The Prince George Cougars have Cole Beamin's signature on the dotted line.
Beamin, a six-foot-three, 189-pound defenceman chosen by the Cats in the second round (31st overall) of the 2016 bantam draft, has signed a standard Western Hockey League player agreement with the club.
"We couldn't believe that Cole was still available when we were on the clock and ready to pick in the second round," said Cougars general manager Todd Harkins. "Having him signed and a part of our defense corps moving forward bodes very well for us. He'll be a cornerstone of our blueline for many years to come."
Beamin's hometown is Saskatoon. Last season, he had 10 goals, 22 points and 64 penalty minutes in 30 regular-season games with the bantam-aged Saskatoon Outlaws. Beamin added two goals and four assists in six playoff games.
Beamin has been invited to attend the Saskatchewan Under-16 provincial camp, Aug. 1-5 in Wilcox, Sask. The camp will be part of the selection process for the 2016 U-16 Challenge Cup, set for October in Calgary.
The Cougars made the announcement about Beamin's signing on Tuesday. On Monday, they revealed they had signed first-round draft pick Taylor Gauthier, a goaltender they selected ninth overall.
While Beamin and Gauthier are still with their respective midget teams next season, they will be eligible to play a maximum of five games for the Cougars. Both can become full-time members of the Cats in 2017-18.
