BECKMAN AND CASEY JOIN THE TEAM - NEW LOOK COMETS PREPARE FOR WEEKEND

Oct 21, 2024

After starting the season without a victory in their first four games, the Utica Comets are hungry for a win. Perhaps this weekend will bring a change of fortune. The good news is that reinforcements are on the way. While it's been tough to find bright spots in the first two weeks of the season, the Comets were elated to hear that Adam Beckman and defenseman Seamus Casey will be joining the team.

Casey has already shown promise early in his professional career. A New Jersey Devils second-round draft pick in 2022, the former University of Michigan Wolverine has three goals in eight NHL games. Last season, while playing at Michigan, he led defensemen in scoring with seven goals and 38 assists. After two years of university hockey, it was clear Casey was ready for the pro ranks. 

It’s no easy feat for any 20-year-old to step into the NHL and make an immediate impact, but after watching him play, it’s evident the Devils have something special in the Miami, Florida native. Devils head coach Sheldon Keefe believes Casey has an extraordinarily high ceiling. While his ice time might be limited in New Jersey, he’ll have more opportunities to shine in Utica. His development might even mirror another high draft pick who flourished in Utica—Simon Nemec. Casey's first game will be in Laval on Friday night, and I expect a large crowd at the Adirondack Bank Center on Saturday to cheer him on as he takes the ice for his first home game. He’ll experience Utica at its best—Saturday night under the lights of our arena. There’s nothing like it.

While Casey bolsters the defense, the Comets are adding firepower up front. Recently clearing waivers is Adam Beckman, the player traded this summer for Graeme Clarke. Beckman is a pure goal-scorer who can provide much-needed offense for the Comets. As a former member of the Spokane Chiefs, he put up an impressive 107 points in the Western Hockey League, including 48 goals and 59 assists. That season, he led the league in both goals and points and was named Player of the Year. Now, Beckman has the opportunity to establish himself as a top forward for Utica.

Veteran Comets equipment manager Damion Parmelee already has nameplates and jerseys ready for these two new players who aim to help turn the season around. Reinforcements are arriving at just the right time. This weekend will be tough, given the competition and travel, but adding two key players when needed most is a huge boost. Beckman and Casey will be ready—and the fans in Utica will be here to welcome them.