Former Prince Albert Minto and Melfort Mustang Gaetan Benoit has died. (Facebook/Melfort Mustangs)

By Susan McNeil

Junior Hockey

Mustangs announce death of former captain Gaetan Benoit

Aug 23, 2022 | 11:14 AM

Former captain of the Melfort Mustangs, Gaetan Benoit, has died.

Benoit played for the team for three years, starting in 1997 and ending in 2000, serving as team captain in his final year.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with Gaetan’s friends and family during this difficult time,” said the team on their Facebook page.

In his 170 games as a Mustang forward, he scored 35 goals and 81 assists, rounding out his Junior hockey career in the 99-00 season the second highest scorer for the team. According to the Eastwood Community League in Edmonton, where Benoit had strong connections, their outdoor rink, has now been named after him.

Benoit was a resident of Prince Albert in his younger years and played for the Mintos, where he made eight goals in 44 games in his first year but added 15 assists for a total of 23 points.

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His second year, running between 1996-97, saw some growth and earned the young player 30 points, with 11 goals in the 38 games he played.

That year he also earned a goal and an assist in the Mintos’ playoff run which lasted three games.

Following the conclusion of his junior hockey career in Melfort, Benoit played for two years at the University of Regina.

According to an online tribute posted by the Eastwood Community League, Benoit was much more than just a hockey player.

“His light always shone bright — a supernova — and we had the privilege and joy of sharing in his adventures and love of life,” said the league on its Facebook page. “Full of creative energy and one who made great things happen with no thought of reward, Gaetan had a genuine desire to connect with everyone who crossed his path.”

In addition to a love of hockey, Benoit was also known for his ability to connect with people, spending time in the outdoors and for having a passion for his French language and culture.

Benoit died on Aug. 18 at the age of 43 about two years after being diagnosed with an astrocytoma brain tumour.

A celebration of life for Gaetan will take place on Saturday, August 27, 2022 at 1 p.m. at the Eastwood Community Outdoor Rink (renamed Gaetan Benoit Community Rink), located at 11903-86 Street in Edmonton.

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susan.mcneil@pattisonmedia.com