Despite not having their bingo ball selected in Wednesday morning’s W-H-L Bantam Draft Lottery, the Regina Pats ended up with the first overall pick in the April 22 Bantam Draft when the Prince George Cougars won the lottery.

Since no team can move up more than two spots in the first round order after the lottery, P-G will select second instead of fourth and Regina has the first overall choice as they own Swift Current’s first round pick from a previous trade.

Following yesterday’s news of forward Connor Bedard (pictured) being awarded exceptional player status by Hockey Canada, meaning he can play major junior hockey at age 15 this fall, Pats’ G-M John Paddock says they will choose the North Vancouver product first overall on April 22.

After Regina and the Cougars, the rest of the top six selections belong to, in order, Moose Jaw, Tri-Cities, the Saskatoon Blades and Red Deer. The Blades owned Regina’s first round choice from a previous deal. The Prince Albert Raiders will have the 15th overall pick.