Centennial native, LHA, T-Birds, Cherry Creek alum Benson signs first pro deal with SPHL’s Ice Bears

The SPHL’s Knoxville Ice Bears have signed rookie forward Blake Benson for the 2026-27 season.

The Centennial native joins Knoxville after wrapping up his collegiate career at NCAA Division III Stevenson University, where he spent the past three seasons.

Benson maintained a point-per-game pace during his senior year, scoring 16 goals and adding ten assists for 26 points in 26 games for the Mustangs, earning himself First Team All-Conference honors.

He helped lead Stevenson to a conference title and an NCAA Tournament appearance in 2025 with 17 goals and eight assists while notching an All-Conference nod. Benson totaled a career-high 29 points as a sophomore in 2023-24 while earning All-Conference honors with ten goals and 19 assists.

Benson was also a part of Endicott’s conference championship team in 2023 as a freshman.

Back home, Benson played for the Littleton Hawks, Colorado Thunderbirds and Cherry Creek High School.

Photo/Reilly Holmstrom