dillan bentley, a Peoria native, has signed a two-year, one-way contract with the Laval Rocket of the American Hockey League, the top minor league affiliate of the Montreal Canadiens, a move that advances his bid to reach the NHL.
Dillan Bentley Signs Two-Year, One-Way Deal With Laval Rocket
The contract is a two-year, one-way agreement with the Laval Rocket. Bentley, a 6-foot-4, 195-pound winger, completed his college career at UMass-Lowell, where he served as an assistant captain and led the team in goals this past season. He is expected to look to make his professional debut with the Laval Rocket this spring.
College Finish, Size and Local Roots Point To Opportunity
Bentley’s path from local house leagues to the AHL is highlighted by his recent college performance. He led his college team in goals and carried leadership responsibilities as an assistant captain. The signing makes him believed to be just the third Peoria-born or former Peoria Youth Hockey Association product to reach the AHL level.
Availability Uncertain; Judge To Decide On Tuesday; Mentors Praise Progress
The timing of Bentley’s arrival in Laval is not yet settled. The judge in Bentley’s case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow him to join the Laval Rocket for the remainder of the season. If cleared, he would join a Rocket club that is currently in first place in the AHL’s North Division with a 36-18-5 record.
Local coaches and former teammates who worked with Bentley through youth and junior ranks emphasized his dedication. One mentor reflected on Bentley’s rapid rise and focus on improvement: “Everything kind of happened so fast. They are high up in their division, they haven’t told me if or when I’m going to play yet. But I just want to see how far can I go, how can I progress with the tools that I have. As you go through the game, that tool kit grows. ”
Peoria Rivermen head coaching staff praised Bentley’s character and work ethic: “I’m so proud of Dillan, he’s everything you want in a hockey player. He’s completely dedicated to the process of growth, he’s become a great leader, works harder than everyone else. He keeps fighting and believing through all the adversity that his career has brought his way. He loves the game, and he’s being rewarded. ”
With a court decision pending, the immediate next step for Bentley will hinge on whether he is permitted to join Laval for the remainder of the season. If cleared, his signing adds a large, college-proven winger to a first-place Rocket roster and represents a notable milestone for Peoria hockey development programs.
