Former University of Maine All-American defenseman Bob Beers has traded in his skates for a microphone.

Beers, who played for the Boston Bruins and their AHL affiliate in Providence last season, rejected an Ottawa Senators contract to sign on as the color analyst for Bruins games on WBZ Radio.

“It was a tough decision to give up hockey. But I didn’t know where I’d be playing from year to year. It wasn’t tough in that regard,” said the 30-year-old Beers, an 11th round pick of the Bruins in 1985 who finished his NHL career with 28 goals and 79 assists in 258 regular season games over eight seasons for Boston, Tampa Bay, Edmonton and the New York Islanders.

He had three goals and four assists in 27 games for the Bruins this past season and had 10 goals and 12 assists in 45 games at Providence.

Beers said his radio opportunity “came totally out of the blue.

“Once they knew the Bruins weren’t going to offer me a contract, they called me and asked me to come in [and audition for the radio job],” said Beers, who had two auditions and was offered the job.

“I’m very excited about it,” said Beers who has agreed to a one-year contract with two option years. “I know most of the players in the league and it’ll be my job to keep tabs on them and stay up on the comings and goings of the team.

“Hockey is something I love to talk about and follow,” added Beers.

Beers, wife Beth and children Ryan and Rachel have a home in the Boston area and this will allow him to remain there.

The Cheektowaga, N.Y. native said he was “very happy” with his NHL career but wishes he could have played in more Stanley Cup playoff games. He appeared in 21 NHL playoff games and had a goal and an assist.

Beers will work with play-by-play man Bob Neumeier and will replace Andy Brickley.