Matty Beniers is just 19 years old, yet he already has some impressive accolades. He was the Seattle Kraken’s inaugural draft pick, taken second-overall at the 2021 draft, and was a member of the gold medal-winning Team USA at the 2021 World Junior Championship. Back in an attempt to repeat, he’ll have an increased role on this year’s team.
Beniers Enjoying Strong Season With Michigan Wolverines
Beniers is currently in his sophomore season with the University of Michigan Wolverines. He is following up an impressive freshman year which saw him score 10 goals and 24 points in 24 games, all without taking a penalty. His team is filled with draft picks from the first few rounds of the past few drafts but despite the sea of talent surrounding him, this future Kraken is swimming just fine.
This season, he’s tallied 11 goals and 22 points in 20 games. He’s tied with fellow gold medal-winner Brendan Brisson for team-lead in goals and for second in points. Seven of his goals were power-play goals and three of them were game-winners. He loves to shoot, as he is second on the team with 54 shots, trailing his buddy Brisson.
In Big Ten conference play, he’s scored 10 goals and 18 points in 13 games, leading the team in both categories. All seven of his power-play goals have come against conference opponents. It’s a sign that he can really be counted on to show up in important games and isn’t afraid to shoot in big moments.
Aside from the offensive production, he’s excelled defensively. He leads all Wolverines’ forwards with 17 blocked shots and plays in all situations. He has the potential to have a similar impact as Trevor Zegras did on last year’s team, according to TSN Analyst Craig Button on the Missin Curfew podcast.
He’s had some impressive stretches that highlight his potential to be a top producer for Team USA. He had a five-game multi-point streak this season, which included three straight multi-goal games, and a four-point game. He finished the streak with eight goals and 12 points.
Beniers Brings Championship-Level Experience Back to Team USA
The Hingham, Massachusetts native has risen through the ranks of the United States National Team Development Program (USNTDP) on his way to represent his country on a grand stage. His first taste of international play came in the 2014-15 Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament alongside teammate Brett Berard.
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