Small but mighty!

In the hockey world, undersized is the term often used for any player at the NHL level who is under six feet tall and weights fewer than 180 pounds.

“He has to have good awareness,” Mallette continued when asked how Benson must play against physically bigger and stronger opponents. “His head is always up. He is aware of his surroundings. He has to use his low centre of gravity to his advantage. Players like him become very accustomed to not playing shy, and he is not. He is a player that utilizes his hockey sense.”

Benson is like a kid in a candy store since he joined the team for training camp just over a week ago.

“It has been tiring, but it’s been a good couple of weeks here,” he said with a smile on his face. “I am looking forward to a couple of more [weeks].”

Clearly not over confident that he has earned a roster spot, Benson is using the old adage of taking it one day at a time.

“When you practice against guys like Andrew Cristall, Hiroki Gojsic and Caden Price, the speed is so much faster than I am used too,” he said. “You have to be ready for that, and it’s a good competition.”

Turning 17 in October, the pride of Chilliwack was originally selected in the 6th round of the 2022 WHL Prospects Draft by the Swift Current Broncos. In June though, his rights were dealt to the Kelowna Rockets.

“When I went to Swift Current’s training camp, I really liked Chad Leslie [Broncos GM] and the coaches, but I think Kelowna is a good spot for me with Kris [Mallette] as head coach and Marty [Derrick Martin] as an assistant.

“I told every team before the draft I was 50/50. Honestly, I was going to go the college route as I committed, but when Kelowna acquired me, I thought I couldn’t give it up.”

Regan Bartel spoke to Benson about his training camp. Click the play button to listen.

Following in the footsteps of his older brother Zach, who played in the WHL with the Winnipeg Ice before the franchise relocated to Wenatchee, Washington, Benson always has his ears open for advice from his sibling.

“He has been really informational,” he added. “He gives me pointers because he is a smaller guy to. He tells me what to do if I am going for a puck against a bigger guy, he tells me to use my quickness. Don’t try and take body, as the big guy is going to win every time.”

Are their similarities in how the two play the game?

“I think our hockey IQ’s are pretty good. I think our passing is probably the best part of our game.”

Zach Benson played last season with the Buffalo Sabres, which is no small task considering he was just 18 when he made his mark in the National Hockey League.

“When he was going for training camp, we [family] weren’t expecting him to make it, but that is who he is. He outworks everyone.”

At 5’5 and just 130 pounds, Benson knows many will doubt him having success at the major junior level. Despite the naysayers, the likable personality is determined to prove people wrong.

“I would say, when it comes to NHL players, I mimic my play after Johnny Gaudreau,” he said. “It was super sad when I heard of his death. The way it happened; it was devastating.”

If Benson does indeed earn a roster spot in 2024-2025, he will be a handful of new faces on a veteran laden team which is poised to make some noise in the Western Conference.

“We have a really good group here, and we can do some damage.”

by Regan Bartel

Small but mighty!

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