VGK Prospect Hemmerling Eager to Return Stronger in 2023-24

A returnee to the Vegas Golden Knights Development Camp presented by Martin-Harris Construction in 2023, Ben Hemmerling had to limit his participation due to an injury he sustained late in the 2022-23 season. Despite his lack of on-ice activity, the 2022 sixth-round draft pick attended camp where he participated in off-ice programs alongside fellow VGK prospects.

Playing in the Western Hockey League for the Everett Silvertips, Hemmerling's injury sidelined him for the final weeks of the season as well as the playoffs. Being held out of the lineup at such a critical point of the season is, understandably, a major factor in his motivation to get healthy and return to his team to start the 2023-24 campaign.

"Not being able to play is not only frustrating, you feel guilty," said Hemmerling. "Seeing all the guys out there battling and you're not able to is tough."

Prior to his injury, Hemmerling put up 62 points (21G, 41A) in 55 games for the Silvertips in 2022-23. In the previous season, he recorded 47 points (10G, 37A) in 57 games. The forward attributes this uptick in production to the various ways he has improved as a player.

"I took lots of strides in my game," said Hemmerling, "I'm driving the play more and I'm more of a threat when the puck is on my stick."

For those who might not be familiar with the type of player Hemmerling is, he compared his style of play to that of Tampa Bay Lightning forward, Brayden Point.

"He's not the biggest guy, I'm not the biggest guy," Hemmerling said. "He's a smart player with hockey IQ and he likes to make plays, not only in the offensive zone but he is good defensively as well."

Going into his fourth season with the Silvertips, Hemmerling is not only bringing his on-ice skillset to his team, but his intangible qualities as well. The forward will be one of Everett's more senior members and will be looked to as a leader amongst his teammates. Serving as one of the Silvertip's four assistant captains the previous season, the 19-year-old has some leadership experience under his belt and hopes to implement that in a more pronounced role next season.

"I'm definitely more comfortable in the league, more established," said Hemmerling. "I'm filling more of a leadership role and taking some more strides in that aspect."

Prospects such as Hemmerling focus on developing both their on and off ice capabilities with one goal in mind: to one day make the NHL and have the opportunity to compete for the Stanley Cup. For Hemmerling and other Golden Knights' prospects, they had the chance to watch the organization that drafted them win on the biggest stage.

"I was cheering for them the whole way," said Hemmerling, "I was pretty happy when they won."

Not only are these prospects happy for the team as a whole, but they are able to recognize that the organization they belong to knows how to win.

With the hockey season over, the Canadian-born Hemmerling was set to return to his home province of Alberta where he prefers to spend his time in the tee box and especially out on the lake.

"I love going out to the lake on the weekends and doing a little surfing behind the boat," said Hemmerling, "I like golfing too, so probably those two."

Despite trading the lake for the rink when the offseason eventually ends, he'll still be hoping to make a splash in his fourth season with the Silvertips once the 2023-24 season begins.