Rick Bennett was a standout collegiate player for the Providence College Friars in Hockey East, where he was a four-year letterwinner and a co-captain, playing from 1986 to 1990. A versatile player who spent time at left wing, center, and defense, Bennett was recognized for his all-around contribution, culminating in his senior season with a Hobey Baker Memorial Award Finalist nomination in 1990. During his career, he totaled 134 points (50 goals, 84 assists) in 128 games and was named an AHCA East Second-Team All-American for the 1988-89 season. His excellence was also acknowledged by Providence College, where he was a two-time winner of the Lou Lamoriello Trophy as team MVP.

Drafted 54th overall by the Minnesota North Stars in the 1986 NHL Entry Draft, Bennett played professionally for 10 seasons across the NHL and various minor leagues. His NHL experience was brief, consisting of 15 games for the New York Rangers over three seasons (1989-1992), where he recorded 1 goal and 1 assist. The majority of his professional career was spent in the AHL, IHL, and ECHL, most notably with the Binghamton Rangers (AHL) and the Jacksonville Lizard Kings (ECHL), where he finished his playing career. Following his retirement from playing, Bennett became a prominent college hockey coach, eventually leading Union College to the 2014 NCAA National Championship.