In mid-February the Niverville Nighthawks added a second player to their roster, with 18-year-old Devin Benson signing a letter of intent with the MJHL’s newest franchise.
Benson has played parts of the last two seasons with his hometown team, the Kamloops Storm of the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League (KIJHL). This season alone, he has tallied two goals and 18 assists in 37 games for the Storm.
Additionally, Benson has previous Junior A experience, suiting up for 10 games with the Merritt Centennials, who play in the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL).
The BCHL recently became an independent league in 2021. Previously, they had been a member of the Canadian Junior Hockey League (CJHL), the same association that the MJHL belongs to.
“We’re thrilled to add Benny to the lineup,” says Nighthawks head coach and general manager Kelvin Cech. “He’s bringing character, competitiveness, and 200 feet of skill across the prairies with him.”
Coming to Manitoba will be a big change for Benson, who grew up in the British Columbia interior, but he’s excited to embrace it.
“I’m super stoked to be a part of the Nighthawks organization,” says Benson. “The coaches and management team did their homework on me, which as a player really impressed me. It wasn’t where I played, it was who I played for that was important. I can’t wait to get to work and be a part of the Niverville community.”