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WHL Edmonton Oil Kings

Benson Commits to Western University

July 17, 2015 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Edmonton Oil Kings News Release


EDMONTON, ALTA. - Edmonton Oil Kings forward Cole Benson has committed to the Western University Mustangs, who play in Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS), for the 2015-16 season, the club announced Friday.

Benson, 20, played 216 regular season and 43 playoff games over four seasons with the Oil Kings after being selected in the 10th round, 178th overall, in the 2010 WHL Bantam Draft. The Edmonton native registered 58 points (27

goals, 31 assists) in the regular season and four points (one goal, three assists) in the playoffs and leaves the Oil Kings as a two-time WHL Champion (2012 and 2014) and with a 2014 Memorial Cup ring.

"I'm honoured to have been able to play for such a great organization. Playing for the Oil Kings made me a more mature person and the relationships I've made with my teammates, coaches, trainers and everyone in the organization are ones that I will never forget," Benson said. "Being able to win the Ed Chynoweth and Memorial Cups has taught me how to be a champion, and I hope to be able to continue that at Western."

Benson's tenure with Edmonton leaves him ninth in modern franchise history with 216 games played and tied for seventh in career shorthanded goals with three. Benson is one of only 17 modern Oil Kings to record a hat trick, and his 23 penalty minutes are the fewest of any Oil Kings skater who has played at least 100 games in his career.

"Cole's been a good and loyal Oil King on and off the ice, and this is a great opportunity for him to start a new chapter in his life," said Oil Kings general manager Randy Hansch. "Cole's dedication to his academics and to be involved in his community were commendable, and it's special for him to have been able to start and finish his career as an Oil King.

"We'd like to thank him for his contributions to the team wish him all the best as he moves on to CIS hockey."

Benson will take advantage of the WHL Scholarship Program to study business at Western, where he will become the first modern Oil Kings alumnus to suit up for the Mustangs. Western University is based in London, Ont., where Benson won the 2014 Mastercard Memorial Cup as a member of the Oil Kings.

"I felt it was time for me to move on with my education, but I'm excited to continue to play hockey for a good organization," he said. "I'd like to thank all the fans in Edmonton, my teammates and coaches and all the staff on the Oil Kings for their support."

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