DULUTH — Ahead of his freshman year with Minnesota Duluth in 2022-23, Ben Steeves was looking to earn an invite to NHL development camp. The 5-foot-8 forward, who led the United States Hockey League in goals during the 2021-22 season, was originally scheduled to score one goal, but that invitation ultimately fell through.
Steeves said he was prepared to miss NHL development camp that summer until he got a call from the Florida Panthers the day before camp started.
“When I found out I was going to Florida, I got on a plane that same day and got on the plane around 11 o'clock,” Steves said. “They set up oversized clothes for my bed for camping. I don't think they knew I was 5 to 8 years old. So the next morning I put on an oversized polo. So I basically put on a dress and rolled into the rink. It was an experience, but that camp was awesome. It was fun.”
It was a “baggy” start to Steeves' two-year relationship with the Panthers organization, but the relationship ended after the Bulldogs' sophomore wing signed a two-year, two-way, entry-level NHL contract over the weekend. taken to the next level. The system will begin in the 2024-25 season.
Amy Arntson / File / Duluth Media Group
Steeves, who led UMD in scoring in his two seasons in Duluth, will join the American Hockey League's Charlotte Checkers on a pro tryout contract for the remainder of the 2023-24 season and could make his pro debut in the Panthers' top minors. There is sex. League affiliate teams play the Hartford Wolfpack on Wednesday in Hartford, Conn. This is one of 10 games left in the regular season for Charlotte, which puts them in position to make the AHL playoffs.
Steeves joined up with the Checkers this weekend after their game against the Providence Bruins in Rhode Island, leaving Minnesota before the worst of the winter storm hit. Leaving UMD after two seasons was “the hardest decision of his life,” he said.
“The hardest thing is leaving the team and leaving the staff. The staff is amazing. It's amazing how hard it was,” said Steves, who admitted he cried as he said goodbye to his teammates and staff. said. “At the end of the day, the reason I signed is because I just felt ready and I felt like I was ready for the challenge of going to the next level. That's a big thing for me. It's tough, but it's tough. But it's cool to be in this situation. I want to challenge myself and see what I can do. Obviously, everyone's goal is to play in the NHL, and Florida is a great opportunity to make that happen. is.”
Steves, a New Hampshire native who will turn 22 in May, finished his collegiate career with 45 goals and 17 assists for 62 points in 72 games for UMD. He scored a team-high 21 goals as a freshman and a team-high 24 goals his sophomore year. A third of his goals came on the power play, including 12 as a freshman and 13 this season.
Clint Austin / File / Duluth Media Group
A two-time All-NCHC selection, Steeves was named to the All-Rookie team last year and second team this season. His total goals total is 24, which puts him in the top 10 in the nation heading into the NCAA Tournament.
Bulldogs coach Scott Sandelin said he is excited for Steeves, who has scored 90 goals in his past three seasons of hockey, dating back to his final year as a junior in the 2021-22 season. Steeves scored 45 points and led the Sioux City Musketeers to the USHL Clark Cup title.
Sandelin said Steeves improved as a sophomore at UMD and became a more responsible player defensively. It was here that Steeves improved the most, especially in the second half, as he focused on the details defensively but was also productive in attack, scoring 13 goals after Christmas.
“At the beginning of the year, he wasn't necessarily in the same shape as he was at the end of the year,” Sandelin said. “I thought that was a good thing because we needed a backup game as well. You have to be able to play on both sides of the puck. He's going to score, he's going to score, but hopefully he learns that part. It will continue.”
Steeves said there was interest from a number of NHL teams, with the Los Angeles Kings among the final two teams. He said he chose the Panthers because, like UMD, he wanted to be somewhere he knew he really wanted. He also cited the organization's track record in developing players and the culture of both the Panthers and Checkers.
If Steeves had returned to the Bulldogs for the 2024-25 season, not only would he have been the team's top returning scorer, he could have graduated college with a degree in finance in three years. Steves said he plans to continue taking classes this summer and will only need four or five more to earn his diploma from UMD.
“I'm not worried about getting my degree at UMD, so I made sure that school wouldn't be an issue in a decision like this,” Steve said.
Clint Austin / File / Duluth Media Group
