Christopher Ralph is a sportswriter with a focus on hockey prospects, the entry draft, as well as occasional Flames coverage here at THW.
{A special thanks to THW’s Buffalo Sabres Correspondent, Angela Stefano, who provided exceptional assistance in preparing this prospect profile.}
“Full Potential” Prospect Profile:
Beau Bennett (Click on name for up- to- date stats)
Place of birth: Torrance, CA, USA
Ht: 6-1 Wt: 173
Shoots: R
Position: RW
2009-10 Team: Penticton Vees (BCHL)
NHL Status: Draft Eligible 2010
Date of birth: November 27, 1991
One-Timer:
Beau Bennett should feel right at home at the Staples Center during the draft – the California native first stepped on the ice for the El Segundo Regents, was part of the 2006 Under-14 National Champion California Selects, and played for the LA Junior Kings during the 2008-2009 season before going to the BCHL.
Beau is one of the true wild cards in this draft and it will be interesting to see where he lands in the draft. He has a tantalizing offensive skillset and game breaking ability and just completed one of the best rookie seasons in the history of the BCHL. The problem was it was in the BCHL. The league has been producing players at a higher rate in the past number of years, but there is still the question of competition and how Bennett’s game will translate against tougher competition. However, his elite skating and scoring ability is garnering plenty of attention and he shouldn’t have to wait too long to hear his name called in the City of Angels.
Bennett will start as a freshman at Denver University in the fall.
Scout’s Honor:
“Good size winger destined to follow maybe in the footsteps of one-time BCHL scoring leader Kyle Turris during his junior year.”
– E.J. McGuire, Director NHL Central Scouting“Outstanding hockey sense. Sees the ice extremely well. Quarterbacks a very good PP. Plays up high in the middle on the umbrella on the power play and always seems to make the right play whether it’s a great pass or gets his shot through. There are concerns about his fitness at this point, but these concerns are quick fixes. Makes a great first pass out of his own end and does a good job of joining the rush to create more offense.”
– International Scouting Services 2010 NHL Draft Guide“He hasn’t come close to filling out yet. He has to get stronger because if he doesn’t get stronger, he won’t play.”
– A scout in The Hockey News Draft Preview 2010“Has all the offensive tools – skating, playmaking and a wicked shot. Deceptive skater with good top speed, a long stride and lateral quickness that makes him very slippery. Can score in a variety of ways. Has a big 1-timer and very quick release with laser accuracy on his wrister. Good backchecker and uses speed effectively on the forecheck. Slight build and needs to add upper body strength, as he tends not to get physically involved at all. Has top ten skills, but we have concerns about how he’ll adjust to the next level.”
– Red Line Report 2010 Draft Guide“Beau has put together one of the best rookie seasons in BCHL history. His offensive instincts are in a class of their own.”
– Penticton Vees GM and head coach Fred Harbinson
Current Season:
2009-10: Bennett led the BCHL in scoring, earning 41-79-120 totals in 56 games – averaging 2.14 points per game, with 25 goals on the power play – making him the only BCHL rookie to record 100 or more points in a single season in seven years. He played in 15 playoff games with 5-9-14 totals.
Bio/Interview(s)/Link(s):
– Highlight:
“There is lots to like about the youngster who has unbelievable hockey smarts, great vision, is a strong skater and has slippery, deceptive moves that drive defenders nuts. There is a reason Vees fans have tagged him with the nickname “Beau Dangles” and the phrase “Beau Knows Hockey” has been heard in arenas throughout the BCHL this season.”
Scouting Combine Performance:
He placed fourth in the Aerobic Fitness test and seventh in the Vertical Jump with Pause test.
International Tournaments: Bennett also won a gold medal with Team USA at the World Junior ‘A’ Challenge, scoring 3 goals and adding 1 assists in 5 games.
ETA = 4 years
Risk-Reward Analysis: Risk = 3/5 Reward = 4.5/5
NHL Potential: Dynamic Offensive Forward
Strengths:
*See “One Timer” section above*
- Hockey sense
- Offensive acumen
- Creativity
- Great skater
- Tremendous hands
- Scintillating stickhandling
- Wicked shot
Flaws/Aspects He Needs To Work On:
- Physically immature
- Defensive zone game
- Avoids physical game
Fantasy Hockey Potential: Offensive = 8.75/10 Defensive = 6.75/10
NHL Player(s) Comparison: Tyler Bozak (Note: Bozak only scored 31 points as an 18-year-old in the BCHL, but Bennett had 120), Bobby Ryan, Travis Zajac
Video(s):
Interesting Notes: Bennett first played hockey at three years old – on rollerblades – because his brother wanted to play.
Other Rankings:
CSB: 32
ISS: 25
TSN: 18
McKeens: 17
THN: 35
THW: 28 (June ’10) {Christopher Ralph }
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