Pats sign Beukeboom

From Greg Harder's Slap Shots:

The Regina Pats like what they see so far from Adam Beukeboom.

After a two-day tryout, the Pats have signed the 16-year-old goaltender to a WHL contract and plan to throw him straight into the fire as a starter in tonight's pre-season clash with the Brandon Wheat Kings. Beukeboom had been keeping his NCAA options open, but he's now committed to the major-junior route.

The Pats are eager to give Beukeboom a chance to show what he can do in exhibition action. It seems realistic that he'll end up back in midget AAA for another year — especially given his late arrival in Regina — but a strong showing tonight could earn him an extended audition. After that, who knows?

Regardless of how long he sticks around, Beukeboom's signing gives the Pats some much-needed depth between the pipes. With prospect Cory Nygaard unable to attend training camp due to off-season knee surgery, the Pats had very little depth beyond veterans Damien Ketlo and Dawson Guhle. Now, the surprising emergence of Matt Hewitt, combined with the addition of Beukeboom, gives them a great deal more security.

Regina Pats story can be found here: http://www.reginapats.com/article/pats-ink-goaltender