Ben Hilhorst '18 Recruiting Profile

Hockey has been a way of life for me over the past 15 years.  It has taught me respect for those who teach and coach me, how to manage my time so that I can balance my athletics and academics, focus so that I can pick up on drills quickly and continue to grow as a player, and the importance of being coachable in any situation.  I am interested in a college path because it provides me with the opportunity to mature and grow both academically and athletically.  My academic goal for college is to earn an kinesiology or science degree to eventually pursue a career in physiotherapy.  It is a field I have always been interested in learning more about.

I believe that I am a strong candidate for a college hockey team because I can bring leadership to a group and I have a strong work ethic on the ice, during training, and with my education.  I will bring size and strength to a team as I am presently 6’2” and 200lbs.  Working towards becoming stronger and faster is something I have enjoyed doing during my off season training.  My maturity, determination, and positive attitude are additional strengths I would bring to a team.  Coaches have commented that I have strong defensive awareness and patience with the puck.  Over my hockey career, some of my favorite aspects have been the intensity, pace, and commitment required to play the game.  

I have spent the past three years playing in the MJHL.  Most recently, I spent the majority of the 2019-2020 season with the OCN Blizzard where I first earned the title of Assistant Captain and went on to become our team Captain in January.  Prior to my move to OCN, I spent 2 1/4 years with the Neepawa Natives.  In 2016-2017, I played with Pilot Mound Hockey Academy.  Having the opportunity to be on the ice every day helped me focus on my speed and agility.  Others noted that I grew in speed, ability, on ice confidence, and maturity.  Previously, I earned a AAA spot with the Southwest AAA Cougars (midget in 2015-2016, bantam in 2014-2015, and bantam in 2013-2014). I feel I am a well-rounded athlete as I play numerous sports including hockey, baseball, track, golf, and cross fit to name a few.  I aspire to continue growing physically and mentally as I look toward my future.  Taking academics seriously continues to be a focus as I wish to pursue a post secondary degree.  Throughout high school, I maintain a 3.3 GPA and was an honor roll student through middle years and high school.  In 2018, I graduated Cum Laude with an overall average of 87%.