PLAYER SNAPSHOT
Name: Ben Knight
Hometown: Minnetonka, MN
Date of Birth: October 16, 2007
Born: Minnetonka, MN
Citizenship: American πΊπΈ
Position: Defense (D)
Shoots: Right
Height / Weight: 5'10" / 160 lbs
Current Team: Hopkins High School
League: USHS-MN
Graduation Year: 2026
NCAA Eligibility: Registered
Advisor: AJ Bucchino
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BIO
A playmaking defenseman with exceptional hockey IQ and proven leadership skills who uses his speed to excel on both sides of the puck. Ben combines strong positioning and backchecking ability with offensive instincts, leading his team in blocked shots while maintaining excellent net-front battle presence. His leadership progression from sophomore leader to assistant captain to senior captain demonstrates his natural ability to inspire teammates. Beyond hockey, he's a multi-sport athlete who was an avid baseball player before switching to lacrosse 2 years ago, where he now excels, and maintains a strong commitment to community service through his church and hockey coaching.
NOTABLE:
- Multi-sport athlete (lacrosse defense - All Conference Honorable Mention)
- Strong faith and family foundation driving community volunteer work
- Works as summer AAA hockey coach and personal care attendant
- Developed skills on family backyard rink
MY STORY
1. WHERE I STARTED
"My love for game started on our backyard rink where I really developed my skating skills. My parents kept telling me that I could just play 'pond hockey' until 2nd grade when they finally let me join our hockey association. There was no turning back and I have been dedicated to my association and high school ever since."
2. CHALLENGES I'VE FACED
"My first year of PeeWee's I made the C team. My friends were all on the A and B teams. As an eleven year old I was crushed. However, I used the year to develop my leadership skills on the ice and be more aggressive offensively. I strongly believe that year played a crucial role in my successes today."
3. WHAT DRIVES ME
"I am driven by my love for sport and my desire to support my team and help my team reach our goals."
4. WHERE I'M HEADED
"My short-term goals are to elevate my offensive abilities on the ice and be a strong leader for my senior year. My long-term goals are to continue my hockey career to the collegiate level while also getting a great education."
4. GOOD TO KNOW
"Coaches describe me as someone that others look up to on the ice or field. I lead by example and hold myself and my teammates accountable. Some of my favorite memories will always be ones on our back yard rink where I find solace, with my family and friends where it all started."
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STATS
EliteProspects:
RECRUITMENT GOALS & PREFERENCES
Open to: NCAA Division I, NCAA Division III, NAHL, USHL, WHL, NCDC
Willing to relocate: Yes
Advisor: AJ Bucchino
VIDEO
Video content to be added
MEDIA & PRESS FEATURES
Media features to be added
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
- Captain (2025-2026) - Senior season leadership role
- Assistant Captain (2024-2025) - Junior year recognition
- Coach Nominated Sophomore Leader (2023-2024)
- Lacrosse All Conference Honorable Mention (2025)
- Varsity Letters - Hockey (2023-2024, 2024-2025), Lacrosse (2024, 2025)
AWARDS
- 2025-2026 Team Captain
- 2024-2025 Assistant Captain
- 2023-2024 Sophomore Leader
- 2025 Lacrosse All Conference Honorable Mention
- Multiple Varsity Letters (Hockey & Lacrosse)
ACADEMICS
School: Hopkins High School
GPA: 3.7
SAT / ACT: To be scheduled
Honors: Honors coursework
Graduation Year: 2026
Transcript: Available upon request
SCOUTING REPORT
An intelligent two-way defenseman who combines strong positional play with offensive instincts. Demonstrates excellent anticipation and game-reading ability while leading through example and accountability. Shows strong physical presence in battles and leads team in blocked shots.
Strengths: Hockey IQ, Leadership, Two-Way Play, Positioning, Work Ethic, Character
Growth Areas: Continued offensive development, physical strength building
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TESTIMONIALS
"It is my absolute pleasure to recommend Ben Knight as a high-level hockey prospect. I have had the privilege of coaching Ben at Hopkins High School over the past three seasons. During that time, he has consistently demonstrated the skill, work ethic, character and leadership that make him stand out both on and off the ice. Ben is a dynamic and intelligent player with an excellent hockey sense. He anticipates the game exceptionally well, competes hard every shift, and consistently makes plays that elevate the team. Beyond Ben's on-ice abilities, what truly sets him apart is his leadership and maturity. As a captain, he leads by example with a relentless work ethic and a team-first attitude. He is respected by teammates and coaches alike for his consistency, accountability, and passion for the game. I have no doubt that Ben will be an asset to any program at the next level. He brings the complete package β skill, character, leadership, and a deep love for hockey."
β Dylan Talkovic, Hopkins Hockey Head Coach
"Ben represents everything you want in a student-athlete. He's a natural leader who holds himself and others accountable while maintaining a team-first mentality. His hockey IQ and two-way play make him extremely valuable, but it's his character and leadership that truly set him apart. Ben understands that hockey is a team sport, and he consistently puts the team's success ahead of individual recognition. He's exactly the type of player and person that college programs are looking for."
β AJ Bucchino, Advisor
CONTACT
Preferred method of contact:
- Email: [email protected]
Advisor Contact:
- Name: AJ Bucchino
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: maphockey.com