Zach Benson Bio
Zachary Ruben Benson is a Canadian professional ice hockey player who plays as a winger for the Buffalo Sabres in the National Hockey League (NHL). Born on May 12, 2005, in Chilliwack, British Columbia, he was drafted 13th overall by the Sabres in the 2023 NHL entry draft. Benson has made a significant impact at the junior level before starting his professional career with the Sabres.
Known for his aggressive style and offensive instincts, Benson has become a notable young player in the NHL. His journey from minor hockey in British Columbia to one of the most storied franchises in the league reflects both his dedication and his natural talent for the game.
Early Life and Background
Zachary Ruben Benson was born on May 12, 2005, in Chilliwack, British Columbia, to Darcy and Jaclyn Benson. His family owns a traveling carnival, and Benson spent much of his childhood assisting his parents at carnivals across western Canada. This unconventional upbringing gave him a grounded perspective and a strong work ethic that he has carried into his hockey career.
Benson began playing minor ice hockey in Chilliwack, where he quickly stood out for his skill and hockey sense. In 2018, he transferred to Yale Hockey Academy to further his development in a more competitive environment. During the 2019-20 season with Yale, Benson scored 30 goals and recorded 86 points in 30 games, and he was named the Canadian Sport School Hockey League (CSSHL) Most Valuable Player for his standout play.
Path to Hockey
After impressing at Yale Hockey Academy, Benson was selected 14th overall by the Winnipeg Ice of the Western Hockey League (WHL) in the 2020 WHL Bantam Draft. He signed with the team on April 29 of that year, and because of the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on youth ice hockey, he was allowed to play in the 2020-21 WHL season as a 15-year-old. He made an immediate impact, recording three goals and seven points in his first nine junior games.
Over the following seasons, Benson continued to develop into one of the top young players in the WHL. In 2022-23, he finished third in WHL scoring with 36 goals and 98 points in 60 games, trailing only fellow British Columbia-born prospect Connor Bedard. His consistent production and maturity on the ice helped position him as a top prospect for the NHL draft.
Internationally, Benson represented Canada at the 2022 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, where he recorded two goals and five assists in five games to help his country win the gold medal. This performance further cemented his reputation as one of the most promising young players in the game.
Zach Benson Career
Early Career (2018-2020)
Benson’s early career began at Yale Hockey Academy, where he joined in 2018 and quickly emerged as a top performer. In his first season in the CSSHL, he recorded six goals and 19 points in 28 regular season games, adding four more points in five postseason contests. His ability to produce offensively at a young age drew attention from major junior scouts across western Canada.
During the 2019-20 season, Benson elevated his game with 30 goals and 86 points in 30 games, earning CSSHL Most Valuable Player honors. His exceptional play at Yale established him as one of the top amateur prospects heading into the 2020 WHL Bantam Draft.
Winnipeg Ice Era (2020-2023)
Benson joined the Winnipeg Ice of the WHL after being selected 14th overall in the 2020 WHL Bantam Draft. He signed with the team on April 29 and was permitted to play in the 2020-21 season as an underage player due to pandemic-related rule changes. He wasted no time adjusting to the faster pace of major junior hockey, posting three goals and seven points in his first nine games.
Over the next two seasons, Benson became a cornerstone of the Winnipeg Ice lineup. His 36-goal, 98-point performance in 2022-23 made him one of the most dangerous offensive players in the WHL and a leading candidate for the NHL draft. The Winnipeg Ice era transformed him from a promising prospect into a polished, NHL-ready forward.
Buffalo Sabres Era (2023-Present)
Benson was selected 13th overall by the Buffalo Sabres in the 2023 NHL entry draft and signed a three-year entry-level contract on July 28, 2023. He made his NHL debut on October 12 against the New York Rangers, logging a minor penalty in a 5-1 loss. On November 22, he scored his first career NHL goal in a 3-4 overtime loss to the Washington Capitals.
Benson experienced a breakthrough later in his career with the Sabres, becoming one of the NHL’s most effective pests. His teammates dubbed him “The Rat” for his aggressive, tenacious style of play. On April 26, he scored his first playoff goal during Game 4 of the Sabres’ first-round series against the Boston Bruins in the 2026 Stanley Cup playoffs. On his 21st birthday, he netted a game-winning goal in Game 4 of the second-round series against the Montreal Canadiens, marking one of the most memorable moments of his young career.
Driving Style and Strengths
Benson is recognized for his aggressive, high-energy approach to the game. He excels at forechecking, puck pursuit, and creating turnovers, which has earned him the nickname “The Rat” among his Sabres teammates. Despite his modest size, he plays with a physical edge and refuses to back down from bigger opponents. His combination of hockey sense, speed, and competitiveness makes him a difficult matchup for opposing defenders.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among Benson’s signature moments are his first NHL goal against the Washington Capitals on November 22, 2023, and his first playoff goal against the Boston Bruins in the 2026 Stanley Cup playoffs. His game-winning birthday goal against the Montreal Canadiens stands as a defining memory of his early professional career. He also earned a gold medal with Canada at the 2022 Hlinka Gretzky Cup and was named CSSHL Most Valuable Player in 2020.
Zach Benson Career Wins
Zachary Ruben Benson has built a strong resume of achievements across junior, international, and professional hockey. From his early dominance in the CSSHL to his offensive success in the WHL, he has consistently delivered high-level performances. His transition to the NHL has further added to his growing list of accomplishments.
WHL Highlights
During his time with the Winnipeg Ice, Benson emerged as one of the most productive players in the Western Hockey League. He finished third in WHL scoring in 2022-23 with 36 goals and 98 points in 60 games, placing him behind only Connor Bedard. His blend of skill, speed, and competitiveness helped establish him as one of the top prospects in his draft class.
Other Wins and Performances
Benson captured a gold medal with Canada at the 2022 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, where he tallied two goals and five assists in five games. He was also named the CSSHL Most Valuable Player in 2020 after a dominant 30-goal, 86-point season with Yale Hockey Academy. These early accomplishments set the foundation for his NHL success.
Zach Benson Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Zachary Ruben Benson was raised by his parents, Darcy and Jaclyn Benson, in Chilliwack, British Columbia. His family owns a traveling carnival, and Benson spent much of his childhood assisting his parents at events across western Canada. This unique upbringing helped shape his grounded character and strong work ethic.
Personal Life
Benson remains closely connected to his family and his hometown of Chilliwack, where his hockey journey began. He has continued to develop his professional career with the Buffalo Sabres while staying true to the values instilled by his parents. His disciplined approach to the game reflects the lessons he learned growing up around the family carnival business.
2025 Season Performance
Zachary Ruben Benson continued his development with the Buffalo Sabres during the 2025 season, building on the momentum he established in his rookie year. He remained a consistent contributor in the Sabres’ lineup, using his speed, energy, and aggressive style to create scoring chances and disrupt opposing offenses. His growing role with the team reflected the organization’s confidence in his long-term potential.
Throughout the 2025 season, Benson demonstrated continued growth in his two-way game and offensive production. His nickname “The Rat” became more well-known around the league as he built a reputation for being a difficult player to face. He was a key part of Buffalo’s push toward playoff contention, and his performance indicated a bright future with the franchise.
Looking ahead, Benson’s trajectory with the Sabres points toward an even larger role as he gains experience. With his entry-level contract running through 2026, both Benson and the organization are positioned to benefit from his continued development. His combination of skill, competitiveness, and character suggests he will remain a central figure in Buffalo’s plans for years to come.
