Summer to Remember for Incoming Ice Hockey Freshmen Beecher, York
8/2/2019 4:55:00 PM | Ice Hockey
ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- It has been a busy but memorable summer for University of Michigan ice hockey incoming freshmen Johnny Beecher and Cam York. They graduated high school, heard their names called at the NHL Draft and showcased their talent with the world's best at the annual World Juniors Summer Showcase before the two head to U-M.
"It's been a super busy summer for me, but at the same time I've been enjoying it as much as I can and it's been a lot of fun," said York.
Products of the U.S. National Team Development Program, Beecher and York had been projected draft picks for the 2019 NHL Entry Draft since arriving in Plymouth, Michigan, as U-17s in 2017. Their games grew over the past two years in the spotlight with Team USA which earned them first-round selections.
York's name was the first of the duo to be called on June 26 in Vancouver when the Philadelphia Flyers made him the 14th overall selection. Despite predictions that he would be a second-round selection, Beecher was picked by the Boston Bruins at No. 30. The two became the 23rd and 24th first-round selections in Michigan ice hockey history, and are the latest among a group of 72 Wolverines selected since the draft was instituted in 1969.
For the pair, it was a dream come true and a moment they were happy to share with loved ones who helped them reach this point.
"I was very excited to share this moment with my friends and family," Beecher said. "Once my name was called it was surreal -- it's a childhood dream to hear your name called at the NHL Draft. And to be picked by an organization like the Bruins, it's unbelievable. I couldn't be happier."
"As a kid, this is what you dream of. Ever since I was 4, I wanted to be on the stage and shake Gary Bettman's hand," said York. "To work so hard for so many years and to have it pay off, it meant a lot to me and my family as well. It's a special moment for me and my family, and I'm just really happy to be a Flyer."
York
Once the draft ended it was immediately off to their respective NHL cities for development camps, which are designed to give players -- primarily draft picks -- the experience of an NHL training camp. This also gives teams an opportunity to work one-on-one with the prospective players in their system.
For Beecher and York it was the first time they got to put on the colors of the teams that selected them and work with the coaching staffs.
"Development camp in Philadelphia was good," York said. "It was a lot of fun, but getting familiar with the facilities and staff was the main focus for me."
"They (Bruins) are a world-class organization," said Beecher. "They brought us in for development camp a few days after the draft and made everything so easy for us, from the owner down to the guys that were cooking us food every day. They have as much success as they do for a reason. It was a great time out in Boston and I can't wait to get back.
Each summer USA Hockey holds a Summer Showcase for the U-20 team to help determine a preliminary roster for the annual World Junior Championship, which will be held in December and January. The showcase wraps up in Plymouth on Saturday (Aug. 3).
Beecher and York were selected to the initial 44-man roster, which will be trimmed to 23 by December. Forty-seven Wolverines have appeared in the World Junior Championships, 39 of who have played for the United States.
This showcase was another opportunity for the two to wear the Stars & Stripes, but also to continue to stay sharp for the upcoming Michigan season.
"The Summer Showcase is a big moment," said York. "The coaches have said there are no guaranteed spots on the team, so I'm just coming in with my head down and trying everything I can to try and secure a spot for the world junior team, but at the same time get ready for my season at Michigan."
Beecher leads the tournament with five points (four goals, one assist) and his play has earned him some national media attention.
So John Beecher (BOS) has scored a pair of goals this afternoon. Getting one on a deflection and another after gaining the slot. IMO, the most impressive player at camp ... hands down.
— Mike Morreale (@mikemorrealeNHL) July 28, 2019
John Beecher does it all. He uses his 6'3, 210 frame to win battles, protect the puck, block shots, create separation and gain position at the net front. Oh, and he scored twice yesterday, too. @NHLBruins stole him at #30 & @umichhockey fans will love him. #WJSS #TeamUSA #WJC2020
— Julie Robenhymer (@JulieRobenhymer) July 29, 2019
Mike Morreale of NHL.com tweeted of Beecher, "The more I watch him, the more I think the Bruins may have stolen him with the No. 30 pick in the 2019 Draft."
Julie Robenhymer of The Athletic tweeted, "Johnny Beecher does it all. He uses his 6'3, 210 frame to win battles, protect the puck, block shots, create separation and gain position at the net front. Bruins stole him at No. 30 and Michigan hockey fan will love him."
York and Beecher will have each other in their next step along the journey in Ann Arbor, which will include being roommates.
"It's awesome to have him (York) coming with me to Ann Arbor -- we are actually going to be rooming with each other," Beecher said. "He's a great guy and we are going to have a lot of fun together."
The whirlwind summer will come to a close soon and they will join their fellow classmates in Ann Arbor for their freshman year. Both are excited and to don the maize and blue, and playing in front of the best fans in college hockey at Yost Ice Arena.
"Ann Arbor is a beautiful city. It's a great school and it really can't get any better than Yost to be at a hockey game in," said Beecher. "I am looking forward to taking in everything at Michigan and soak in all my time in Ann Arbor."
"There are a lot of things I am looking forward to this season at Michigan, but especially Yost," York said. "I can't wait to get there and play some games."
The two will live out another dream when they begin their college careers on Friday, Oct. 11, as Michigan kicks off the 2019-20 season against Clarkson at Yost Ice Arena.
