Penticton Vees forward Beau Bennett was rewarded for an outstanding rookie season in the British Columbia Hockey League by being selected in the first round, 20th overall at the 2010 NHL Entry Draft in Los Angeles.
Bennett was named the BCHL's Interior Conference Rookie of the Year following a 120-point campaign that tied him for the league lead with Salmon Arm forward Mark Zengerle. The 18-year then helped the Vees to the Conference Finals before bowing out to eventual Fred Page Cup champs Vernon.
With a strong second half surge, Bennett had risen from 48th to 32nd amongst North American skaters on NHL Central Scouting's final draft rankings. But pre-draft buzz had him as a likely first round selection, which came to be when Pittsburgh made him the highest drafted prospect ever from California.
The NHL Entry Draft continues Friday and Saturday from the Staples Centre.
