Photo: Todd Pederson
Northern Manitoba Blizzard defenseman, Benson Hirst, has announced his commitment to play NCAA Division 1 hockey at Northern Michigan University.
Hirst joined the Blizzard midway through the 2024-25 season after making the jump from U18 and never looked back. The 16-year-old from Lac du Bonnet suited up in 21 regular season games, posting 5 goals and 5 assists before adding a pair of goals in 12 playoff games.
The rookie defender was a key contributor in the Blizzard’s run to a Turnbull Cup Championship and helped the club to Quarterfinal appearance at the Centennial Cup in Calgary where he added 1 goal and 1 assist in the tournament.
