PLAYER SNAPSHOT
Name: Abbigayle Benson
Hometown: Scottsdale, AZ
Date of Birth: November 2, 2007
Born: Scottsdale, AZ
Citizenship: American 🇺🇸
Position: Forward (F)
Shoots: Right
Height / Weight: 5'0" / 125 lbs
Current Team: Maple Grove High School
League: Minnesota State High School League
Graduation Year: 2026
NCAA Eligibility: Registration in progress
Advisor: AJ Bucchino
BIO
A hard-working, fast, and tenacious forward who never gives up in battles on the boards. Abbigayle brings the same relentless speed to forechecking that she applies to backchecking, making her a complete two-way player. Known as a playmaker who sets teammates up for quality opportunities while putting everything into every stride. Her leadership qualities shine through as peers consistently look to her for guidance and inspiration, leading by example and encouraging maximum effort from everyone around her.
NOTABLE:
- Started hockey at age 10 after moving from Arizona to Minnesota
- Enjoys golf and pickleball as recreational activities
- Perfect 4.0 GPA with AP coursework
- Recognized leader among peers
MY STORY
1. WHERE I STARTED
"I started playing hockey at the age of ten after moving from Arizona to Minnesota. In Arizona, hockey was uncommon, and even more unheard of as a girl's sport. Moving to Minnesota allowed me the opportunity to learn and love the game of hockey. I quickly realized the hockey community was one I would be a part of for a long time."
2. CHALLENGES I'VE FACED
"Throughout my career I have persisted through many challenges. Because I started playing later than most, I had to put in far more effort to get to this point in my career. Additionally, I am a shorter player, but over the years learned to use my height to my advantage rather than accepting it as a weakness."
3. WHAT DRIVES ME
"I am driven by my love for the sport, my competitive nature, and my desire to become the best of my abilities."
4. WHERE I'M HEADED
"My short term goals are to continue building my skills in all areas of the game and become the strongest player I can be, both mentally and physically. For long term goals, I hope to continue my hockey career at the collegiate level and further my education."
5. WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
"Many of my peers look to me as a leader and someone they can go to if they have concerns. I strive to lead by example and encourage others to give 100% effort every time they hit the ice."
STATS
EliteProspects
Minnesota Girls Hockey Hub
RECRUITMENT GOALS & PREFERENCES
Open to: NCAA Division I, NCAA Division III
Willing to relocate: Yes
Advisor: AJ Bucchino
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
- Assistant Captain - Current role demonstrating leadership
- Varsity Most Improved (2025)
- U15A Character Award (2023)
- Varsity Letters (2023-24 season, 2024-25 season)
AWARDS
- 2025 Varsity Most Improved
- 2023 U15A Character Award
- 2023-24 & 2024-25 Varsity Letter Winner
- Current Assistant Captain
ACADEMICS
School: Maple Grove Senior High
GPA: 4.0
ACT: 28
Honors: AP coursework
Graduation Year: 2026
Transcript: Available upon request
SCOUTING REPORT
A relentless two-way forward who maximizes her abilities through exceptional work ethic and hockey intelligence. Uses her speed and tenacity to create scoring opportunities while never backing down from physical battles. Shows strong leadership qualities and the ability to elevate teammates' performance.
Strengths: Speed, Work Ethic, Two-Way Play, Leadership, Playmaking, Competitive Drive
Growth Areas: Continued skill development, physical strength building
TESTIMONIALS
"Abbigayle is a perfect example of what can be achieved through pure determination and work ethic. Starting hockey at age 10 when most players have been playing for years, she refused to let that define her limits. Her relentless two-way play and natural leadership have made her an assistant captain and one of the most respected players on her team.
What really sets Abbigayle apart is her ability to turn perceived disadvantages into strengths—her size, her late start—she uses everything as motivation. Combined with her perfect 4.0 GPA, she represents exactly what college coaches are looking for: a student-athlete who maximizes every opportunity."
— AJ Bucchino, Advisor
CONTACT
Preferred method of contact:
- Email: [email protected]
Advisor Contact:
- Name: AJ Bucchino
- Email: [email protected]
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