Profile of 2010 U of M Commit Mac Bennett

• Name: Mac Bennett
• Position: Defenseman
• Height & Weight: 6’0” 170 lbs.
• Birthdate: March 25, 1991
• Hometown: Warwick, RI
• 2009 3rd Rd. Pick – Montreal Canadians

PROFILE

NHL DRAFT SPECIAL

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FIGHT

QUOTES

On Yost Ice Arena: “It’s an amazing atmosphere. The fans are absolutely insane. (Yost Arena) has got this old-barn feel. It’s not one of these ridiculous $30-million rinks."

On playing in college: “I’m still young. All I know is that I want to play at D-1 school, somewhere I can play as a freshman. I don’t want to sit on the bench for a year.”

On his hockey family: "I guess I’ve always known it. Even now I always hear something about them, or some story they have. They’ve got a billion of them. I know a lot of my family’s history, but there’s always more to learn."

Does he feel pressure: "Not really. I think I’ve already surpassed any expectations I ever had. To be able to go to Michigan. To be drafted by the Canadiens. It’s all unbelievable."

Is he going to go to U of M: “I’m definitely going to have a great time next year, but I’m particularly excited for 2010-11, when I’ll be heading to the University of Michigan to play for the Wolverines.”

ANALYSIS

The Scouting News: “Michigan fans will be pleased when 1991 born recruit Mac Bennett steps into the NCAA College ranks. The slick skating defenseman is a slick skating defenseman who can generate offense out of thin air. Hotchkiss 1991 DOB d-man Mac Bennett does so many great things for his team that it’s not even funny.”

WCHBlog: “Bennett is a little more risky of a prospect because teams haven’t had as much opportunity to see him play against top competition, having played in the New England prep league. Whichever team selects him will also be hoping he grows a couple of inches and more importantly, adds a little bit of weight. If Bennett was a little taller and stronger, and had had a successful year in the USHL, he’d likely be seen as a solid first round pick–think Chicago Steel D John Moore, who will likely go mid-first round. That added element of unknown will likely push him down to the late second, early third round of the draft, but the promise of big-time ability makes him an intriguing, and ultimately very good pick.”

Hotchkiss Head Coach Damon White: “He’s going to have several options after he leaves here. He’ll be a top-flight player with a real shot at playing in the NHL. He’s a kid who has excellent vision with the puck, passes really well, and who always competes.”

Gary Eggleston, New England scout for NHL Central Scouting: “Mac is a very strong skater with good acceleration and overall speed. He has very good lateral mobility and moves his feet quickly. He can lead the rush and moves the puck quickly from his own end. He has a very strong shot from the point. He is a very good passer who makes good decisions with the puck. He runs the power play and distributes the puck very well. His defensive zone play is very good. He can play a physical game to give himself room and gain control of the puck. He is quick to gain and maintain control of the puck and he moves it out of his end quickly. I see Mac as having a very successful career in college as a smart, skilled, puck-moving defenseman. Beyond his college years, I feel that in the future he has a very good chance to be a top NHL defenseman.’’

Bob Crocker, Los Angeles Kings: “He’s strong, but naturally still being a kid he has to mature and develop more physically, but that will come. He’s got enough size to be able to play in today’s game, he’s going to Michigan, which is a premier college program and will play for a good coach. Mac’s strength is his skating ability. He’s able to almost at will carry the puck out of own end of the ice and carry it all the way to the opponent’s goal. He’s got real nice hands, passing, puck-handling ability, has a big shot, is an offensive catalyst, contributes to the flow, knows the game, is a solid competitor.’’

To view more profiles of Future Wolverines, visit Recruiting Central

Links for this profile: The Scouting News Western College Hockey MGoBlog Hockey Journal HS Gametime ProJo

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