Edmonton Oilers

5 Fascinating Facts About ex-Oilers & Maple Leafs Ben Scrivens

Ben Scrivens had a wild 59-save night, but his most interesting chapter may be what he’s doing now as a teacher and coach.

by
Old Prof
August 11, 2026

Ben Scrivens has never been the type of NHL goalie who seemed “guaranteed” to be a long-term starter from day one. Instead, he kind of built his career the hard way. He earned his shots, bouncing around and still managing to leave behind a couple of moments that are basically goalie folklore. And the fact that he came up through Cornell University (an Ivy League university) makes his whole path feel even more interesting, because it’s not the usual hockey-player storyline you hear.

Five Things Fans Might Not Know About Scrivens

Here are five fascinating things about Scrivens (former Oilers and Maple Leafs goalie) and why his story feels really grounded, even though his NHL highlight reel has that absolutely wild 59-save night.

First, he wasn’t built like the “sure thing” goalie. Scrivens wasn’t drafted and wasn’t a long-term starter the way some guys are. He came through Cornell. Then he bounced around the NHL with the Maple Leafs, Kings, Oilers, and Canadiens. He became more of a journeyman route than a straight-line superstar path.

Second, one night in 2014 is still going to get brought up forever. On January 29, 2014, with Edmonton, he stopped 59 shots and posted a 3–0 shutout against the San Jose Sharks. That’s the kind of game where you just sit there thinking, “How is this even real?”

Third, he didn’t just stay in the NHL. He also played internationally and suited up for Canada. After his NHL run (including time with the KHL), he was on Canada’s team at the 2018 PyeongChang Olympics and helped them win bronze. That’s a big “more than hockey” moment.

Fourth, after hockey, he actually went back to school. Instead of fading out, he earned a Master’s degree in Social Work at the University of Denver. He also worked with the Denver Pioneers as a team manager while studying, and mental health. Helping athletes adjust after the game became a big focus for him.

And fifth, these days he’s coaching and teaching in a way that fits his whole persona. He’s back in the Edmonton area and, according to recent reports, works as an On-Ice and Mental Health Coach at Vimy Ridge Academy School. He still shows up on hockey podcasts and radio. However, it’s clear he’s shifted from being “the guy making saves” to being the guy helping kids and athletes figure out their lives.

The Bottom Line for Scrivens

Born just west of Edmonton in Spruce Grove, Scrivens’ hockey story isn’t flashy. But it took him all over the world. He was a steady goalie who, after a professional career, is giving back as a teacher and coach. With him, you didn’t just get a great goalie highlight and career. You also get a real second chapter that proves what happens after the game can matter just as much.