“It’s definitely a change of pace.”

After spending four seasons playing for Clarkson University of the Eastern Collegiate Athletic Conference, Ben Sexton is now in his third year with the Providence Bruins.  Moving from small, upstate New York to Providence, RI to play for the Boston Bruins’ American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate has been the focal point of Sexton’s transition to AHL life.

“I chose Clarkson University in part that is has that small school, small community vibe,” explained Sexton. “The biggest difference now is that my days aren’t as structured as they were in college. Providence is by no means a big city but it is a big change from Potsdam. Fortunately, with the number schools around, there are a lot of young people and that makes for a pretty good setting.”

Born in Ottawa, Ontario, the 5’11”, 196-pound center was drafted in the seventh round (196^th overall) by the Bruins in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft. After the draft, Sexton decided to play one season with the Penticton Vees of the BCHL before racking up 85 points and 214 penalty minutes in four years at Clarkson.

A decision, Sexton says, that didn’t come easy.

“It was a very tough decision to make between going to Clarkson or playing one more year of junior. At the end of the day, I decided it was best for me to hone my skills and play one more year in junior before going into college hockey. I don’t regret that decision whatsoever.”

Sexton’s career at Clarkson came to an end in a tough 1-0 overtime loss on the road against Cornell in the ECAC Quarterfinals. Who scored the overtime winner? Ironically, current teammate Brian Ferlin.

“Ferls and I joke about that all the time,” laughed Sexton. “Ferls is a go-to guy and I’ve learned a lot from him in my short time here in Providence. I actually lived with him last year as well. People in the hockey world overall are such great people. Even though he gets the cherry on top because he ended my college career he’s one of my good friends now and a great guy.”

Since joining the Providence Bruins in the spring of 2014, Sexton has experienced a string of injuries that have limited his action to just 44 AHL games over three seasons. Last season, he suffered an ankle injury in a preseason game that had him sidelined until mid-January. This year, it was a broken hand suffered in training camp that has forced Sexton to miss all 40 Bruins’ games to date.

Despite the tough luck, Sexton has used the extra free time to make frequent trips to Boston and gain a greater understanding of the Bruins’ organization as a whole.

“My injuries this year have forced me to take a lot of trips up to Boston to see the doctors,” Sexton said. “I have had the opportunity to see a few Bruins’ games live this year at TD Garden and I have also made it a point to watch as many Bruins’ games on TV here at home just so I can continue to learn.”

Part of that learning, Sexton explained, was finding out just the type of player Boston expects him to become.

“At Clarkson I was the captain and a go-to guy in a lot of situations,” Sexton said. “Once you get to the pros, you have to really figure out who you are. You need a backup game. I think the Bruins see me as a third or fourth line guy that has a solid 200-foot game. A player that they are confident in throwing across the boards at any given time without any worry of defensive lapses.”

With 4 goals, 10 assists and a +2 rating over his 44 AHL games, Sexton has proven to be a reliable, defensive forward when he’s healthy. The centerman leans on that success for motivation and continues to work hard and accept his refined role.

“It’s been tough in the last year and a half with the injuries,” Sexton admitted. “ I just continue to embrace my role and work on that role each and everyday. You always have to hone your skills. The way this game is going, guys are getting better and better every year. You can’t ever take it down a notch from a work-ethic standpoint.”

Finally, Sexton commented on his experience thus far with the Professional Hockey Players’ Association (PHPA), the union which represents AHL and ECHL.

“Having the PHPA in our corner is huge. We just had a meeting with them a couple of weeks ago and it made me realize how good we have it. It’s really remarkable how involved they are and the amount of benefits we have. I have nothing but good things to say about the PHPA.”