Benett Kelly gaining valuable experience practicing with the Raiders
The Calgary Royals of the Alberta Elite Hockey League saw their U18AAA season come to an end after a playoff loss to the Red Deer Chiefs on Saturday, March 2nd. One of the players on that team is Benett Kelly, who was a second round selection by the Raiders in the 2023 WHL Prospects Draft. This week, Kelly has been practicing with the Raiders after a heartbreaking 5-4 overtime loss to the Chiefs in game two of their best of three series that brought an end to his season.
“It’s been good to get the nerves out playing with these guys,” Kelly said. “To finally meet the boys and see the environment and see what I’m getting into. Hopefully I can play here next year, but it’s been good.”
Kelly is the son of former Raider and NHL alumni Steve Kelly, who played in Prince Albert from 1992-96. Steve was a left winger who put up terrific numbers in the WHL, totaling 254 points in 271 games with the Raiders. Benett, who was drafted 27th overall by the Raiders last spring, says it’s special to be able to represent the green and gold, and follow in his father’s footsteps.
“It’s super special, with my dad being drafted here and playing here,” he said. “I’ve got family here that I can stay with. (My dad’s) old billets are very welcoming as well. It’s just a super good moment.”
Kelly, who turned 16 on February 4th, settled nicely into his rookie year with the Royals in the AEHL U18AAA league. In 38 regular season games, the 6’1 defenceman scored seven goals and added nine assists. He added another goal in the playoffs as well.
“It’s been helpful being this size, just being on defence and having a bigger frame helps get in the way of shots and just helps with all the physical play that happens in the U18 league,” Kelly explained about the transition into a new league. “The speed and size difference is common moving to a bigger league, but also the smarts and the skill level. Guys can see passes from across the ice and it’s just harder to get a hold of those guys who can do that.”
Getting the chance to learn from defenceman like Arizona Coyotes prospect Terrell Goldsmith, as well as the likes of captain Eric Johnston and overager Jacob Hoffrogge, Kelly says he’s learned a lot about the pace of WHL hockey.
“They’ve been good. At practice they’ve been giving me tips and pointers which is so helpful. They’ve been showing me around the place and giving me rides even, which is good. It’s been great getting to learn from those guys.”