Regina Pats forward Connor Bedard has been named the winner of the Four Broncos Memorial Trophy as the Western Hockey League's Player of the Year.

Bedard led the league in scoring with 71 goals and 143 points in 2022-23, becoming the first skater in 27 years to score 140 or more points in a WHL regular season. The North Vancouver, BC, product is ranked number one among North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting and is widely expected to be the first overall selection of the 2023 NHL Draft, with that pick being held by the Chicago Blackhawks.

“It is such an honour to win this award, and I am so proud to play in the WHL with all the amazing players, and the players that have won this award before me,” said Bedard. “I would not have been able to do this without my teammates, coaches, training staff and of course, the amazing Regina Pats fans. I would like to give a huge thank you to my family for the sacrifices they have made in helping me get to this point.”

The Four Broncos Memorial Trophy honours the memories of Trent Kresse, Scott Kruger, Chris Mantyka and Brent Ruff, who lost their lives in the Swift Current Broncos bus crash on December 30, 1986. The winner of this and the other WHL awards were voted on by team General Managers and members of the media.

2022-23 WHL Award Winners:

  • Four Broncos Memorial Trophy (Player of the Year) - Connor Bedard (Regina)
  • Bob Clarke Trophy (Top Scorer) - Connor Bedard (Regina)
  • Bill Hunter Memorial Trophy (Defenseman of the Year) - Olen Zellweger (Kamloops)
  • Del Wilson Memorial Trophy (Goaltender of the Year) - Thomas Milic (Seattle)
  • Jim Piggott Memorial Trophy (Rookie of the Year) - Ryder Ritchie (Prince Albert)
  • Daryl K. (Doc) Seaman Memorial Trophy (Scholastic Player of the Year) - Quinn Mantei (Brandon)
  • Jim Donlevy Memorial Trophy (Scholastic Team of the Year) - Portland Winterhawks
  • Brad Hornung Memorial Trophy (Most Sportsmanlike Player) - Brayden Yager (Moose Jaw)
  • Doug Wickenheiser Memorial Trophy (Humanitarian of the Year) - Logan Stankoven (Kamloops)
  • Lloyd Saunders Memorial Trophy (Executive of the Year) - Bill La Forge (Seattle)
  • Dunc McCallum Memorial Trophy (Coach of the Year) - Brennan Sonne (Saskatoon)
  • WHL Business Award - Spokane Chiefs
  • Allen Paradice Memorial Trophy (Official of the Year) - Chris Crich