Great Falls forward Beard makes college commitment

July 8, 2019

The Great Falls Americans of the NA3HL are pleased to announce forward and team captain Lindros Beard has committed to play ACHA Division I hockey for the University of Utah located in Salt Lake City, Utah. 

 

Beard, a 21-year-old standout who recently played for 2018-19 Great Falls Americans squad under the direction of first-year head coach Greg Sears, signed his letter of commitment to the Utah school starting in the fall of 2019.

 

The 6’1/210 lbs. native of Copperton, Utah native played in 52 games including six Fraser Cup playoff appearances in his lone season with Great Falls. The new college recruit accumulated 44 points including 29 assists while helping the Americans win 41 games. His best performance was scoring four goals against the Yellowstone Quake in September 2018.

 

“It was great to come into Great Falls this year and get to be a team captain for the Americans,” said Beard. “I was able to make a difference physically and, on the scoreboard (44 points).”

 

The University of Utah Utes are coached by Brett Huras and play American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA) Division I hockey in the 2,500-seat Salt Lake City Sports Complex that houses two Olympic size sheets of ice.

 

“Lindros brings a lot of experience to our team as a freshman. We will be counting on his leadership qualities as well as his hard-nosed style of game to help the team win,” said Utah head coach Huras. “He plays a physical game, but he also has the ability to put the puck in the net.”

 

Before joining the Americans for the 2018-19 season, he suited up for the Casper Coyotes (WSHL) and two other NA3HL teams including the Binghamton Jr. Senators and the Glacier Nationals, who relocated to Butte (Cobras) prior to the 2017-18 season.

 

“Playing at the junior level has made a big difference for me as I don’t think if I would have played college at 18 (years old) I would be as good as I am now,” noted Lindros. “I wouldn’t have played nearly as many games or been as prepared if I just went from high school to college without the junior hockey experience.”

 

“Lindros was a huge part of this year’s squad. He was a very mature young man and a pleasure to be around every day,” said Great Falls Americans Head Coach and General Manager Greg Sears. “I am very happy to see him end up at (the University of) Utah I think it will be a great fit for him and he will do great things.”

 

Lindros was very positive when asked about the coaching staff he played for in Great Falls. “Greg (Sears) was a great leader and was always upbeat and positive and made sure the team was prepared for every game.”

 

He also stated that the fans in Great Falls were amazing and showed up every night regardless of who the Americans were playing. He also had an enjoyable experience with his host family, Dave and Cathy Covert.

 

Lindros becomes the eighth member of the Great Falls Americans to make a college commitment after the 2018-19 season concluded. His former teammates include Cam McIntosh (University of Jamestown (ND), Independent, DI), Payton McSharry and Drew Scites (Iowa State, Central States Hockey League, DI), Hendrik Robel (Davenport (MI) University, Great Lakes Collegiate Hockey League, DI), Jens Juliussen, Sean McLean, and Nate Simpson (Maryville (MO) University, Midwest College Hockey, DI).