VANCOUVER -- Tyler Benson did not want to be a special case. So the WHLs top 2013 bantam draft pick will wait a season before joining the Vancouver Giants on a permanent basis. Canadian major junior rules require a player to be at least 16 before joining a team in the WHL, QMJHL or OHL full-time. Exceptions are made in cases of players with rare talent after teams, in conjunction with parents, make special-status applications. "We didnt really think about it," said Benson, 15, who signed a WHL player contract with the Giants on Tuesday and was introduced to Vancouver media. "People asked me if I was (going to), but our family decided I need to still play midget and stay home for another year." Benson will play midget in his hometown of Edmonton next season. Former and current OHLers John Tavares, now an NHL most valuable player candidate with the New York Islanders, Connor McDavid and defenceman Sean Day have played in the league as 15-year-olds. In 2012-13, Benson broke an Alberta Major Bantam Hockey League single-season points record as he produced 57 goals and 89 assists in only 33 games with the South Side Athletic Clubs Southgate Lions in Edmonton. The Lions won Alberta and Western Canadian championships. He broke the AMBHL record for the most points in a season tallying 146 points (57 goals, 89 assists) in 33 games. He broke the previous mark of 131 points set by Portland Winter Hawks sniper Ty Rattie in 2007-08, when he was with a club based in Airdrie, Alta. The gaudy numbers surpassed had many observers wondering whether he would try to move up to major junior early. But Giants general manager Scott Bonner said Benson has made the right decision. "(Players) should stay at home at 15," said Bonner. "They dont have to rush here. Sixteen is more than young enough to play at our level. Theyre going to have a two (or) three-year window. In (Bensons) case, if he develops, hell be here for a couple seasons and then move on to pro." By staying home, Bonner added, Benson can possibly grow an inch or two, put on 10 pounds and "just be a kid." He can also benefit from playing for the South Side Athletic Club, a very good organization, in such events as the Macs major midget tournament in Calgary. "That midget year is a very influential year in your life," said Bonner, a former WHL player. "Id love to see him play if hes ready, but I dont make that decision," said Vancouver coach Don Hay. "Theres a lot of things that go into that decision." When Benson does join the Giants, Bonner expects him to be a building block for a Giants squad that hopes to host the 2016 Memorial Cup, pending the result of its application to the WHL later this year. "Ive watched him play probably close to 20 times this year, and he was consistent every game," said Bonner. "He works hard. Obviously, his stats speak for themselves, but his attitude is second to none." The GM likened Bensons hard, physical style to former Giant Brendan Gallagher, who excelled in his rookie season with the Montreal Canadiens and is in the running for NHL rookie of the year honours. "Obviously, (Gallagher) didnt have (Bensons) size," said Bonner. "But I found (Benson) played the game with a level of enthusiasm that was unmatched. And to break a guy like Ty Ratties longstanding record is impressive." Bonner said Benson will still play some games with the Giants this season. He is eligible to play at least five games during the regular season and can join the Giants full-time after his midget season concludes. The WHL club can also call him up if players are away at the world junior tournament, and those games will not count against the five-game limit. "Id like to play a few games," said Benson. "Its up to our owners and coaches, I guess." He will also attend Vancouvers training camp and play exhibition games. Bonner said coaches might regret the decision not to have him play the full-season, but the GM noted the careers of NHL stars like Jarome Iginla, Shane Doan, and Brendan Gallagher were not harmed by playing an extra year of midget. "In time, you get there," said Bonner. Meanwhile, the Giants announced that entertainment manager Bruce Allen has become a part owner. Allen represents such Canadian music stars as Bryan Adams, Martina McBride, Anne Murray, Jann Arden and Michael Buble, who is also a Giants minority owner. Allen has also organized a number of events. Majority owner Ron Toigo said the club will get Allen to assist with its bids to host 2016 Memorial Cup and a future world junior tournament. "Its all about entertainment, and theres no better guy in the entertainment business than Bruce Allen," said Toigo. Notes--The Giants other owners include hockey icons Gordie Howe and Pat Quinn, chartered accountant Sultan Thiara, and Lewis Buble, the pop singers father. ... Vancouvers other 2013 first-round choice, defenceman Matt Barberis of Surrey, B.C., and rearguard Ryely McKinstry of Calgary, a second-round choice, also signed WHL contracts Tuesday. Phil McConkey Jersey .Y. -- Syracuse has turned up the defence at the right time all season, and when High Point threatened to pull off a monumental upset the second-ranked Orange did what they do best with their quick hands and savvy play. Lawrence Taylor Jersey . Coach Mike Munchak says Fokou stretched ligaments in his left knee Oct. 13 against Seattle, which could keep out up to five weeks even though the linebacker didnt need surgery. http://www.authenticnygiantspro.com/Carl-banks-giants-jersey/ . On Tuesday, Ottawa placed forward Cory Conacher and defenceman Joe Corvo on waivers as trade rumours swirl around the Senators. Darius Slayton Youth Jersey . But the quarterback hopes to stay involved in football after officially calling it quits Tuesday. "Id love to look at those opportunities as they arise," Pierce said in an interview from his Winnipeg eatery. Saquon Barkley Jersey . "Theyve both been real good," said Babcock. "Havent changed our minds." A decision has seemingly been made - Sundays Group B-deciding tilt against Finland ahead - but it could not have been an easy one. Price opened the tournament with a sturdy 19-save performance against the Norwegians, yielding just one goal. Brumbies flyhalf Christian Lealiifano has claimed two awards at the clubs annual end of season Brumby Ball, including the Brett Robinson Medal for players player.Lealiifano was diagnosed with Leukaemia earlier this month and is continuing treatment.Along with his players player award, Lealiifano received the Brumbies Best Back for a fourth time.Christian had an outstanding season and claiming these awards is a great reflection of the effort he put in for the club all year, said Brumbies Interim Chief Executive Phil Thomson.On the field he was an outstanding leader and that was a reflection of his efforts off the field both at training and in the community.Its obviously quite an emotional period for Christian and his family rightt now and he is honoured and humbled to receive these awards at this time.ddddddddddddLealiifano scored 161 points through three tries, 40 conversions and 22 penalty goals, taking his career tally to 796 points from 117 appearances for the Brumbies in 2016.Fellow Brumbies Sam Carter, Scott Fardy and youngster Tom Staniforth also received awards at the annual awards night.Sam Carter was named the sides Best Forward, while Scott Fardy was voted Stallion of the Year by Brumbies fans and Staniforth was rewarded for a strong breakout season with the clubs Shawn MacKay Most Outstanding Young Talent Award. ' ' '