Is Beau Bennett The Next Tyler Bozak?

(above) DU recruit Beau Bennett receiving the "Top Forward Award" at the CJHL All-Star Series earlier this year

University of Denver recruit Beau Bennett will suit up for the Pioneers next season. On Monday he was named BCHL Player of the Week for the second time this season playing for the Penticton Vees. Not bad for a player from Southern California in his Rookie season in Canada.

Bennett continued his scorching offensive pace, totaling six goals and eight assists in the last four games. Included in those totals were a trio of four-point nights, which the 18-year old picked up in wins over Trail, Merritt and Prince George. Since January 5th, Bennett has failed to hit the scoresheet just once in 17 games, and he has recorded 18 goals and 48 points during that span.

His season totals are similar to former DU superstar Tyler Bozak in his final season with the Victoria Grizzlies. Bozak notched 45 goals and 83 assists in just 56 games. Bennett has 41 goals and 71 assists in 53 games. Bennett is the only BCHL Rookie to record 100 points in a season in the last seven years.

Here's the exciting part for DU fans; Bozak was 20 years old and in his third season in the BCHL when he racked up his huge numbers. Bennett is just 18 and in his first season in the league.

Some mock drafts & the NHL Scouting Combine are projecting Bennett going in the second round of next summer's NHL Draft. But its going to be difficult to ignore Bennett's huge numbers down the stretch this season. Tyler Bozak's early success with the Toronto Maple Leafs this season won't hurt either. Factor in the Bennett/Bozak comparisons and he might move up to the First Round after all.

Considering the NHL Draft will be held in his hometown of Los Angeles, there should be plenty of family and friends to help him celebrate.

5 comments:

puck swami said...

We know Bennett can pile up points, but we haven't heard much about the othre aspects of his game - defense, toughness, faceoffs, etc. Bozak also scored points too, but what earned him an NHL contrct was the completeness and versatility of his game. Let's hope Bennett has some other elements to bring to Denver.

Can't wait to see him as a Pioneer.

dggoddard said...

Gabe Gauthier was another Californian who played in the BCHL. Like Bozak he played three years up there and recorded 32 goals & 67 assists in his final year.

What Bennett has been doing lately is amazing.

vizoroo said...

We could call the Class of 2010,
"ZBOMS" :-}

dggoddard said...

...Or ZOMBieS :-)

du78 said...

Bennett #30 in the February ISS Draft rankings.

http://www.hockeysfuture.com/articles/11872/iss_top302010_prospects_february/