Connor Bedard pays tribute to late grandfather
(Photo credit: @WHLPats/ Twitter).

15-year-old rookie sensation Connor Bedard is doing something very special in the WHL.

Bedard turned in another incredible performance on Friday evening just days after losing his grandfather in a car crash. Bedard scored two goals, including the OT winner, in what was his final game of his WHL exceptional status season.

The phenom opened the scoring in the second period when he jumped on a loose puck in the slot, cut to the middle and sniped the puck past the Wheat Kings’ netminder. Bedard paid tribute to his late grandfather by pointing to the heavens for the celebration.

Bedard also scored the OT winner to win the game for Regina, moving into first-place in the WHL scoring race with 28 points (12 goals) in 15 games. He couldn’t have honoured his grandfather in a better way.

Bedard wasn’t supposed to play in this game after receiving the devastating news about his grandfather on Tuesday. Bedard’s grandfather Garth passed away in a head-on collision on Highway 1 near Sicamous, BC. The team reportedly booked the youngster a flight back home after getting the news.

Bedard made the decision to stay with his team, according to CTV Regina Sports Reporter Claire Hanna.

“I knew it was what he [Garth] wanted me to do”,  said Bedard. “The boys on the team helped me more than they know. It was important for me to dedicate that to him.”

Bedard will now head back home to North Vancouver to attend his grandfather’s funeral before preparing for the U18s with Team Canada at the end of the month.

Bedard made a tough decision to stay with his team, but his performance on Friday evening is sure to make his grandfather up above very proud.