BLACKHAWKS SIGN 2008 FIRST ROUND DRAFT PICK BEACH

Chicago, Ill.-The Chicago Blackhawks have signed left wing Kyle Beach, the team’s first choice, 11th overall, in the 2008 National Hockey League Entry Draft, to a three-year deal.

Beach, 19, split the 20008-09 season between the Western Hockey League’s Everett Silvertips and Lethbridge Hurricanes, recording 63 points (24G, 39A) in 54 regular-season games during his four major junior campaign. The Vancouver, British Columbia, native ranked fourth in the WHL during the regular season with 165 penalty minutes, while his 39 assists and 63 points finished second on Lethbridge. He collected two points (G, A) and 31 penalty minutes in 10 postseason games.

Beach also made his professional debut this season with the American Hockey League’s Rockford IceHogs after signing an amateur tryout contact with the Blackhawks affiliate on April 9. He posted 15 penalty minutes in two regular-season matchups while also appearing in one postseason contest.

Beach has recorded 187 points (82G, 105A) and 589 penalty minutes in 183 regular-season WHL contests spanning four seasons with Everett (2005-09) and Lethbridge (2008-09). He was acquired by the Hurricanes this season at the WHL’s Trade Deadline (Jan. 6) and collected 33 points (15G, 18A) in 24 games to finish the regular season.