Benjamin Gelinas '26 Recruiting Profile

My name is Benjamin Gélinas. I am a 15 year old, 5'10", left shot defensemen from Oakville, Ontario. For the past several years, I have set out a personal goal to play Division 1 collegiate hockey. I believe combining my strong hockey and academic skills at the D1 level will ensure my future success. 

I am currently on the Oakville Rangers U16 AAA roster and we are ranked as the 2nd best team in North America. My role on the team in to be a shut down defensemen with strong puck moving skills and physical ability. I am a penalty kill player who will sacrifice my body to block shots. I am fortunate to be on a team with a great bunch of teammates and encouraging coaches. This positive environment has allowed my team to be successful and win the 2023-2024 Peterborough Petes tournament and the 2023-2024 OHL Cup. 

When not playing hockey, I enjoy playing many other sports such as golf, snowboarding and mountain biking. In the offseason, I continue to train and lift weights at BTNL sports. This is a local hockey gym where many NHL players have gone in the past such as Conner McDavid, Jack Hughes and Owen Power. At BTNL, I enjoy being surrounded by other dedicated players who are pushing themselves to be the best. 

At the moment, I am a grade 10 student at Appleby College in Oakville, Ontario. Appleby's challenging curriculum is well suited to me as I am a strong student with a gifted designation. Currently, I am a student ambassador holding a 92% average. As part of Appleby's leadership program, I have volunteered with a number of different organizations ranging from coaching younger hockey players to helping with kid's triathlons. I really enjoy mentoring younger athletes. 

I am interested in attending a D1 school with a strong math and business department and hockey program. During my collegiate experience, I want to make sure I am challenging myself in all aspects of my life. Later in life when I look back, I want to be proud of what I accomplished with the opportunities provided.