With the Calgary Flames holding the 168th overall pick in the sixth round of the 2021 NHL Draft, general manager Brad Treliving selected winger Jack Beck out of the OHL’s Ottawa 67’s. Beck is Canadian-born hailing out of Richmond Hill, Ontario, and is currently registered at 5’11” and 162lbs, according to NHL.com.
Beck’s profile at the NHL draft
When Beck was selected, the main weaknesses scouts ultimately pondered with him clearly revolved around his size and physical attribute. In his draft year, he weighed in at 5’11” and 151lbs, which had most scouts hoping that he’d eventually work on building up his frame and adding more weight. As seen by his build right now, it is fair to say that he definitely has taken major strides in this attribute since his draft day.
In terms of his overall strengths, Beck’s quick feet allow him the ability to accelerate into plays quickly, his offensive awareness and overall playmaking ability are to be noticed as well.
Jack Beck’s rookie OHL season began in 2019–20 with the Ottawa 67’s, where he notched seven goals and 12 assists for a total of 19 points through 56 games. Ultimately, his rookie season as a 17-year-old was undoubtedly cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic and in adding to his development curveball, the OHL didn’t end up having a 2020–21 season at all.
Beck’s 2021–22 injury woes derailed his season
All eyes were on him heading into the 2021–22 season. This past year Beck notched 22 goals and 22 assists for a total of 44 points through 36 games. Beck has ultimately trended in a great upwards trajectory up to this point going from producing at a 0.33 PPG rate in his rookie year to playing at a 1.22 PPG pace last season which helped him finish second in team scoring. A very productive year when he played, but he was plagued with various ailments, making for a heavily injury-ridden year.
Just after recently coming off a knee injury, Beck took a pair of hits on the same shift on November 7, 2021 in a game against the North Bay Battalion. The second hit was the kicker, smashing his torso into the sharp, yellow dasher that separates the boards from the glass. He was hurt and struggled to catch his breath, but dug deep and ultimately ended up finishing the game.
Opening up about his misfortunes
In a great sit-down interview with Ryan Dittrick (CalgaryFlames.com), Beck outlined just how scary his injury was, first stating what most hockey players usually say when it comes to injuries. He detailed his diagnosis and healing process to show all the hurdles he had overcome.
“I honestly thought this was a bruise and nothing more.”
“But a few days later, that’s when it really hit me. I couldn’t stand up after my pre-game nap. My billet mom always makes my pre-game meal, so I texted her right away and asked if she could stick around so we could talk. I think we were both a little worried, but I made it to the rink and saw the medical staff one more time. The very next day, I was in for testing. MRI, CT scan, ultrasound, blood tests. I was doing it all.”
“The CT scan showed there was a cut in my kidney and it was bruised all around, with significant internal bleeding. Obviously, I was pretty scared. It’s not something you hear about every day and you quickly become worried about more than your hockey career. Like, how is this going to affect my life?”
Jack Beck via an interview with the Calgary Flames: ‘All Part of My Story’
Beck returned to game action on February 13 after going through months of rehab. He may have popped off in his return to the ice but more abuse was to come as while leading the 67’s with four points through three playoff games, he fractured his thumb during their run.
To say Beck was unlucky this year is a clear understatement. When he was on the ice, he looked like a budding prospect, but he was often held off the ice instead.
Turning a new leaf
Beck now indeed has plenty to look forward to heading into his junior overage season in Ottawa, firstly however it should be of note that he was invited to Canada’s National Junior Team summer development camp and should find himself either as a lock or among the last cuts for Canada’s 2023 World Junior team this Christmas.
Right now, Beck’s representing the Flames at the Young Stars Classic in Penticton, giving Beck a taste of wearing the Flaming C.
With another high-level 2022–23 campaign in the OHL and a potential roster crack at the 2023 World Junior Championships this Christmas, by next spring, he could be signed to his entry-level contract in Calgary as he climbs the prospect rankings.
Photo by Marissa Baecker via NHL.com
