Winnipeg signs first-rounder Benson

The Winnipeg Ice have signed Canadian Sport School Hockey League student athlete Zach Benson to a Western Hockey League Standard Player Agreement.

Benson, 14, has attended the Yale Hockey Academy the past two seasons, most recently being named the U15 Prep Division MVP after leading the division in scoring with 86 points (30-56-86) in 30 games, while adding another five points (3-2-5) in two games at the 2020 BDO CSSHL Championships.

The previous season, the Chilliwack, B.C. product posted 19 points (6-13-19) in 28 games with Yale’s U15 Prep team, along with four points (1-3-4) in five games at the 2019 BDO CSSHL Championships, helping his team capture the CSSHL U15 Prep Division Championship.

Benson was selected in the first round, 14th overall, by the Ice at the 2020 WHL Bantam Draft.