Weyburn native Brent Benson captured a Most Valuable Player award, while helping the Foothills Elite, an all-star team of 1993-born players, capture gold at the Stampede Challenge AAA tournament in Calgary from June 27-30.

The team had four wins and one tie to claim the gold medal. In the semifinal, the Elite defeated the Alberta Stars 10-0. Then in the gold medal final, the Elite beat Team Northwest 8-4, with Benson capturing the MVP award after scoring one goal and getting five assists in the final game.

The team had five Saskatchewan players, including Benson from Weyburn. They include Ryan Murray of White City, Jesse Forsberg of Warman, Tyler Borstmayer of St. Brieux and Beau Stewart of Outlook. Other players included Ty Rattie, Duncan Siemens, Colin Smith, Mitch Topping, Klarc Wilson, Austin Smith, Jason Swyripa, Tanner Muth, Ryan Bloom, Curtis Valk, Josh Derko and Brad Derkuch.

There were eight first round WHL picks on the team, including Benson, and six second round picks. Benson was selected sixth overall in the first round of the 2008 WHL Bantam Draft to the Saskatoon Blades.