A Vancouver Island hockey player will be lacing up with the Vancouver Canucks organization this weekend.
Ben Berard, a forward from Duncan, has been added to the Canucks’ roster for the 2025 Prospects Showcase in Everett and Seattle, Washington.
The showcase takes place on September 13th and 14th and highlights young talent from both the Canucks and Seattle Kraken organizations.
“This event is a great chance for our prospects to test themselves against players from another NHL team,” the Canucks stated when announcing their 23-man roster, which includes 13 forwards, eight defencemen, and two goaltenders.
“We’re excited to see how this group performs.”
Berard, 25, grew up in the Cowichan Valley minor hockey system before suiting up with his hometown Cowichan Valley Capitals in the BCHL. He later joined the Powell River Kings, where he served as captain and racked up 115 points over 135 games. From there, he committed to Cornell University, spending four seasons with the Big Red.
At Cornell, Berard was a consistent offensive threat. In his senior year, he scored 11 goals and added 17 assists for a career-high 28 points. His highlight reel includes several multi-point games, clutch goals against top-ranked opponents, and two career NCAA hat tricks.
Before the showcase, the Canucks prospects will practice in Abbotsford on September 11 and 12 before heading south. They will face the Kraken’s prospects in Everett on Saturday at 6:00 p.m. PT, followed by a second game in Seattle on Sunday at 4:00 p.m. PT.
For Berard, who grew up in the Cowichan Valley’s minor hockey system before progressing to bigger stages, it marks another milestone in a career built step by step. For Island hockey fans, it is an opportunity to cheer for one of their own pursuing the NHL dream.
