Image: Buffalo Sabres via Twitter / Chilliwack product Zach Benson puts on a brand new Buffalo Sabres hat after being selected No. 13 overall in the NHL Draft at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee. Benson, a 5-foot-10, 170-pound left-winger, had 36 goals and 62 assists in 60 games played during the 2022-23 season for the Winnipeg Ice in the WHL. During the postseason, Benson recorded seven goals and 10 assists in 15 games played, according to Elite Prospects. 

By Mike Vanden Bosch

Chilliwack's Benson picked by Sabres

Buffalo Sabres draft Chilliwack product Zach Benson No. 13 overall in 2023 NHL Draft

Jun 28, 2023 | 7:40 PM

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE — Chilliwack product Zach Benson was selected Wednesday night by the Buffalo Sabres as the 13th pick of the first round in the National Hockey League Entry Draft at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee.

Benson, a 5-foot-10, 170-pound left-winger, had 36 goals and 62 assists in 60 games played during the 2022-23 season for the Winnipeg Ice in the WHL. During the postseason, Benson recorded seven goals and 10 assists in 15 games played, according to Elite Prospects.

“Zach is the epitome of what a hockey player should be,” Chilliwack Minor Hockey Association wrote on Facebook. “His immense talent is only surpassed by his unparalleled work ethic. Practice, game, dryland or mini sticks, he only knows one way to play, 100 per cent. We feel he is the best 200-foot player in the NHL draft. With a motor that never shuts off, Benson is an elite defensive specialist despite being one of the most prolific scorers in all of junior hockey. The cherry on top for this elite talent is the character he continues to display off the ice. In every interview he praises linemates, coaches, past coaches and parents for all of his success.”

According to a Facebook post from the Chilliwack Minor Hockey Association Wednesday night, Benson belongs to a small group of Chilliwack players who have ever been drafted into the NHL. Of these five Chilliwack players, only one, Dave Archibald, actually played games in the NHL.

“Tonight was a massive night for Chilliwack Minor Hockey Association as Zach Benson was drafted 13th overall in NHL entry draft,” the Facebook post read. “There have only ever been 5 players from Chilliwack drafted into the NHL with only one player, Dave Archibald, actually playing games in the NHL. In 1987, Archibald was selected 6th overall in the NHL entry draft and is the only player from Chilliwack drafted in the first round until tonight. Thirty-six long years later, Zach Benson has been drafted by the Buffalo Sabres in the first round (13th Overall) in this years NHL entry draft in Nashville Tennessee.”

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Chilliwack Minor Hockey lauded the amazing support of his immediate and extended family.

“[Zach] has what every kid dreams of and that is a support group like no other,” Chilliwack Minor Hockey wrote. “If you have ever attended one of his games, you know the Benson clan comes out in full force to support. Darcy and Jaclyn are as committed as parents can be to all three of their boys. They are representative of every member of CMHA who sacrifice all of their time for their kids. In the Benson Clan, grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins come out in droves to support one another like nothing I’ve ever seen. Their family is inspirational when it comes to supporting their own.”

The Buffalo Sabres wrote on Twitter Wednesday night: “We just drafted Zach Benson 13th overall in the NHL Draft! The blue & gold suits you, Zach!”

Image: Buffalo Sabres via Twitter

Benson issued a brief video statement on the Buffalo Sabres official Twitter page after being drafted. “Hey guys, Zach here. Super stoked to be a Sabre! Can’t wait to get started. Let’s go, Sabres!”

Chilliwack Minor Hockey concluded its congratulatory statement with pride and jubilation over Benson’s selection.

“We at Chilliwack Minor are so proud to recognize the incredible accomplishment of one of our own,” Chilliwack Minor Hockey said on Facebook. “His countless hours of dedication have translated into success at the highest level of the sport. We are so excited to see what the future has in store for this young man. Congratulations, Zach!”