How Many Games Does WMU's Adam Benák Get?

First off, Western Michigan Forward and Minnesota Wild Draft Choice Adam Benak is a very good hockey player and has a lot of skill. The Minnesota Wild should be excited to eventually add him to their roster, maybe after the NCAA season ends. In nine games, Benák has scored (5g-10a--15pts); he’s also a plus-eight. 

BENÁK STAYS HOT 🔥 Three straight games with a goal. #BroncosReign https://t.co/Hz5ZWuzQzL

— WMU Hockey (@WMUHockey) November 8, 2026

Unfortunately for the Broncos, he probably won’t be in the lineup next weekend. Or at least for one game.

This might be the dirtiest slash I’ve ever seen by Western Michigan’s #9, Adam Benak https://t.co/6pAROmHifh

— F’n Hawks Talk (@fnhawkstalk) November 8, 2026

At the 17:57 mark of the third period, Western pulled their goalie and pushed to score; the puck came out of the defensive zone, and UND forward Cody Croal skated toward the WMU net and shot the puck into the empty net, scoring UND’s fourth goal. The reaction: Benák slashed Croal in the neck area, sparking a brief dustup. The on-ice officials assessed Benák a five-minute major and a game misconduct. 

According to Brad Schlossman of the Grand Forks Herald:  The National Collegiate Hockey Conference will review Benák’s slash on UND forward Cody Croal late in Saturday night’s game in Ralph Engelstad Arena — part of the league’s standard procedure. For the record, the NCHC Commissioner Heather Weems and the NCHC’s head of officials, Mike Schmidt, attended the game.  

At first glance, I tweeted this. I don’t think Benák will get a five-game suspension, but he should at least be suspended for next weekend if the league has any integrity.

The @TheNCHC needs to suspend Adam Benak for at least five games; that was a dirty, unnecessary high-stick.

— Eric J. Burton (@goon48) November 8, 2026

UND head coach Dane Jackson was asked what he thought of the slash. It was a level-headed response, especially after Croal received treatment for the slash after the game. 

“He’s not a dirty player,” Jackson said. “I don’t feel it was a malicious play. The way it happened, it worked out bad, and unfortunately Cody got hurt. I think he was sweeping at the puck, and I didn’t feel like it was a malicious play.

“I would imagine they’ll look at it. Cody did get injured, and he’s just ginger and sore. It’s not a very smart play. The game’s over, and it’s a reckless stick. I don’t think it was malicious, but it wasn’t smart.”

How many games does Benák get?