Photo credit: RocketFAN

By Regan Bartel

Living the NHL dream at 19

Zach Benson hits the ice with Kelowna Rockets during NHL break

Feb 14, 2025 | 6:00 AM

It’s rare for an NHL player to get the chance to practice with the Kelowna Rockets midseason, and it’s safe to say it’s never happened until now. 

Zach Benson, a Buffalo Sabres player, hit the ice with the Rockets on Thursday, working out alongside his younger brother Levi, a rookie for the team, and his teammates. 

“We’re in the 4-Nations break, so I decided to come home,” Benson explained to RocketFAN. “Everyone else is heading somewhere sunny, and since my brother plays here, I wanted to catch a few of his games while I had the chance.” 

At 19, still eligible for junior play, Benson is in his second season after being drafted by the Sabres in the first round of the 2023 NHL Draft. 

“You play so many games, it gets chaotic, so when you get a break like this, you really look forward to it,” he said about the tournament in Montreal and Boston replacing the NHL All-Star game. “Coming here to Kelowna, practicing with my brother, and watching him play this weekend [104-7 The Lizard has tonight’s broadcast from Kamloops at 7 pm] is pretty special.” 

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Benson has now played 119 NHL games, scoring 11 goals and earning 30 points during his rookie year. This season, he’s scored 9 goals in 48 of the 54 games the Sabres have played. 

“A week off without competitive games feels like a long time,” he said about the break. “If you took the full 10 days off, you wouldn’t feel like yourself. I’m lucky that Derrick Martin [Rockets’ interim head coach] allowed me to come out here and skate with the guys to stay in the best shape I can.” 

During the 90-minute practice, Benson wasn’t taking it easy. Turning 20 in May, he was working hard, skating with focus like the elite athlete he is, hoping to inspire a team that’s hungry for a win. 

“It wasn’t that long ago that I was playing in this league,” Benson said, reflecting on his time with the now-defunct Winnipeg Ice franchise. “I still know a lot of guys here. Andrew Cristall was on the team, and I know him well. Caden Price too. It’s cool to come out here and see some new faces and familiar ones.” 

We couldn’t pass up asking Benson about the difference in skill level between major junior and the NHL. Is the gap as large as people say? 

“I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t,” he admitted. “It’s definitely a jump. It’s the hardest jump I’ve made. You’re playing against guys who’ve been in the game for years, all the best players from this league at one point. Instead of playing against 18-year-old stars, you’re up against guys like Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin. It’s eye-opening to see.” 

Making the NHL at 18, as Benson did, is rare. Last season, only Connor Bedard of the Chicago Blackhawks was able to do the same by starting the year with the big team. Bradly Nadeau played one game with the Carolina Hurricanes last April, but the majority of his 18 year-old season was spent at the University of Maine.

“The pucks move faster, and the pace is quicker,” Benson said. “Everyone’s in the NHL for a reason. It’s the little things they do after practice. I remember going to Buffalo, and the last guy on the ice was the best player on the team—Rasmus Dahlin.” 

Watching his younger brother play will give Zach the chance to evaluate his sibling’s game and offer some tips for improvement. 

“He started the season really well, then got injured, but lately, he’s been playing great,” Benson said. “I’ve been watching his last few games with that line of him, Hiroki Gojsic, and Michael Cicek. I hope they can break their slump this weekend.” 

The biggest adjustment Zach has faced this season has been living on his own for the first time, which means he’s had to step up his organization skills and tackle more grown-up tasks. 

“It’s been an adjustment,” Benson said with honesty. “Cooking and cleaning—my mom’s helped me a lot. 

“And maybe once a week, I cook something for myself,” he added with a laugh.

“But six out of seven days, I’m ordering in!”