Ben Chiarot

Ben Chiarot Bio

Ben Chiarot is a Canadian professional ice hockey defenceman for the Detroit Red Wings of the National Hockey League (NHL). He was selected in the fourth round, 120th overall, by the Atlanta Thrashers in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft. Chiarot has previously played for the Winnipeg Jets, Montreal Canadiens, and Florida Panthers.

Early Life and Background

Ben Chiarot was born on May 9, 1991, in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, to parents Tara and Matt Chiarot. His family has a background in sports, particularly Canadian football, as his grandfather Gord played for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats and BC Lions of the Canadian Football League. However, his father discouraged him from playing football, leading Chiarot to focus on ice hockey from a young age. He played minor ice hockey as a defenceman for the Mississauga IceDogs in the Greater Toronto Hockey League, where he had a standout final season, recording 22 goals and 64 points in 75 regular season games. Chiarot later advanced to major junior hockey in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), playing for teams such as the Guelph Storm, Sudbury Wolves, and Saginaw Spirit. His performance in junior hockey helped pave the way for his professional career.

Path to Hockey

Ben Chiarot was selected by the Atlanta Thrashers in the fourth round of the 2009 NHL Entry Draft, being the 120th overall pick. He made his professional debut in the American Hockey League with the Chicago Wolves during the 2009–10 season. Chiarot signed his entry-level contract with the Thrashers on March 16, 2011, marking the beginning of his professional career in the NHL. On July 23, 2014, he signed a two-way deal worth $600,000 with the Winnipeg Jets after a successful season with the St. John’s IceCaps in the AHL. Chiarot scored his first NHL goal on January 3, 2015, in a game against the Toronto Maple Leafs. Over the years, he continued to develop his skills and solidify his position in the league.

Ben Chiarot Career

Early Career (2010–2019)

Chiarot’s early career was marked by steady progress within the Winnipeg Jets organization. After signing a two-year, $1.7 million contract extension with the Jets in June 2015, he continued to improve his performance on the ice. In June 2017, he signed another contract extension with the Jets, this time for two years at $2.8 million. After spending the first eight seasons of his professional career with the Thrashers/Jets franchise, Chiarot became a free agent following the 2018–19 season. He signed a three-year, $10.5 million contract with the Montreal Canadiens on July 4, 2019. His first season with the Canadiens saw him achieve a personal best of nine goals and twelve assists in 69 games.

Breakthrough (2019–2022)

Chiarot’s breakthrough came during his time with the Montreal Canadiens, especially during their deep run to the 2021 Stanley Cup Finals. He played a crucial role in the team’s defense corps, leading the Canadiens in ice time during the playoffs. The experience of competing for the Stanley Cup was a significant highlight of his career. In March 2022, Chiarot was traded to the Florida Panthers, where he continued to contribute to the team’s success. He made his debut with the Panthers on March 24, 2022, and played a key role in their defense during the playoffs. The Panthers won the Presidents’ Trophy for having the best regular season record in the NHL that year.

Notable Works and Milestones

Throughout his career, Ben Chiarot has established himself as a reliable defenceman known for his physical play and leadership on the ice. His participation in the Stanley Cup Finals and his contributions to multiple teams have marked significant milestones in his career.