Former Battlefords Stars standout, Adam Beckman has continued to turn heads at the Major Junior level. This season Beckman led all Western Hockey League players with 48 goals, 107 points. (Larry Brunt/Spokane Chiefs Facebook)

By Martin Martinson

AAA Stars alumni shines

Former Battlefords Star, Beckman shines bright for WHL honours

Apr 22, 2020 | 5:33 PM

For Spokane Chiefs forward, Adam Beckman, the 2019-20 season was one he likely won’t soon forget.

At just 18 years of age, Beckman finished the season leading all Western Hockey League (WHL) players with 48 goals and 107 points on his way to earning WHL Western Conference Player of the Year honours.

However, it was not long ago Beckman was lighting up another league, in Midget AAA.

Playing two seasons as a member of the Battlefords Stars of the Saskatchewan Midget Hockey League (SMHL), Beckman turned heads out of the gate, putting up 41 points in 44 games in his rookie season in 2016-17.

The following year, he then took his game to another level, blowing those numbers out of the water for another 44 goals and 78 points in just 41 games in 2017-18. Bringing fans out of their seats on a nightly basis, Beckman’s totals would lead not only his team – but the entire league – in both goals and points at just 16 years of age.

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More than the points though, Beckman said he remembers his time in the Battlefords for the friendships made and his growth as a person off the ice, during his tenure.

“I had a great time in North Battleford,” Beckman said. “I’m really thankful I got the chance to move to there and play. I can’t thank the Stars organization enough for helping me mature as a player; and even more as a person and as a man. I created a lot of friendships there in North Battleford as well that have lasted until now, and I’m sure will last quite a while, so I’m really thankful to have been able to play there.”

Adam Beckman, pictured here during his AAA Stars’ days, where he put up a staggering 119 points in just 85 games wearing the Battlefords’ black and silver. (submitted photo/Adam Beckman)

Beckman said he’s also grateful for the continued support from those around the Battlefords community, and in his home town of Saskatoon as well, who have reached out to him to offer congratulations following his standout season.

“It’s unbelievable,” Beckman said. “I think any time you get recognized and a lot of other people are kind of happy with you, that says a lot about the people around you and who you surround yourself with. I’m just thankful to have friends who are happy for me and can share it with me.”

In addition to being named WHL Western Conference Player of the Year, Beckman is also a finalist for the Western Hockey League’s Four Broncos Trophy, given to the season’s Most Valuable Player. Beckman and the Lethbridge Hurricanes’ Dylan Cozens are the finalists for the award, which will be announced May 20.

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Martin.Martinson@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: MartyMartyPxP1