Ben McCartney Bio
Ben McCartney is a Canadian professional ice hockey forward for the Tucson Roadrunners of the American Hockey League (AHL) while under contract to the Utah Mammoth of the National Hockey League (NHL). McCartney was drafted 204th overall by the Arizona Coyotes in the 2020 NHL entry draft and made his NHL debut in 2021.
Early Life and Background
Ben McCartney was born on July 13, 2001, in Macdonald, Manitoba, Canada. Growing up in a Canadian hockey hotbed, McCartney developed his skills at an early age and eventually played major junior hockey in the Western Hockey League (WHL) with the Brandon Wheat Kings.
McCartney played five seasons with the Brandon Wheat Kings, showing steady development throughout his junior career. He scored 60 goals and 151 points in 205 games with the team, establishing himself as a reliable forward with offensive capabilities.
Path to Hockey
During his time with the Brandon Wheat Kings, McCartney honed his skills as a left-shooting forward, developing a well-rounded game that would attract NHL attention. His consistent performance in the WHL, a premier junior hockey league, positioned him for potential draft consideration.
McCartney’s development in the WHL culminated in being selected by the Arizona Coyotes in the seventh round, 204th overall, in the 2020 NHL entry draft. This selection represented the culmination of years of junior hockey development and marked the beginning of his professional hockey career.
Ben McCartney Career
Early Career (2021-Present)
Following his draft, McCartney signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Arizona Coyotes on May 27, 2021. He joined Arizona’s American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Tucson Roadrunners, for the final four games of the 2020-21 season after his junior career concluded. This brief stint made him the youngest player in Roadrunners history at that time.
During the 2021-22 season, McCartney made significant progress in his professional development. He scored the first of two hat tricks in a 4-0 win over the Texas Stars in the Roadrunners’ home opener on October 23, 2021, showcasing his offensive potential early in his AHL career.
Tucson Roadrunners Breakthrough (2021-Present)
McCartney’s first NHL call-up came in November 2021 when he was recalled by the Arizona Coyotes. He made his NHL debut on November 5 in a 3-1 loss to the Anaheim Ducks, marking a significant milestone in his career. Although he was returned to Tucson after just one NHL game, the experience provided valuable professional exposure.
During the 2021-22 season, McCartney continued to develop with the Roadrunners, scoring his second hat trick in a 6-5 loss to the Colorado Eagles on April 16, 2022. He finished the season with 18 goals and 35 points in 55 games, second on the team in goals and fifth in overall scoring, establishing himself as an important offensive contributor.
For the 2022-23 season, McCartney was named an alternate captain for the Tucson Roadrunners, demonstrating his growing leadership role within the organization. This honor recognized his consistent performance and standing within the team.
Utah Mammoth Era (2023-Present)
McCartney began the 2023-24 season with Tucson but was recalled by Arizona on October 28, 2023. However, he saw no action with the Coyotes and was returned to Tucson on October 30, 2023, continuing his development with the AHL affiliate.
Currently under contract to the Utah Mammoth of the National Hockey League, McCartney continues his professional hockey journey while primarily playing with the Tucson Roadrunners in the AHL. His dual affiliation represents the typical development path for many young NHL prospects.
Playing Style and Strengths
Ben McCartney is a left-shooting forward with a well-rounded skill set. His playing style emphasizes offensive production, as evidenced by his goal-scoring ability and point totals in the AHL. McCartney has shown the capacity to perform in clutch moments, highlighted by his two hat tricks during the 2021-22 season.
Notable Events and Milestones
McCartney’s NHL debut on November 5, 2021, stands as a significant career milestone. Additionally, becoming the youngest player in Tucson Roadrunners history and being named an alternate captain for the team represent important achievements in his early professional career.
Ben McCartney Career Wins
Throughout his professional career, Ben McCartney has established himself as a consistent offensive performer in the American Hockey League. His scoring totals and hat trick achievements highlight his goal-scoring capabilities at the professional level.
AHL Highlights
During the 2021-22 season with the Tucson Roadrunners, McCartney scored 18 goals and 35 points in 55 games, demonstrating his offensive potential. His most notable individual achievements include scoring two hat tricks during that season, including one in the team’s home opener and another in a late-season game against the Colorado Eagles.
Other Wins & Performances
McCartney’s professional career has been primarily focused on his development with the Tucson Roadrunners in the AHL. While his NHL opportunities have been limited, his consistent production at the AHL level suggests potential for future growth and increased responsibility with the organization.
| Series | Wins | Top Tens | Poles |
|---|---|---|---|
| AHL | 18 | 35 | 0 |
Ben McCartney Family
Family Background and Hockey Lineage
Ben McCartney was born in Macdonald, Manitoba, Canada, though specific details about his family background and potential hockey lineage are not publicly available. His development in hockey occurred through the Canadian junior system with the Brandon Wheat Kings before progressing to professional hockey.
Personal Life
Ben McCartney maintains a private personal life, with no publicly available information about marital status, children, or other personal relationships. His focus appears to be on his professional hockey career with the Tucson Roadrunners and his development toward potential NHL opportunities.
2025 Season Performance
As Ben McCartney enters the 2025 season, he continues his development as a young professional hockey player with the Tucson Roadrunners. Under contract to the Utah Mammoth, McCartney will look to build upon his established AHL production and potentially earn increased opportunities with the NHL affiliate.
The 2025 season represents a crucial point in McCartney’s professional development as he approaches his mid-20s. With several seasons of AHL experience already, he will aim to elevate his game and demonstrate the consistency and skill set required for potential NHL advancement in the coming years.