Peoria-born hockey player signs AHL contract with Laval

Dillan Bentley inks two-year deal with Montreal Canadiens' top farm club

Mar. 13, 2026 at 2:18am

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Dillan Bentley, a Peoria native, has signed a two-year, one-way contract with the Laval Rocket of the American Hockey League, the top minor league affiliate of the Montreal Canadiens. Bentley, a 6-foot-4 winger, is believed to be just the third Peoria-born or former Peoria Youth Hockey Association product to reach the AHL, hockey's class-AAA level.

Why it matters

Bentley's signing with the Laval Rocket represents a significant milestone in his hockey career, as he moves closer to realizing his dream of playing in the NHL. His journey from a Peoria house league player to an AHL prospect highlights the impact of dedicated youth hockey programs and coaches like Jean-Guy Trudel, who have helped develop local talent.

The details

Bentley, who just completed his college career at UMass-Lowell, where he served as an assistant captain and led the team in goals this past season, will look to make his professional debut with the Laval Rocket this spring. The Rocket are currently in first place in the AHL's North Division with a 36-18-5 record.

  • Bentley signed his two-year, one-way contract with the Laval Rocket on March 13, 2026.
  • He is expected to potentially make his professional debut with the Rocket this spring.

The players

Dillan Bentley

A 6-foot-4, 195-pound winger from Peoria, Illinois, who just completed his college career at UMass-Lowell, where he served as an assistant captain and led the team in goals this past season.

Jean-Guy Trudel

The head coach of the SPHL's Peoria Rivermen, who has been deeply involved in the Peoria Youth Hockey Association and has coached and mentored Bentley throughout his youth and junior hockey career.

Alec Hagaman

A former Peoria-born captain of the Peoria Rivermen who also mentored Bentley during his development.

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What they’re saying

“Everything kind of happened so fast. They are high up in their division, they haven't told me if or when I'm going to play yet. But I just want to see how far can I go, how can I progress with the tools that I have. As you go through the game, that tool kit grows.”

— Dillan Bentley (Yahoo Sports)

“I couldn't be here without him. I can't say enough about him, the way he took me in, as did (former Peoria-born captain Alec Hagaman) and other guys. I grew up playing for him, and Tristan (Trudel's son, former Rivermen winger Tristan Trudel), and I were friends.”

— Dillan Bentley (Yahoo Sports)

“I'm so proud of Dillan, he's everything you want in a hockey player. He's completely dedicated to the process of growth, he's become a great leader, works harder than everyone else. He keeps fighting and believing through all the adversity that his career has brought his way. He loves the game, and he's being rewarded.”

— Jean-Guy Trudel, Peoria Rivermen Head Coach (Yahoo Sports)

What’s next

The judge in Bentley's case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow him to join the Laval Rocket for the remainder of the season.

The takeaway

Bentley's journey from a Peoria house league player to an AHL prospect highlights the importance of dedicated youth hockey programs and coaches in developing local talent. His signing with the Laval Rocket, the top minor league affiliate of the Montreal Canadiens, represents a significant milestone in his hockey career as he moves closer to realizing his NHL dream.