Brock Beukeboom to bring size and talent to UPEI

UPEI Men's Hockey Head Coach Forbes MacPherson is pleased to announce the addition of Brock Beukeboom, a 6'2', 215-lb defenceman from the Ontario Hockey League (OHL)'s Guelph Storm.

A native of Uxbridge, Ontario, Beukeboom said committing to UPEI was an easy decision. 'When we were eliminated from the OHL playoffs, I sat down with my family and talked with people who watch the AUS closely. It quickly became clear that UPEI was a perfect fit for me,' said Beukeboom, drafted 63rd overall by Tampa Bay Lightning in the 2010 NHL entry draft. 'The team has a commitment to winning. They play a high tempo style in the best university conference in Canada. I just can't want to get rolling.'

Coach MacPherson says Beukeboom will bring size, talent, grit, and determination to the team.'Brock is a player who will fit nicely into our system. With his size, he's tough in the defensive zone, but he possesses the ability to lead the transition game and join the offense when the opportunity presents itself,' says MacPherson. 'Adding size and skill to the back end was a big focus for us and I feel Brock brings that, and more, to our lineup.'

Beukeboom is the son of four-time Stanley Cup winner Jeff Beukeboom. Like his father, the big, right-handed defenceman has a reputation for being tough in his own end and difficult to play against. Brock says the similarities end there.

'My dad is the first to say that I have much more focus on jumping into the rush and being a part of the offense,' says Beukeboom, who has 83 points in his OHL career. 'My game is a two-way game and when talking with Forbie, I know there's going to be expectations for me to contribute more offensively which is a part of my game I look forward to improving.'

Beukeboom has been invited to attend the New York Rangers summer camp.

The Panthers finished the 2012-13 season ranked 9th in CIS standings.

'I look forward to meeting Brock and welcoming him to the University of Prince Edward Island,' said UPEI Athletics and Recreation Director Bill Schurman. 'Brock will be a great addition to the men's hockey program.'

Friends of Men's Hockey will host the annual men's hockey team banquet on July 4 at UPEI's Wanda Wyatt Dining Hall. Guest speaker will be Dr. Bill Montelpare, UPEI applied human sciences professor and Margaret and Wallace McCain Chair in Human Development and Health. Montelpare will speak about reducing the risk of concussions and increasing the accuracy of determining when a concussed athlete is ready to play. Tickets will go on sale next week.