Ben McCartney is eager to capitalize on his three-year opportunity in a pro hockey system.

The Macdonald, Manitoba product signed an entry-level contract in the NHL last week with the Arizona Coyotes for the next three seasons. The former Brandon Wheat Kings forward says it didn’t take long for the deal to arise after his time spent with Arizona’s AHL affiliate team.

“I was out in Tucson finishing the rest of the season with them. When I came back home, I was talking with my agent as there were some talks about a contract and a few days later they offered me a contract,” McCartney explains. “I was just speechless. It was unbelievable.”

McCartney put up a point per game in his five outings with the American Hockey League’s Tucson Roadrunners to end the season. This came shortly after he ended his last WHL campaign and finished second in the league for scoring. He outlines what the first experience was like at the next level.

“It was good to get to play at that level and the puck was definitely bouncing my way,” says McCartney. “It was an unbelievable experience overall and it was a big stepping stone in my career.”

The forward notes he fit in well in the AHL but wants to get bigger ahead of next season after being up against some extremely tough players. He says the veterans on the roster taught him a lot in the short period he was there and adds he will take that knowledge with him into year number one.

McCartney outlines what his main goal will be for next season.

“Building trust from the coaches,” says McCartney. “After being in Brandon for four years, I’ve realized that you’ve got to get trust from the coaches. That means playing the right way and getting to know the systems really well and giving it your all. I don’t have any personal statistic goals, I just want to go out there and learn how to be a pro.”

McCartney gives thanks to all of his friends, family, coaches, and teammates who helped him get to this point.