BOSTON - Johnny Beecher isn't viewing his time at Bruins training as just a way to gain experience. He's looking at this chance as an opportunity to show he belongs at the NHL level.
"Try to make the team," Beecher said of his goals the next few weeks. "Just like everybody else here. I said it the other day, it's a childhood dream of mine to play in the NHL, especially for the Boston Bruins. So, just give it everything I have and hope for the best."
The 2019 first-round pick is entering his first pro training camp after three years with the University of Michigan and a brief stint with the Providence Bruins last spring. And after finding himself in the shadows of some of Michigan's other stars, the 21-year-old seems to have freed up his offensive game since arriving in Providence where he notched five points (three goals, two assists) in nine games. He then went on to score in all three Prospects Challenge games in Buffalo last weekend.
Beecher Looking to Take Advantage at First Camp
Former first-round pick aiming to prove that he belongs