Beniers embraces Bergeron comparisons with Kraken

Hearing this, it should come as no surprise that Beniers grew up southeast of Boston idolizing Patrice Bergeron.

“That was who I tried to emulate,” said Beniers.

The former Boston Bruins center holds the record for winning the Selke Trophy six times, with his most recent win being last season. He announced his retirement on July 25, leaving behind a legacy that may never be matched.

Still, Beniers aims to follow in his footsteps and has already drawn loose comparisons to Bergeron.

At one point, he jokingly made the comparison himself, but others have mentioned it seriously as well. One notable supporter of this comparison is Bruins coach Jim Montgomery, who stated last season that Beniers possesses some of Bergeron’s qualities in terms of his play away from the puck.

“Yeah, I’ve spoken to him about it before, and I know that’s how he sees himself, which is quite unique,” commented Kraken forward Jordan Eberle. “Most guys entering the League view themselves as top-scoring players who rack up points. Bergeron, on the other hand, is a Hall of Famer known for his numerous Selke wins and defensive skills.

“It’s rare and exciting to hear a young kid with that kind of mindset. He has a strong desire to win. There is definitely a valid comparison to be made. As he gains strength, experience, and grows older in this league, he can certainly achieve that.”

Beniers believes he plays a slightly different style than Bergeron, but the foundations are similar.

“I attempt to embody the concept of his game, being a 200-foot player who is highly responsible on the ice and excels in all situations while also having the ability to score goals,” shared Beniers. “That’s exactly what I aspire to be.”

Last season, he witnessed Bergeron’s style firsthand during a Kraken victory over the Bruins on January 12 at TD Garden. Beniers struggled, winning only one out of four face-offs against Bergeron.

“The first time I faced him off, he completely outmatched me and took the puck right from under my nose. I didn’t stand a chance,” recalled Beniers.

It was both a humbling experience and a dream come true.

“It was pretty surreal and extremely cool,” he said. “My parents were in attendance, and even they said, ‘That was pretty cool.'”

Unsurprisingly, Beniers doesn’t want to take the Bergeron comparisons too far. He is aware that it’s far too early for such comparisons and is focused on forging his own path with the Kraken. It all starts with consistency.

“There will always be new challenges,” advised coach Hakstol. “Last year, it was about becoming comfortable in the League, and in the second half of the year, it was adapting to tougher matchups and carrying that into the playoffs. At every turn, he learns, grows, and applies it to his future in the game.”

Hakstol believes Beniers’ key to success this season is staying true to himself and maintaining the same mindset he had last season.

“That’s the biggest challenge, but I don’t think it’ll be difficult for him,” Hakstol added. “He is someone who loves the game, loves to compete, is highly intelligent, and understands the different challenges that lie ahead. I probably said it a million times last year, but one of the things I admire most about Matty is that regardless of a win, loss, great night, or tough night, he shows up at the rink the next day ready to go and brings that energy and enthusiasm to everyone around him.”

Eberle also appreciates Beniers’ youthful enthusiasm.

“It’s enjoyable to be around him,” Eberle remarked.

That’s why he goes by Matty, a nickname he has had since birth.

“I like to say it’s because I was too energetic for Matt,” explained Beniers. “Matt sounds too serious for me, and I only get called Matthew when I’m in trouble. Everyone has always called me Matty. Neither my friends nor my family ever referred to me as Matt or Matthew. It just makes sense. Matty is fun and full of energy.”

Matty is also serious about hockey, dedicated to playing a well-rounded game, and eager to contribute more memorabilia to his dad’s collection.