Hitmen forward Kindel named Kal Tire WHL Rookie of the Week
Calgary, Alta. – The Western Hockey League announced today Calgary Hitmen forward Ben Kindel has been named Kal Tire WHL Rookie of the Week for the week ending November 12, 2023.
The 16-year-old product of Coquitlam, B.C., recorded six points (2G-4A) and a plus-4 rating in two games as the Hitmen went 2-0-0-0 this past week.
The 5-foot-10, 165-pound right winger notched four points (1G-3A) Friday, November 10 as the Hitmen knocked off the Edmonton Oil Kings by a 6-1 score at the Scotiabank Saddledome.
Kindel opened the scoring, registering his fourth goal of the season 2:53 into the first period. He then contributed a primary assist on a power-play goal by Oliver Tulk that went on to stand as the game-winning goal. Kindel added a secondary assist on a second-period goal from Carter Yakemchuk before finishing the night with another primary assist on a third-period goal by Dax Williams. Kindel was named Second Star of the game for his performance.
Saturday, November 11, Kindel recorded two more points (1G-1A) as the Hitmen skated to a 10-2 victory over the Oil Kings at Rogers Place in Edmonton.
Once again, Kindel struck early, finding the back of the net 10:45 into the first period to give Calgary a 2-0 lead. He provided the lone assist on a second-period goal from Tulk, which put the Hitmen in front 4-2 at the time.
Through 19 games, Kindel has secured 20 points (5G-15A) and sits fourth among all Hitmen in scoring. His 20 points are good enough to sit tied for third in scoring among all WHL rookies, while his 15 assists are best among all WHL rookies.
Kindel is currently riding a four-game point-scoring streak, collecting eight points (2G-6A) dating back to Friday, November 3 versus Everett. Since Sunday, October 22, he has only been held off the scoresheet once, tallying 15 points (3G-12A) in eight games.
The rookie has enjoyed five multi-point performances so far this season.
Originally selected by the Hitmen in the second round (43rd overall) of the 2022 WHL Prospects Draft, Kindel made his WHL debut in 2022-23, skating in one regular season game.
Ben Kindel and the Calgary Hitmen return to action Friday, November 17 (7 p.m. MT) when they host the Red Deer Rebels at the Scotiabank Saddledome.
2023-24 WHL Rookie of the Week
November 6, 2023: Ethan McCallum, Medicine Hat Tigers
October 30, 2023: Julius Miettinen, Everett Silvertips (NHL CSS: C)
October 23, 2023: Terik Parascak, Prince George Cougars (NHL CSS: B)
October 16, 2023: Ty Coupland, Swift Current Broncos
October 10, 2023: Terik Parascak, Prince George Cougars (NHL CSS: B)
October 2, 2023: Terik Parascak, Prince George Cougars (NHL CSS: B)
September 25, 2023: Oscar Lovsin, Wenatchee Wild
About the Western Hockey League
Regarded as the world’s finest development league for junior hockey players, the Western Hockey League (WHL) head office is based in Calgary, Alberta. The WHL offers a world-class player experience featuring three key cornerstones: hockey development, education, and a safe and positive environment for all participants. A diverse and inclusive organization, the WHL consists of 22 member Clubs with 16 located in Western Canada and six in the U.S. Pacific Northwest. A member of the Canadian Hockey League, the WHL has been a leading supplier of talent for the National Hockey League for close to 60 years. The WHL is also a leading provider of hockey scholarships with over 375 graduates each year receiving WHL Scholarships to pursue a post-secondary education of their choice. Each season, WHL players also form the nucleus of Canada’s National Junior Hockey Team.