The Saskatoon Blades announced on May 23 that they have signed Weyburn native Brent Benson to a Western Hockey League educational and player contract.

Benson was selected sixth overall in the first round of the 2008 WHL Bantam Draft to the Blades. With the Bantam Wings, Benson scored 37 goals and 37 assists from 74 points in 26 games last season.

The Blades have been watching the five-foot-11, 169 pound centreman throughout the 2007-2008 season because of his two-way offensive abilities and combination of grit and offensive prowess.

"We were extremely pleased that Brent was still available with the sixth overall pick. Brent has tremendous offensive capabilities and is a player who competes extremely hard with and without the puck. Brent also captained his Bantam team and has shown great leadership and character," said Blades head coach and general manager Lorne Molleken in a press release from the team's website.

For his part, Benson is happy to get selected by a Saskatchewan team, and sees the Blades as a strong organization with great ownership, coaching, team chemistry and facilities.

He and his family met the owners, coaching staff, trainers, education consultant, current players and other draft picks and families at the rookie camp on May 24 and 35. The team took part in fitness testing, nutrition and on-ice sessions, a family barbecue and tours of the high school they will attend as well as Credit Union Place.

Benson found the camp an excellent orientation to the Blades organization, and is looking forward to the opportunity to try out for the team in the future. Next season he will be attending Notre Dame to play Midget hockey.

As a 15-year-old, Benson will only be allowed to play in five league games in the WHL and is slated to play in several exhibition games.