Vitals:Position: Forward
Year in School: Senior
Shoots Left
Height: 5-11
Weight: 203
Hometown: Coquitlam, B.C.
Previous Team: Salmon Arm (BCHL) in 04/05
NHL Considerations: I would expect Ben to sign a minor league contract following the season.
07/08 Stats: 40 games, 13-17-30, -3, 36 PIM
06/07 Stats: 41 games, 10-7-17, -2, 16 PIM
08/09 Role: 1st or 2nd EV line, PP & PK
07/08 Recap: Ben had another strong year for the Cardinal and White last year, tied for the team lead in goals and 2nd in points. His point production took a big jump. He served the team as assistant captain. Ben started the season on LW w/ Kyle Turris at center, but after trying to find the right RW to go w/ the two BC natives, Eaves moved him to the 2nd line center, where I thought he did the most good for the Badgers. Along w/ Blake Geoffrion, Ben was one of the most versatile players logging minutes on the PP and PK. Ben brought a great effort every night and did his leading w/ his play on the ice.
08/09 Thoughts: Ben is one of three scholarship seniors to return this season, and he has by far seen the most game action totalling 124 games in 3 seasons. I don't think he has missed a single game in his entire Badger career. There was some talk he might sign if the right deal came along in the off season, but 60 assured me that Ben's mother was adamant about him getting a degree. Ben will split the captain's duties w/ Blake Geoffrion, and that is a well deserved honor for such a hardworking leader. I think Ben fits in best as a C instead of LW. It will be interesting to see how the lines shake out to start the season. I'm looking forward to a great conclusion to Ben's career, he does everything for the Badgers, and that should translate into another fine season.
Prediction: 36 games, 12-18-30
Photo from uwbadgers.com
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