WHL Announces Weekly Award Winners
Published on November 21, 2022 under Western Hockey League (WHL) News Release
Calgary, Alta. - The Western Hockey League announced today that Winnipeg ICE forward Zach Benson has been named WHL Player of the Week for the week ending November 20, 2022.
Benson, an 'A' rated prospect for the 2023 NHL Draft, recorded seven points (3G-4A) over his two appearances this past week, helping the ICE set a franchise record with its 15th consecutive victory in the process.
The 17-year-old, who hails from Chilliwack, B.C., started his week by scoring once and adding two assists Thursday, November 17 as Winnipeg outscored the Regina Pats 9-5.
He added two more goals and two assists in a rematch with the Pats Saturday, November 19 as Winnipeg swept the two-game series with a 5-2 triumph.
Benson, who scored the winning goal Saturday, earned First Star honours for his efforts.
Benson begins the week in seventh place among WHL skaters with 33 points (13G-20A) and has registered three or more points in each of his last three contests.
Of the top 12 leading scorers in the WHL, he is one of eight players recently given an 'A,' 'B' or 'C' ranking by NHL Central Scouting ahead of the 2023 NHL Draft.
Originally selected by Winnipeg with the 14th-overall pick in the 2020 WHL Prospects Draft, Benson has amassed 139 points (57G-82A) over 118 regular season and playoff games.
Zach Benson and the Winnipeg ICE are next in action Tuesday, November 22, when they open a two-game home series versus the Lethbridge Hurricanes (7:05 p.m. CT, Wayne Fleming Arena).
WINTERHAWKS NETMINDER GIANNUZZI NAMED WHL GOALTENDER OF THE WEEK
The Western Hockey League announced today that Portland Winterhawks goaltender Dante Giannuzzi has been named WHL Goaltender of the Week for the week ending November 20, 2022.
Giannuzzi stopped 60 of the 62 shots he faced over two starts this past week, posting a 1.00 goals-against average and .968 save percentage in the process.
Giannuzzi, who hails from Winnipeg, Man., began his week with a 33-save performance Tuesday, November 15 as his Winterhawks dispatched the Calgary Hitmen 4-1.
The 20-year-old then earned First Star honours Friday, November 18 by making 27 saves in Portland's 4-1 victory versus the Everett Silvertips.
With the victory, Giannuzzi improved his 2022-23 record to 10-1-1-0.
Originally selected by the Winterhawks in the fifth round of the 2017 WHL Draft, Giannuzzi holds a career 46-20-6-2 record, 2.88 goals-against average, .897 save percentage and four shutouts over 80 career WHL contests.
Dante Giannuzzi and the Portland Winterhawks are next in action Wednesday, November 23, when they begin a three-game road trip versus the Everett Silvertips (7:05 p.m. PT, Angel of the Winds Arena).
Western Hockey League Stories from November 21, 2022
- Winterhawks Weekly: Three Home Games, Three Home Wins - Portland Winterhawks
- Wheat Kings Announce Plans to Honour Jordan Old on Friday Night - Brandon Wheat Kings
- Warriors Hit the Road for Seven Games (November 21-27) - Moose Jaw Warriors
- Cristall Given Updated Rating - Kelowna Rockets
- Benson Named WHL Player of the Week - Winnipeg Ice
- Lukas Dragicevic Upgraded to 'A' Rating by Central Scouting - Tri-City Americans
- Dante Giannuzzi Named WHL Goalie of the Week - Portland Winterhawks
- WHL Announces Weekly Award Winners - WHL
- Mike Johnston Reaches 1000 Point Benchmark - Portland Winterhawks
- Rebels this Week: Nov 21-27 - Red Deer Rebels
- Warriors Receive Draft Pick from Regina for Ginnell - Moose Jaw Warriors
- Pats Acquire Riley Ginnell from Moose Jaw - Regina Pats
- November 21 - Canes Chatter - Lethbridge Hurricanes
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
