The Calgary Hitmen acquired defenceman Ben Macbeath, a first-round pick in the 2027 WHL draft plus second- and third-rounders in the 2025 draft. In exchange, the Hitmen sent Carson Wetsch and a second-round pick in 2028 Kelowna’s way. Macbeath was born and raised in Calgary, so coming home and playing for the Hitmen is a dream come true. “It’s awesome,” he said. “I grew up going to games, and so being here is pretty special. I’m pretty honoured to be on this team, so it’s great.” Fantastic rookie season Macbeath is only 17 years old, and the left-shot defenceman has been putting up some solid numbers for the Hitmen. In his rookie season, he’s scored six goals and added 32 assists. He wasn’t sure what to expect in his first year with the Hitmen. “Obviously, you hope for the best, and you work hard in the summer to get to this spot,” he said. “I’m really grateful for the trust that they’ve put in me and the opportunity they did give me at the start to prove myself. I’m pretty happy it’s been good. “I’m really happy with how I’m playing, and obviously it’s just continuing to grow my game and my impact. “I’m pretty happy, but there’s more work to be done, for sure.” Hitmen lean on rookie Despite his age, the Hitmen have no trouble putting Macbeath in any situation. Head coach Dustin Friesen says he deserves it. “He’s been really good for us,” said Friesen. “Technically, it’s his rookie year, but he doesn’t play anything like a rookie. “He plays hard minutes for us and has been really good offensively and defensively for our group this year.” He’s earned the trust Eighteen-year-old Hunter Aura is Macbeath’s defence partner. He says Macbeath plays well beyond his age and is not surprised the coaches have put so much trust in him. “He’s earned it the way he’s playing,” said Aura. “He’s really easy to play with. He does everything well and skates so good and makes all the right plays, so he makes it easy on me.” Up against a great friend The Hitmen have a busy schedule this week. They host the Swift Current Broncos on Wednesday night and then have a home-and-home series against the Edmonton Oil Kings on Friday and Saturday. After that, Macbeath is really looking forward to facing Landon Dupont and the top-ranked Everett Silvertips on Family Day. Macbeath says Dupont was his defence partner at the Edge School. “We’re best friends in the summer and hang out all the time, so it’s going to be really cool playing him,” said Macbeath. “I loved playing with him. He’s an amazing player, and it’s going to be a good game. “They’re a pretty good team, so I’m excited for it and really excited to see him during the game and after as well.”
