Rookie Benett Kelly Shines with Raiders, Credits Family and Teammates

Prince Albert Raiders defenceman Benett Kelly is making a name for himself in the Western Hockey League (WHL), contributing significantly to his team’s performance since the start of the season. Kelly, who recently played a pivotal role in a 5-1 victory over the Lethbridge Hurricanes on December 13, 2023, attributes much of his success to the advice of his father, Steve Kelly, a former WHL player himself.

Steve Kelly, who accumulated 254 points during his four seasons with the Raiders from 1992 to 1996, offers a wealth of experience that his son values greatly. Having also played 271 games in the WHL and a subsequent NHL career, Steve’s insights resonate with Benett, particularly when it comes to shooting. “My dad’s big on me for shooting the puck,” Benett stated. “He knows I can get ahold of one if I really want to.”

As a rookie, Benett Kelly has made an immediate impact, dressing for all but one of Prince Albert’s 32 games this season. He has recorded three goals and eight assists, showcasing his skills primarily through powerful shots from the blue line. His goal against the Hurricanes exemplified this, where a well-placed shot from a pass by forward Maddix McCagherty found the back of the net, demonstrating his ability to capitalize on opportunities.

A key part of Kelly’s development has been the support he receives from his teammates. “Big shout-out to my teammates, obviously,” he remarked. “They’re moving, they’re getting open, and they’re making it easy on me to get those assists and finding me in the open ice, which is unreal.” His contributions are not only a personal achievement but also a testament to the cohesive effort of the Raiders.

In addition to familial and team support, Kelly has a unique approach to his equipment. While many of his teammates opt for green sticks, he has chosen a yellow stick this season. “I might have to stick around with the yellow for a few more games, see how it works,” he said with a smile. This unconventional choice appears to be paying off, as he continues to excel on the ice.

The Raiders will take a brief pause in their schedule, returning to the rink on December 27, 2023, to face the Swift Current Broncos. The match, set to start at 19:00, marks the beginning of a crucial stretch for the team, with another encounter against the Broncos on December 29. As the season progresses, Benett Kelly’s performance will be one to watch, especially as he combines his father’s wisdom and the support of his teammates to elevate his game.