Canes sign Beau Schmitz to entry-level contract

Hurricanes

Canes sign Beau Schmitz to entry-level contract

Apr 23, 2012

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Raleigh, N.C. — The Carolina Hurricanes have signed free-agent defenseman Beau Schmitz to a three-year, entry-level contract according to the team.

The deal will pay Schmitz $525,000 per year at the NHL level, or $50,000 per year at the minor-league level, as well as a $50,000 signing bonus. More Info More Hurricanes Stories

“Beau had an exceptional overage season with Plymouth,” said Jason Karmanos, the Canes' vice president and assistant general manager. “His game matured both offensively and defensively, and we are excited to add a character individual like him to our organization.”

Schmitz, 21, completed his fourth season of major-junior hockey in 2011-12, leading all Plymouth Whalers defensemen in goals (14), assists (40) and points (54). He ranked tied for third among all Ontario Hockey League (OHL) skaters with a plus-37 plus/minus rating, while playing in 62 of Plymouth’s 68 regular-season games.

The Howell, MI, native served as the Whalers’ captain in 2011-12, after spending 2010-11 as one of the team’s alternate captains. He was named the OHL Player of the Week for Dec. 26-Jan. 1, when he posted four goals, one assist (5 points) and a plus-8 rating – including a hat trick on Dec. 31 at Windsor – in Plymouth’s three games.

In four seasons with Plymouth, Schmitz (5’10”, 193 lbs.) scored 35 goals, earned 116 assists (151 points) and accumulated 350 penalty minutes in 244 career OHL regular-season games. He played for the Hurricanes’ squads at the NHL Prospects’ Tournament in Traverse City, MI, in 2010 and 2011.

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RE: Canes sign Beau Schmitz to entry-level contract

I agree that he seems a bit small for the NHL, but he does have some impressive stats for the OHL. The problem for him is that we have a stable full of D now, and he will have to be quite impressive at camp or in the AHL to ever play an NHL game with the Canes.

RE: Canes sign Beau Schmitz to entry-level contract

Hockey has been a weekend thing for socialites to occupy their time. You can't even see the puck. Boring game. With this 5-year-and-counting economic depression, the arena is destined to become the world's largest antique outlet.

Except for the fact that NC State basketball is there.
- Posted by FlySwater

Then what do you consider not "boring?" Soccer? Basketball? Two pansy sports that are nowhere near as fast.

Also, impressive stats on the kid, but those are all junior numbers. Let him sit in the AHL for a season then we'll look at him again. Defensemen can rarely make the jump to the NHL right away.
- Posted by BringthePain
Not Boring - UFC (Mixed Martial Arts), the fastest (and only) growing sport right now.
- Posted by FlySwater

You might be the only person over 12 that watches UFC.

RE: Canes sign Beau Schmitz to entry-level contract

Most of the Pro hockey games I watch, the stands are full. Unlike College Basketball, Pro Baseball, and even the NFL. I played baseball all my life and even college baseball and it is the most boring of the sports to watch. I grew up in Greensboro when the Generals first came to NC as the first Pro franchise along with Charlotte Checkers. That was hockey baby. Got in and ate for less than 2 DOLLARS. Has come a long way. Now I can't afford to go to many games but I love it, I would support the Hurricanes even if I didn't like hockey because they are in NC. The new guy, time will tell just like them all.

RE: Canes sign Beau Schmitz to entry-level contract

The last thing I want to concern myself with is some troll looking for a reaction to stupid comments. Forget about him. This is a great addition. Good stats for a young player...He does seem small for a defenceman though. Need to bulk him up.

RE: Canes sign Beau Schmitz to entry-level contract

This young player has some impressive stats. Sounds like a solid pick.

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