'Success stories at every level': Sask. athletes shine on international stage in 2022

The hockey world is buzzing over the record-setting exploits of Regina Pats forward Connor Bedard at the recent World Junior Hockey Championships, but he's not the only athlete putting Saskatchewan on the map.

It's been a banner year for other hockey players, as well as fencers, cyclists and basketball players.

"It's been a pretty amazing time for Saskatchewan athletes," said Regina's Kia Schollar, who competed internationally in canoe and kayak and is now manager of athlete services for Sask Sport.

"We don't have to look too far to find success stories at every level."

Here's a look back at some of the Saskatchewan sports highlights of 2022.

The men's World Junior Hockey Championships technically started in 2022, and ended a few days ago with a gold medal for Canada.

Regina Pats star Connor Bedard broke several records, and scored the goal of the tournament when he deked through three other skaters and the goalie to score the overtime winner in the quarter finals against Slovakia.

The 17-year-old Bedard is technically from Vancouver, but this is his third year in Saskatchewan playing for the Pats.

Saskatoon goalie Darcy Kuemper was also a key member of the Stanley Cup-winning Colorado Avalanche. He brought the Cup back to Saskatoon this summer.

Another Saskatoon hockey star also brought home some hardware. Back in February, Emily Clark helped Canada capture the Olympic gold medal in a dramatic 3-2 victory over the U.S.

When she arrived home, dozens of fans showed up to welcome her at the airport, waving signs and cheering.

Clark wasn't the only female athlete that had global success in the last year.

Humboldt's Paige Crozon and her team took the silver medal in three-on-three basketball world championships in Belgium