Ben Youds

Playing career

Ben Youds played college hockey at Minnesota State University, Mankato, skating for the Minnesota State Mavericks. He went undrafted and signed his first pro contract with the AHL's Rockford IceHogs for the 2011–12 season. A strong 2013–14 campaign with the Providence Bruins saw him post career highs of 20 points in 57 games, earning him an invitation to the Boston Bruins' training camp in September 2014. He was sent back to Providence a week later and inked an AHL deal for the 2014–15 season. After locking down a regular spot on the blue line and surpassing his previous bests in goals and points, he was moved to the Lake Erie Monsters on March 2, 2015, as part of an NHL-related transaction. He finished that season with the Monsters, notching 3 goals and 11 points in 18 games. The following September, as an unsigned free agent, he returned to the Boston organization on a professional tryout and later signed a one-year AHL contract with Providence. After five seasons in North America, he headed to Europe, signing a one-year deal with Leksands IF of the Swedish Hockey League in May 2016. In his only year with Leksands, he played a top-four role, scoring 4 goals and 17 points in 44 games, but the team was relegated. He moved to another SHL club, Växjö Lakers, in July 2017, but after just 8 games with limited ice time, he left for Rögle BK in late November. With Rögle, he appeared in 32 games, put up 16 points, and earned a one-year extension. The 2018–19 season was cut short by injury, limiting him to 12 games, and he left the club when his contract expired.