Cedar Rapids RoughRiders new defenseman a NHL draft pick

Mac Bennett has had barely a week's worth of practice with the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders, although he had a great reason for his absence.

The first-year defenseman from Rhode Island was a third-round draft pick of the NHL's Montreal Canadiens and spent 11 days in their rookie camp and training camp. When a guy is playing with Mike Cammalleri, Andrei Kostitsyn and Scott Gomez, that's serious.

“A blast,” said Bennett, 18, whose Riders begin play at the USHL's preseason Fall Classic in Sioux City today. “Those guys ... it makes the game so much fun. That gives me a reason to try and get there.”

Though he mostly kept to himself, Bennett said he did have a nice conversation with Cammalleri about the University of Michigan, where Cammalleri played and Bennett will play next year. He wasn't intimidated by his surroundings, which might have something to do with his pedigree.

Bennett's grandfather, Harvey, and uncles, Bill and Harvey Jr., played in the NHL. His father, Jim, also played pro hockey.

“Once I was born, I guess everyone was sitting around going ‘What's he going to be?'” Mac said. “My uncle Bill said ‘Are you kidding me? He doesn't have a choice. He's playing hockey.' But at the same time, it's a game I love. It's the reason I'm here. That's why I want to play in college and professionally.”

Does he feel pressure?

“Yes and no,” Bennett said. “I think I've already exceeded all my expectations. But I've got to set the bar higher and higher for myself. (My family) all wants me to succeed. But at the same time, if it stops at Michigan, I'm going to do everything in my power to make sure it doesn't, but if it does, I'll still be happy.”