Bedard wins inaugural IIHF Male Player of the Year award

Connor Bedard is going to need a bigger trophy case.

The projected No. 1 pick in the 2023 NHL Draft took home another award Monday, being named the inaugural IIHF Male Player of the Year.

"This is such a huge honor," Bedard said. "I'm not sure how to compare it to others I've received, but it's pretty incredible to receive this award with all the unbelievable players that have competed in the IIHF this season and the amazing players that were nominated for this award."

The 17-year-old phenom captured 31.8% of the votes, beating out Latvian goalie Arturs Silovs (19.6%), Swiss forward Andres Ambuhl (19.2%), German defenseman Moritz Seider (14.3%), and Canadian forward Adam Fantilli (11.9%).

Bedard made the most of the only IIHF event he played in this year, racking up nine goals and 14 assists in seven games at the World Junior Championship. He won a gold medal for Canada and was named tournament MVP.

He became Canada's all-time leader in goals and points at the world juniors and set Canadian records for most assists and points in a single tournament. Bedard also broke the record for most points in a single tournament by a player under 18 years old, surpassing Jaromir Jagr.

Bedard claimed the CHL's Top Prospect Award, Top Scorer Award, and David Branch Player of the Year Award in early June, becoming the first player to ever win all three in the same season. He tallied 143 points in 57 games with the WHL's Regina Pats this past campaign.

American forward Hilary Knight was named IIHF Female Player of the Year on June 1.

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