Even though Connor Bedard has not celebrated his 17th birthday yet, the Regina Pat forward will be leading Team Canada at the upcoming IIHF U-18 World Championships in Germany as he has been selected as captain for the team.

Bedard played a huge role with the U-18 squad last spring in Texas as he was tied for the lead in team points (7G and 7A) despite being the youngest player on the team.

Last year, Canada defeated Russia in the final to win Canada’s first U-18 World Championship since 2013.

The 16 year old will be the only member from the 2021 team that will be returning this spring.

This past December, Bedard was a member of the Canada’s World Junior Hockey team that took part in the tournament in Edmonton. He ended up collecting four goals before the tournament was postponed due to COVID-19 concerns.

Along with Bedard, the Pats will also have Tanner Howe and prospect Matthew Wood will suit up for Team Canada at the IIHF U18 World Championships.

Canada will begin the tournament against Team USA on Saturday.