Vitals:Position: Forward
Year in School: Junior
Shoots Right
Height: 6-1
Weight: 195
Hometown: Birmingham, AL
Previous Team: Lincoln Stars (USHL) in 05/06
NHL Considerations: None at this time.
07/08 Stats: 39 games, 2-7-9, +1, 18 PIM
06/07 Stats: 32 games, 2-1-3, -4, 43 PIM
08/09 Role: Grind Line
07/08 Recap: Ben was 1/3 of what someone out there termed the "grind line" w/ John Mitchell and Sean Dolan. No doubt that this was the most consistent line for the Badgers all season. When the team needed a momentum shift or a change of pace Coach Eaves sent these three young men out there to do it. Ben likes to check people, and he does a pretty good job of it. Similar to Blake Geoffrion, he toned his game down a notch this season, which led to less dumb penalties and better overall season.
08/09 Thoughts: I'm really hoping that the coaching staff leaves the "grind line" together again this season. Ben worked well w/ Dolan and Mitchell and I think while they will remain a "checking" line of sorts, they can score a few more goals for the team as well. I expect Ben's game to continue to improve and apparently the readers of this blog think so as well. He did receive the most votes during the which junior would have the biggest impact in 08/09. While I don't see him having more of an impact than Michael Davies or John Mitchell, if it happened I wouldn't be complaining either. I like surprises, especially ones that benefit the Cardinal and White.
Prediction: 34 games, 1-6-7
Photo from uwbadgers.com
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