The Morley Glass Leeds Knights are excited to announce the re-signing of defenceman Jonas Bennett for the 2026/27 NIHL National League season.
Bennett has been part of the Leeds junior system since its inception in 2021 and has progressed through the club’s development pathway before making the step up to senior hockey ahead of the 2025/26 season. His return for another season represents another success story for the Knights’ commitment to developing young talent from within.
Despite being one of the youngest players in the league, Bennett quickly established himself as a dependable member of the Knights’ defensive unit during his debut season in the senior set-up. He iced in 60 games across league, cup and play-off competitions, recording seven points and scoring his first senior goal in blue and yellow.
His first goal at The Castle was a memorable one as it came on one of the biggest stages of the season; in the first-leg of the National Cup Final. Bennett got the Knights on the scoresheet against their Yorkshire rivals, the Sheffield Steeldogs, in the 51st minute, reigniting the spark within the team.
Throughout the season, the 17-year-old continued to impress with his hard work and willingness to learn from the experienced players around him. His work ethic and skating ability allowed him to grow in confidence, and he quickly became an increasingly important member of the blue line.
He also received call-ups to represent Great Britain at both Under-18 and Under-20 level during the 2025/26 season - another impressive achievement. Bennett helped his country secure a silver medal at the IIHF World Championship in Romania with the Under-20s before returning to the UK, racing to Coventry just in time to ice for the Knights in the play-off final alongside teammate Edgars Vengis. He helped the Knights complete another successful season that concluded with silverware.
Speaking on his return, Bennett said: “I’m delighted to be returning to the Knights for another season. The support from the fans, staff, and my teammates has been incredible, and I’m excited to continue building on what we achieved last year. I can’t wait to get back on the ice and represent the club again.”
Head Coach Ryan Aldridge said: “Jonas got thrown in the deep end last year and swam with the best of them. He is calm in all situations, reads the game well, has great gap and a great stick. He is a mature young man who soaks up everything that is offered to him. Like all our young guys, Jonas has a very bright future and we are glad to be a part of that.”
His development over the past five years perfectly encapsulates the vision behind the Leeds Knights junior programme and showcases the success of developing homegrown talent.
We are excited to welcome Jonas back for another season in blue and yellow.
