Beast add 2014-15 All-Rookie defenseman Baker

BRAMPTON, Ontario - The Brampton Beast, ECHL affiliate of the NHL's Montreal Canadiens and AHL's St, John's IceCaps, announced that defenseman Justin Baker has signed with the club for the 2016-17 season.

Baker joins the Beast following a season split between the Kelly Cup champion Allen Americans and Slovakia's HK Nitra. The 25-year-old started the season with the Americans and put up 10 points (2g-8a) in 17 games. He thenjoined HK Nitra and notched four points (2g-2a) in seven regular-season contests and added another three points (1g-2a) in 17 playoff games, helping lead his squad to the Slovakian Extraliga championship.

Baker hit his stride in the professional ranks during the 2014-15 season with the Americans. Not only did he tally 39 points (10g-29a) in 70 games, he also earned him a place on the ECHL's All-Rookie Team. His strong play continued into the 20115 Kelly Cup Playoffs, where he added another 13 points (3g-10a) in 25 postseason contests, en route to his first Kelly Cup championship.

Before jumping head first into professional hockey, Baker honed his craft in the NCAA with St. Lawrence University from 2010-14. In 143 career NCAA games, Baker scored 82 points (19g-63a) to accompany his 105 penalty minutes. He served as an alternate captain during his senior season when he notched 33 points (9g-24a) in 38 games.