new relationships, a DNA test changed her life, and she doesn't regret a thing.
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Quebec farmers have been protesting since December. Is anyone listening?
Upset about high interest rates, growing paperwork and heavy regulatory burdens, protesting farmers have become a familiar sight across Quebec since December.
'Catch-and-kill' strategy to be a focus as testimony resumes in Trump hush money case
A veteran tabloid publisher was expected to return to the witness stand Tuesday in Donald Trump's historic hush money trial.
Quebec Health Department reports 28 cases of eye damage linked to solar eclipse
Quebec's Health Department says it has received 28 reports of eye damage related to the April 8 total solar eclipse that passed over southern parts of the province.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.