NLL Halifax Thunderbirds

Thunderbirds Sign Future NLL Hall of Famer Ryan Benesch to a One-Year Contract

Published on August 16, 2022 under National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Halifax Thunderbirds News Release


HALIFAX, Nova Scotia - The Halifax Thunderbirds today announced they have signed veteran forward Ryan Benesch to a one-year contract.

Benesch, 37, wrapped up his 15th NLL season, starting the season with the expansion Panther City Lacrosse Club and finishing with the Albany FireWolves. In 19 regular season games, the veteran left-hander posted 81 points (29G, 52A) and 68 loose balls. He played in the FireWolves' lone postseason contest, tallying an assist and collecting seven loose balls.

Listed at 5-foot-8 and 195 pounds, the Kitchener, Ontario native returns for his second stint with the Thunderbirds franchise. He was acquired during the 2018-19 season via a trade with the Colorado Mammoth, and in 20 games across the remainder of that season and the pandemic-shortened 2019-20 season, Benesch posted 84 points (36G, 48A) and 116 loose balls.

Benesch has racked up points and accolades during his Hall-of-Fame-worthy NLL Career. After being selected first overall in the 2006 NLL Entry Draft by the San Jose Stealth, he was traded to the Toronto Rock prior to the 2007 season's start and turned in a 58-point (33G, 25A) campaign that earned him the 2007 NLL Rookie of the Year award and All-Rookie Team honours. He was named to the 2011 and 2015 NLL All-Pro First Teams following his 95-point (46G, 49A) and 113-point (55G, 58A) seasons with the Minnesota Swarm and Colorado Mammoth, respectively.

In his 15 NLL seasons, the left-hander has played in 237 regular season games, posting 1142 points (480G, 662A), 1152 loose balls, and 56 caused turnovers. His 480 goals are good for sixth most in NLL history, his 662 assists the eighth most, and 1142 points the ninth most in league history.

Benesch has played in 18 postseason contests, tallying 86 points (37G, 49A), 105 loose balls, and four caused turnovers.

His long career includes stops with the Rock, Swarm, Panther City, FireWolves, Buffalo Bandits, and Colorado Mammoth.

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The Thunderbirds return to Scotiabank Centre for their third season in Halifax this winter. Season tickets to watch championship-caliber professional lacrosse in Nova Scotia are on sale at HalifaxThunderbirds.com or by calling or texting 902-334-2333.

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