ROCHESTER, N.Y. – Niagara hockey senior captain Jason Beattie earned a spot in the professional hockey ranks, signing an Amateur Tryout with the Rochester Americans, the American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate for the Buffalo Sabres.
The Newmarket, Ont. native has become the 19th Purple Eagle to be actively playing pro hockey, joining former Niagara players Scott Arnold (’12 – Gwinnett Gladiators) and Bryan Haczyk (’11 – Albany Devils) in the AHL. Beattie will be with the Americans for the remainder of the of the regular season and postseason.
“This is a great opportunity for Jason,” head coach David Burkholder said. “He has prepared himself for this, and we know he will do well. Everyone with Niagara hockey are very proud of his accomplishment.”
Beattie is fresh off a great senior season, where he served as co-captain. He guided the Purps to their first Atlantic Hockey regular season title and the program’s fourth trip to the NCAA Tournament. Beattie suited up in 106 games for NU, wrapping up his career with seven goals and 18 assists for 25 points, including a career-high three goals this campaign, two of which came in the postseason.
Beattie was a standout outside of the hockey rink as well, earning AHA All-Academic laurels twice, and the AHA Student-Athlete of the Year award in 2012. The 2013 BNY Mellon Wealth Management Hockey Humanitarian Award finalist graduated in 2012 with his bachelors in accounting, and will complete his masters in business administration in accounting in May.
The 6-foot-3, 220-pound defenseman will join the Amerks tomorrow, who are currently sitting in fifth place in the AHL Western Conference, and second in the North Division with 78 points. Rochester battle the Adirondack Phantoms Saturday night at the Glen Falls Civic Center.
