The Abbotsford Canucks have bolstered their lineup with a fresh addition. On Wednesday, the team announced the signing of 22-year-old Bennett Schimek to a one-year AHL contract. Schimek will immediately join the squad on a professional tryout (PTO).
Hailing from Minnesota, Schimek is considered one of the standout NCAA free agents this year. As a senior, he tied for third among available free agents in scoring, amassing a career-high 43 points (13 goals, 30 assists) while captaining Arizona State University. His impressive stats were the seventh highest nationally among all skaters.
Schimek concludes his collegiate journey with 117 points (47 goals, 70 assists) over 141 games. Most of his production came after transferring from Providence College-where he played alongside current Abbotsford Canucks forward Nick Poisson-to Arizona State. Since joining the Sun Devils, Schimek has been a powerhouse, tallying 80 points (28 goals, 52 assists) in 70 games and earning Hobey Baker nominations in both seasons.
While his stats are eye-catching, it's Schimek's tenacity and work ethic that likely caught the eye of pro scouts. Standing 6-foot and weighing 187 pounds, he may not be the most physically imposing player, but his gritty style and competitiveness shine through. He ranked fifth in his conference with 28 blocked shots.
Coaches clearly valued him, as Schimek was Arizona State’s most-utilized skater and a key penalty killer. His game combines finesse-soft hands, keen vision, and a quick release-with relentless energy. He was a top target for CanucksArmy among NCAA free agents this year.
Schimek is the second NCAA free agent to join the Vancouver Canucks’ AHL affiliate this week. On Tuesday, the team signed Austin Brimmer from Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) to a similar one-year deal, also bringing him on a PTO for the rest of the season.
Both players are now officially on Abbotsford’s roster, with Brimmer donning No. 8 and Schimek No. 52.