Drafted first overall in 2013, Benson’s career with the Giants was special.
The former captain reflects on his time in the WHL as well as life in the Oilers organization.
First overall pick:
There was a lot of excitement for Giants fans when Benson was drafted 1st overall in 2013. Benson had put up 146 points in 33 games while playing in the Alberta Major Bantam Hockey League. The 146 points set the record for most points in a season.
For Benson, being drafted into the WHL is a special moment he will always remember. “It was a surreal moment for me and my family. Being drafted into the WHL was something I was looking forward to and dreamed of ever since I was younger. To be drafted by the Giants was awesome as it was a great organization to be a part of.”
With the 1st pick in the 2013 WHL Bantam Draft, the Giants select Tyler Benson. #GiantDraftDay pic.twitter.com/G6ZR29bWvw
— Vancouver Giants (@WHLGiants) May 2, 2013
In his 15-year-old season, Benson was called up for a seven-game trial. The experience helped Benson learn how to adjust to the WHL and play against older competition. “It was a big adjustment. You go from playing against 14- and 15-year old’s to playing against guys who are 20. Guys were a lot bigger and faster. The game was a lot faster, so those seven games gave me a good opportunity to see what it was like going into my rookie year.”
A rookie year to remember:
Benson put up one of the highest-scoring rookie years in Giants history. His 45 points rank him fifth all-time. Benson became a fan favourite quickly thanks to his skill and determination on the ice. The Giants knew they had a special player on their hands as Benson would finish sixth in rookie scoring across the WHL. Benson also received some advice from his brother Cole who had won a Memorial Cup with Edmonton in 2014. “He (Cole) helped me through it all. He told me to just play my game and don’t change too much. Just because the guys are a little bit older does not mean you have to change your game.”
Benson credits not only his brother but the seven-game call-up to his successful rookie season. “Those seven games let me learn what the league was like. During the call-up the year before, I was able to prepare so I could get bigger and stronger. Once I got to my rookie year, I was more confident with my teammates. Having that confidence and playing a few games in the league helped me in my rookie season.”
Captain at 17:
Benson was named captain of the Giants at 17. He served as the captain for three seasons. This is very rare, as most WHL captains only serve one or two seasons. Most are also entering their 19-year-old season. For Benson, he was ready to take on the captaincy and lead his team to success. “It was not something I really expected to do at the age of 17 but I had a great group around me that helped me out a lot. It was not just me as a captain, we had a lot of guys in the dressing room that were leaders as well.
(Photo Credit- Chris Relke)
Bouncing back from injuries:
Unfortunately, Benson was plagued by injuries throughout his time with the Giants. Although he missed significant time, Benson was able to come back strong in his final season with the team putting up 69 points in 58 games. “It was not exactly how I wanted my junior years to go but getting that last year in as a 19-year-old and helping my team get to our first playoffs in a few years was a lot of fun. It was good for me to get a full season in with teammates.
NHL drafted:
In 2016, Benson was drafted by his home town Oilers 32nd overall. This was a special moment for Benson as he has been an Oilers fan for as long as he can remember. “I was putting on Oilers jerseys and watching their games at home with my family so hearing my name called by the organization was really special. I got a lot of texts from friends and family who were really excited to see that I was part of the Oilers organization.
Life in Bakersfield:
Benson has played over 100 games in the AHL during the last three seasons. His first year saw him make the AHL all-rookie team as well as the AHL all-star second team. Benson has found early success in the AHL as he is averaging .88 points per game and has already eclipsed the 100-point mark for his career. The transition from WHL to AHL is hard on some players, but Benson’s skill and determination helped him succeed with this new challenge. “I have a great coaching staff here that have a lot of confidence in me. I was able to be on the ice a lot. We got a lot of wins which just shows how good of a team we are.
Call up to the NHL and the playoff bubble:
Benson played his first career NHL game versus the Sharks on February 6th, 2020. His first assist came a few games later versus the Hurricanes on February 16th, 2020. Although he did not play in the bubble, Benson was part of the team. Benson is slowly showing he belongs in the NHL. He is gaining trust and proving to the Oilers organization that they made the right move by drafting him 32nd overall. “I was definitely nervous for the first game. This is something you dream of your whole life so once it finally did happen, there were a lot of nerves. Once you step on the ice and see Joe Thornton and Patrick Marleau it was pretty cool. Those guys have been in the league since I was born so it was pretty special. The bubble situation was something no one has ever been a part of. To be a part of it was different but really cool how the NHL was able to set it up. Practicing with the NHL team and being in the hotel with all the other playoff teams was a cool moment.”
Benson’s favourite moment with the Giants:
Making the playoffs and breaking the playoff drought for the Giants is a memory that Benson will always have. Although they lost in Game 7 to the Royals, that run is something that will be forever etched in Benson’s mind. “Being in the playoffs is a lot of fun. We did not end up winning the series but battling in the playoffs was one of my favourite moments to be a part of.
Benson’s time in Vancouver:
Although he only played 190 games in Vancouver, Benson was a fan favourite who gave everything he had on the ice. His skill and leadership produced fond memories for Giants fans. From a great rookie year to breaking the three-year playoff drought, Giants fans are grateful for Benson’s time with the organization. Look for Benson to continue his strong progress and have a great season this year. If he continues his development and progression, Benson could be another in a long list of former Giants to have successful careers in the NHL.
