In a shocking announcement that has sent ripples through the hockey world, Jordie Benn has decided to hang up his skates for good. The former Toronto Maple Leafs and Montreal Canadiens defenseman confirmed his retirement in an exclusive interview with CHEK News’ Paul Haysom in his hometown of Victoria, BC.
Benn, at the age of 37, leaves behind a legacy of hard work and dedication on the ice. With a career spanning 12 seasons and 607 NHL games, Benn defied the odds to make a name for himself in the league.
“A lot of people thought I never should have made it, and maybe I shouldn’t have, but I just worked as hard as I could every night and tried to be the best teammate possible,” Benn humbly reflected on his career.
Undrafted out of the BCHL’s Victoria Grizzlies, Benn’s journey to the NHL was anything but conventional. Making his debut in 2012 with the Dallas Stars, Benn quickly established himself as a reliable defenseman. Playing alongside his younger brother, Jamie Benn, with the Stars added an extra layer of meaning to his time in Dallas.
“My brother and I just loved playing hockey,” Benn reminisced. “When we weren’t on the ice, we were in the garage shooting pucks, we just loved the game.”
Despite stints with the Vancouver Canucks, Winnipeg Jets, and Minnesota Wild, Benn will always be remembered for his contributions to the teams he played for. His final NHL appearance came in the 2022-2023 season, where he suited up for the Leafs in 12 games.
Taking his talents overseas, Benn played in Sweden with Brynäs IF last season before ultimately deciding to call it a career. With 26 goals and 111 assists to his name, Benn leaves the NHL with a respectable stat line.
As fans and colleagues alike bid farewell to Jordie Benn, his dedication to the sport and unwavering work ethic will not be forgotten. Here’s to a well-deserved retirement for a player who gave his all every time he stepped onto the ice.
