January Canes Prospect Profile: Jake Bean

Welcome to the Canes Prospect Profile, pres. by Uber, a monthly feature here on CarolinaHurricanes.com. Each month we'll take a look at the top-performing Canes prospects across the minor leagues.
This month, it's Canadian defenseman Jake Bean, who registered 10 points (4g, 6a) in 11 games for the Checkers through January.

Bean came out swinging in the Checkers' first game of 2019, earning two assists to help Charlotte to a 4-1 win over the Belleville Senators. Including this one on Julien Gauthier's power-play snipe.

Two days later, he did it again as the Checkers routed the Toronto Marlies, 5-0.

(Yes, that is the same goal in which Martin Necas scored from his belly.)
In his first pro season, Bean has quietly made his way to the top of the scoring column among rookie defensemen, recording 30 points (9g, 21a) through 49 games.
"Jake has come a long way from the beginning of the season until now," Canes alum and Head of Defensemen Development Tim Gleason said. "I believe his success has come from his commitment to his on- and off-ice training and putting quality time in whether that be shooting pucks after practice or … watching video of his shifts on how to get better."
While contributing regularly with assists, Bean found the back of the net after 13 games on Jan. 19.

That opened the floodgates. Bean tallied two goals on Jan. 25, marking his first professional multi-goal game.

Plus another goal the next night.

"He has done so far what is asked of him," Gleason said. "He has put his head down and just worked.
"His ability to make plays under pressure, defending well and joining the rush at the right times to add offense are his strengths."
The 20-year-old Calgary native leads all rookie defensemen, is tied for fifth among all rookies and ranks sixth among all defensemen in scoring (30).
"He is on the right track and it's great to see him progress along the way and have a good attitude up to this point of the year," Gleason said.
An attitude no doubt helped by scoring on teammate and fellow rookie Morgan Geekie.

ONE TO WATCH
Traded from the Calgary Flames to the Canes along with Dougie Hamilton and Micheal Ferland on June 23, 2018, it was no secret that Harvard University defenseman Adam Fox (2g, 5a through eight games in January) was a good get.
The junior blueliner has been named First Team All-American two years in a row, leads the Crimson with 27 points (7g, 20a) through 21 games this season, and ranks first among all NCAA d-men in assists per game (0.95).
Fox's hockey sense and offensive instincts have long been noted, and for good reason.

There's still plenty of time to cast your vote for Foxy in the
Hobey Baker Fan Vote
.