Benson signs ECHL contract with Gladiators

DULUTH, Ga.-- Salve Regina men's ice hockey forward Seth Benson '24 has signed an ECHL contract with the Atlanta Gladiators, as announced by the club on Wednesday, March 6, 2024.

Benson joined the Seahawks in 2020, hailing from Moorhead, Minnesota. He has a career 34 goals, 28 assists, four game winning goals, 11 power play goals, two shorthand goals and two hat tricks. On November 4, 2023, Benson netted the game winning goal against Suffolk University on the power play at 6:31 in the second period. The Seahawks went on to defeat the Rams 8-3.

"Playing professional hockey has been a goal and dream of mine ever since I can remember," said Benson. "I chose Salve knowing that Coach Klann, Coach Davis, and Coach McCarthy could help get me to this level."

With Benson's help the Seahawks finished out the season with a 17-9-2 overall record and a 10-6-2 CCC record. Fourth seed Salve Regina advanced to the CCC finals after beating the top seed, Curry College 7-2 in the semifinals. Salve Regina ended the season falling 2-1 in the CCC finals to the second seed, Endicott College. 

"I am very grateful for the relationships I have built with my teammates over the last four years," remarked Benson. "They are great friends on and off the ice and have pushed me to be a better person and player every day. The Salve Regina hockey program will always be special to my family and I."

The 6'4 forward joins former Seahawk Mitch Walinski '23 on the Gladiators squad. The club serves as the ECHL affiliate for the National Hockey League's Nashville Predators.

For the full Gladiators release click this link.