WHL Prince Albert Raiders

Raiders Sign Second Round Pick Benett Kelly to WHL Scholarship and Development Agreement

June 13, 2023 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Prince Albert Raiders News Release


The Prince Albert Raiders are proud to announce the signing of second round pick Benett Kelly to a WHL Scholarship and Development Agreement.

Kelly, selected 27th overall by the Raiders in the 2023 WHL Prospects Draft, becomes the fourth Raider pick to be signed, following first overall pick Daxon Rudolph, second overall pick Riley Boychuk, and seventh overall pick Ty Meunier.

"It feels amazing," Kelly said about being drafted, and now signed by the team. "Especially getting drafted by PA, because I have a lot of family out there, and my dad used to play there. It's a good thing to be able to play there too."

Kelly spent the day at home during the draft, and had his eyes locked on his phone watching the names pop up on the screen. He explained how he felt when he saw his name be selected by the Raiders in the second round.

"I was staying at home. I was chilling on the couch watching all the names go through. When I saw my name come up, I got up and I was yelling and everything. I was so excited, especially when I saw where Riley (Boychuk) got drafted."

Kelly spent most of the 2022-23 season with the Airdrie Xtreme U15AAA team, where he suited up in 33 games. The Cochrane, Alberta product registered nine goals while adding 25 assists for 34 points in those games. He also tallied two goals and five assists in nine playoff games. Kelly also spent some time in the U17 ranks, where he dressed in six games for the AC Avalanche AAA squad, where he notched one assist.

In Airdrie, Kelly played alongside second overall pick Riley Boychuk. He said getting the chance to play with his teammate in the future is something he is definitely looking forward to.

"It's always nice knowing you have a buddy there. (Riley) is one of my best friends. He's kind to everyone and he makes everyone around him better."

Playing in Alberta his whole life, Kelly had the chance to get to know a lot of teammates and opponents growing up. Two of those players are Daxon Rudolph and Ty Meunier. He says the potential of success with this draft class could be through the roof when they get the chance to play alongside each other.

"Just getting the chance to play with a lot of these guys is exciting. Being able to play with Riley, and I know Daxon and Ty. I feel like all of us put together can create a strong team in the upcoming years.

"It feels good to know that this team can be one of the top competing teams in the league, and just having all of these good players around you to make you better (like Ryder Ritchie and Cole Peardon). Just to get the chance to keep improving and be successful with all of these players around you is something that will be great."

Kelly, who will be in Prince Albert this summer for training camp, will still have to wait until next year before he has a shot at cracking a spot on the roster. He knows what work needs to be done, and he explained how he will work to give himself a chance.

"I know I just have to keep improving and keep up the workouts and the skating in the summer. Getting a spot on the team is a goal of mine, and it's what I'm trying out for. I'll keep getting better and better, and I'll come into training camp and show off all of my skills and what I can bring to this team."

The early bird deadline is fast approaching for season tickets. Fans have until this Thursday, June 15 to take advantage of early bird pricing.

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Western Hockey League Stories from June 13, 2023


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