Ben King’s Western Hockey League debut was a memorable one when he notched a natural hat trick in a 4-0 win over the host Moose Jaw Warriors in the annual rookie game to open the 2017 pre-season.
The 13th overall pick in the 2017 WHL Bantam Draft scored in all three periods, beginning with power play goals in the first and second periods, followed by an unassisted goal at even strength in the third period.
2016 first-rounder Logan Barlage opened the scoring with a power play goal midway through the first period and then added assists on the next two goals. Riley Stotts, Jake Hobson, and Connor Horning all added assists.
Joel Hofer made 12 saves over 30:39 and Ethan Hein stopped eight shots over the final 29:21 to share the shutout. Ethan Fitzgerald allowed four goals on 27 shots for the Warriors.
The two teams will rematch Thursday afternoon in Regina.
