Ben Chiarot

History

2007-08: In his rookie OHL season, Ben Chiarot appeared in 31 games for the Guelph Storm. He registered no points while posting 14 penalty minutes and a -3 plus/minus total.

2008-09: Chiarot played a larger role for the Storm in his second season, appearing in 67 games for the team. He netted two goals and added 10 assists while posting 111 penalty minutes and a +11. In four playoff games, he tallied three assists but was a -4 in those games.

2009-10: Attended Thrashers camp before being returned to Guelph. In 41 games with Guelph he scored 4 goals with 9 assists and 106 PIM and was +6 before being traded to Sudbury. In 26 regular season games with Sudbury, he scored 4 goals with 4 assists and 61 PIM with a -13 plus/minus. Though he scored one power play goal in Sudbury's four playoff games, he was a -6. Made his pro debut following the OHL playoffs, appearing in one game with the AHL Chicago Wolves – he was -1 with 4 PIM.

2010-11: Traded to the Saginaw Spirit halfway through the season, Chiarot showed an exciting upside to his game while playing with better teammates. His 24 points in 39 games represents an offensive burst for him and he continued to be a key performer through two rounds of OHL playoffs.Signed an entry-level deal with the Atlanta Thrashers in March.

2011-12: Inexperience and some nagging injury issues limited Chiarot to 18 games with Winnipeg AHL affiliate Saint John's and he spent time playing for the ECHL's Colorado Eagles. He had 1 goal with 1 assist and was minus-six with 19 penalty minutes in his limited opportunities with the IceCaps. Saint John's finished first in the Atlantic Division and reached the Eastern Conference finals. Chiarot did not dress for any playoff games. He scored 6 goals with 7 assists and was minus-one with 13 penalty minutes in 24 ECHL games with the Eagles. Colorado was swept by Stockton in the playoffs after finishing second in the Mountain Division. Chiarot did not play in the three-game series.

 

Talent Analysis

At 6'2, 210 lbs, Chiarot has prototypical NHL size and this year he showed he was willing to throw it around. He has some offensive game but he's never going to be an elite offensive weapon. Rather his hallmarks are defensive play and physicality. Chiarot must improve his positioning which sometimes causes him to take penalties or allow opponents scoring opportunities. And like most young players who play an aggressive style, hasn't yet mastered the balance between being aggressive and undisciplined.

 

Future

Chiarot is playing for the St. John's IceCaps of the AHL in the 2012-13 season.