Storm Add Beukeboom

Earlier this week, it was written here that the Storm were looking to add some help on D, and it appears as though they have found their man.

Today, the team announced that they have acquired Brock Beukeboom, and overage defenseman from the Niagara Ice Dogs, in exchange for three draft picks – a fourth-round pick in 2013 (from Oshawa), plus a second-rounder (from London) and sixth-rounder (from Brampton’s) in 2014 (via the Guelph Mercury).

It’s a great add for the Storm, who reap the benefits of having a player like Beukeboom in the present without giving up anything from their active roster or sacrificing their young core.

Beukeboom – son of former NHLer Jeff Beukeboom – is currently in his 5th OHL season, having spent 3 years in the Sault and all of last year in Niagara. Described as a stay-at-home D-man, he was a 3rd round selection of the Tampa Bay Lightning (63rd overall) in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft, and is now a free agent after not having signed an entry-level deal with an NHL club.

Beukeboom has 8 points (all assists) in 16 games so far this year, and in 228 career OHL regular season games he has 15 goals, 54 assists and 209 penalty minutes.

All indications are that Beukeboom will make his Storm debut on Friday, at home against the General, and it’s hoped that he can provide the sort of steady, veteran presence that this team has been sorely lacking.

Also, don’t forget that Friday’s game will be featured on Sportsnet.