From NELS to Maverik Showtime to the club circuit, Benedict was repeatedly recognized as a top performer during summer 2025. Therefore, it should not be a surprise that he is being profiled in this post. Benedict is an athletic, high IQ and versatile pole. He can burn at LSM, where his speed and polished footwork keep him glued to a ball carrier’s hip. Benedict’s fantastic instincts tell him when to deliver a stick or body check that dislodges the rock. His elite ground ball skills are a game changer, especially on the face-off wing. After Benedict has secured possession, college coaches will love his feel for when to push the break versus when to roll back and throw an outlet pass. At close defense, Benedict can shut off the opponent’s No. 1 option for an entire game. He is also extremely skilled at defending on-ball situations anywhere on the field. His anticipation skills and quick burst allow him to read dodges and swiftly beat the offensive player to the spot. Benedict has a knack for disrupting passing lanes with his stick, too.     

Benedict caught my eye as a Second Team All-FCIAC sophomore for the Blue Wave, and he didn’t disappoint during my first live evaluation. Fundamentally sound in every sense, every slide from Benedict is well-timed and with the body, and each approach was strong. He can apply pressure with his checks and has excellent hands that allow him to jar the ball loose on a regular basis, but can also quietly blanket his matchup while relying on his footwork and position play. He’s got a great stick, picking up a number of impressive GB’s and rolling away from pressure.