ATHLETE – HOCKEY – INDUCTED IN 2008
Adam Bennett played his entire minor hockey career in Georgetown, never leaving to play AAA, but it didn’t prevent him from getting noticed.
After an outstanding season with his hometown Jr. B Gemini, where he had 40 points in 32 games, the 6-foot-4 defenceman was selected second overall in the Ontario Hockey League draft by the Sudbury Wolves.
Following his first OHL season, Bennett was the first defenceman chosen in the 1989 NHL draft, selected sixth overall by the Chicago Blackhawks.
In his final two seasons in Sudbury, Bennett was the Wolves’ captain. In 1989/90, he tied for sixth among OHL defencemen with 18 goals and 61 points. The following year he was third with 21 goals. He was a league all-star each season, third team in 1990 and second team in 1991.
He turned pro after his third OHL season, joining Indianapolis of the International Hockey League.
He made his NHL debut with Chicago Feb. 22, 1992 against Detroit. After playing 21 games over two seasons with Chicago, Bennett was traded to the Edmonton Oilers days into the 1993/94 season.
He had seven points in seven games with Edmonton’s AHL affiliate, earning a recall. In his fourth game with Edmonton, coming off a two-assist game, Bennett scored his first NHL goal Nov. 6, 1993, a powerplay marker against St. Louis’ Curtis Joseph.
He earned regular playing time with Edmonton, playing 48 games and had three goals and nine points. Then on March 23, he was hit by New York’s Nick Kypreos and fell awkwardly, injuring his knee.
Despite extensive rehab and multiple surgeries, he played just 15 minor league games before retiring.
Following his career, Bennett became an assistant coach with the OHL’s Mississauga Ice Dogs, started successful 3-on-3 leagues and was a coach at Clearwater Prep Hockey Academy.