November 18, 2024
BANGOR DAILY NEWS (BANGOR, MAINE

Beers returns to ice> Announcer calls halt to retirement

He hasn’t learned how to drive the Zamboni yet. Maybe that’s his next venture.

Former University of Maine All-American defenseman Bob Beers is doing just about everything else affiliated with hockey these days.

In addition to being the second-year color analyst for Boston Bruins games on WBZ (1030 AM), the former NHL defenseman is playing for Boston’s AHL affiliate, the Providence Bruins.

Beers has played in four games for Providence with no points yet, and he intends to play in seven of their final 16 regular-season games. He may also be available for the playoffs depending upon Boston’s fate in its battle for an Eastern Conference playoff spot.

His broadcasting career takes precedence.

“I called the Providence Bruins over the summer and put the bug in their ear [about playing again],” said Beers, who retired after the 1996-97 season. “I love to play. It was tough decision to hang it up a few years ago. This gives me the opportunity to do both. It’s a win-win situation.”

Beers practiced with Providence for a month and half before making his debut recently. He signed a 25-game tryout agreement with Providence and gets paid by the game.

The New England Division-leading Providence Bruins have the best record in the AHL by 13 points over Empire Division front-runner Rochester.

“I’m having fun. Hopefully, we can win the [AHL Calder Cup] championship,” said the 31-year-old Beers, who was satisfied with his performance through the first three games, but said his fourth game was “bad.”

“I’ve been a little rusty at times,” said the Cheektowaga, N.Y., native, who makes as many practices as he can.

“He has actually played pretty well for a guy who hadn’t played in a year and half,” said Providence coach Peter Laviolette, brother-in-law of former University of Maine center fielder and captain Billy McInnis. “He still has the hockey fire burning inside. He’s a good two-way defenseman who moves the puck well.”

Laviolette said Beers has played on the special teams and supplies his team with some quality depth in case of injuries or call-ups.

Beers also said he is thoroughly enjoying his stint on the radio. He works with play-by-play man Bob Neumeier.

“I love radio. I enjoy doing it,” said Beers. “Bob is a good guy. He’s a professional. He has done it a number of years and that has made it a lot easier for me.”

Beers played in 258 games during his NHL career and amassed 28 goals and 79 assists for Boston, Tampa Bay, Edmonton, and the New York Islanders.

He said he “isn’t thinking about returning to the NHL right now.”

He added that he does feel Boston will make the playoffs.

“They’ve played well of late. I hope they make the playoffs. They’re a good group of guys, and they work hard,” said Beers. “And I don’t think [captain] Ray Bourque’s going to allow them to miss them.”


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