Bedard mania is sweeping across the country

Regina Pats hockey phenom Connor Bedard is becoming a must-see with his record-breaking play at the World Junior Hockey Championships.

Bedard broke multiple records in Monday's game against Slovakia, making him one of the best Canadian World Juniors players ever. He has registered the most goals and most points all-time by a Canadian at the tournament. He's also set the new national record for points and the most assists at a single event and passed Jaromir Jagr for the most points by a player aged 18 or younger.

"He's born to be a hockey player," said Regina Pats GM and head coach John Paddock at a news conference.

"Any player doing what he's doing, [even] if they were 19, would be catching the hockey world's attention.

"But he shattered all the records of older players at 17, so it's definitely unheard of."

Canada plays the United States in the semi-finals Wednesday night.

Bedard, who's projected to be the first pick in this year's NHL draft, is trying hard to block out all the attention.

"I'm not thinking about that," Bedard said at a recent news conference. "I think that's something that when you're playing the game, you're not worried about what other people are saying."

Budding hockey stars practising at the Co-operative Centre in Regina this week were in awe of Bedard's talent.

"He's a generational talent, and he'll make a name for himself in the NHL," said 15-year-old Yonas Nixon.

Youngster Ko Yanai was still talking about Bedard's overtime goal against Slovakia.

"He just scored the overtime winner and we just thought wow!"

Bedard is a hot ticket not only with Regina fans, but across the Western Hockey League.

For example, The Saskatoon Blades are averaging about 4,700 fans per game, but when the Pats came to