The Wild announced left-winger Bennett MacArthur of Summerside and defenceman Zac Arsenault of Montague have committed to the New Brunswick/P.E.I. Major Midget Hockey League franchise for the 2016-17 season.
“We are pretty excited to have guys like Zac Arsenault and Bennett MacArthur come into our program,” said Wild head coach Kyle Dunn. “We are looking forward to getting going.”
MacArthur
MacArthur, who was named Hockey P.E.I.’s male player of the year in June, is excited to have the opportunity to play a high level of hockey so close to home.
“It’s very thrilling to be playing with the Wild,” said MacArthur, 15. “It’s a great organization.”
The five-foot-11 and 180-pound MacArthur considered a couple of offers from off-Island prep schools.
“After looking at all my options I felt the Wild was definitely the best place to go,” explained MacArthur. “They have a great program going, and had five guys drafted to the Q (Quebec Major Junior Hockey League) last year. I’m really excited to get started.”
Awards
MacArthur starred with the O’Leary-based Prince County Warriors, and was selected the 2015-16 P.E.I. Irving Oil Bantam AAA Hockey League’s most valuable player, top forward and league all-star.
“We watched Bennett last year and he got into a game with us as well,” said Dunn. “He’s a natural goal-scorer, and it’s great to have him stay home and commit here.”
Looking ahead to Year 1 with the Wild, MacArthur offered: “I definitely have to get better defensively. I am looking to be a solid offensive contributor to the Wild, but I have to sharpen up in the defensive zone.”
Arsenault
Arsenault is also no stranger to the Wild.
“Last year we had him as an under-age call-up and he was up practising a few times and got in a few games (with the Wild),” said Dunn. “There’s no doubt he can play at this level, and he’s committed to getting better every day.
“These are the types of players we want – guys who are here to commit and ready to get better every day.”
Bantam AAA
Arsenault, who shoots right, played the last two seasons with the Montague-based Eastern Express bantam AAA team.
“I use my size a bit, I have some speed and a quick pass,” said the five-foot-10 and 150-pound Arsenault in describing his style of play.
Arsenault, who attended the Wild’s training camp last season, said his previous experience with the organization played a big factor in his decision to commit to Kensington.
“It’s a great organization,” added Arsenault. “They have a great group of guys, and a great staff.”
Arsenault says adjustments coming into major midget will include facing bigger and faster players.
When asked if he’s set any personal goals, Arsenault replied, “Just get scouted by a Q team, hopefully get drafted and help out the team as much as a I can.”
Twitter.com/JpsportsJason
Numbers
A look at the 2015-16 statistics:
Bennett MacArthur
Prince County Warriors (bantam AAA)
Regular Season
40 games
41 goals
30 assists
71 points
Playoffs
8 games
9 goals
5 assists
14 points
Zac Arsenault
Eastern Express (bantam AAA)
Regular Season
30 games
9 goals
15 assists
24 points
Playoffs
4 goals
2 goals
1 assist
3 points
