CORRECTION: Rats (Do Not) Sign D-Man Beau Schmitz to Two-Way Deal UPDATED

CORRECTION: The original version of this article was written under the assumption that Beau Schmitz had signed a two-way ECHL/AHL deal with the Rats. The information was considered solid, as it came from Kyle Hanlin, the Hurricanes' Manager of Media Relations. We have since learned from Hanlin that his report was a mistake. Beau has not signed a deal with Albany. We apologize for the erroneous story. Mr. Hanlin also sends his apologies.

Keep an eye on next year's draft, though.

Beau Schmitz
(Photo from PlymouthWhalers.com)

This undrafted 18-year-old native of Howell, Michigan, played alongside Chris Terry and Brett Bellemore last season with the Karmanos-owned Plymouth Whalers of the Ontario Hockey League.

The 5-foot-10, 186-pound offensive defenseman scored 37 points (6 G, 31 A) in 66 games and earned 97 penalty minutes in his first OHL season. He tallied another two goals and two assists in 11 playoff contests.

Prior to joining the Whalers, Schmitz skated for the Under-17 U.S. National Team, registering 15 points (6 G,9 A) in 59 games. He was selected by Plymouth in the first round, 12th overall, in the 2007 OHL priority selection draft.

Schmitz is playing this week in the prospects tournament in Traverse City, Michigan. He landed an assist tonight in the team's win against the Red Wings. He also scored two goals last week in a preseason game with the Whalers.

News of Schmitz signing an ECHL/AHL contract is mentioned only in passing on the Hurricanes' website (the report was an error and has now been removed). Without the details, it is hard to determine when Schmitz will enter professional hockey.

Beau Schmitz buries his first OHL goal on a feed from Chris Terry
(More video of Schmitz going end-to-end)

Schmitz models himself on Brian Rafalski. Plymouth General Manager and coach Mike Vellucci compares him to Chicago Blackhawks' D-man James Wisniewski.

"They're both offensive defensemen that can play in their own end," Vellucci said of Schmitz last year to the Detroit Free Press. "They're both tough. But Beau's a better skater than James. Beau's biggest strength is that his skating ability is exceptional."

Schmitz may be considered a bit small for a defenseman, but he plays a physical game and isn't afraid to drop the gloves when necessary.

"He's tough, hates to lose and is the complete package," Vellucci said during another interview. "He plays a very in-your-face style of hockey."

"Beau's an exceptional offensive talent," Vellucci added. "He will be one of the best skaters in our league. He's a very tough defenseman and can play any aspect of the game that we ask."

Albany Welcomes Signing of Chris Terry

Carolina prospect Chris Terry is likely to be wearing a River Rats' sweater in 2009-10
(Photo from PlymouthWhalers.com)

It's official, Ontario Hockey League all-star Chris Terry is on his way to Albany. Terry, the Carolina Hurricanes' fifth round pick from the 2007 draft, just signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Canes, meaning he will likely start his professional career with the River Rats this October.

In his final year in juniors, Terry tallied 39 regular season goals and 55 assists for a total of 94 points, good for second highest in the league. He landed another 16 points (7 G, 9 A) in 11 games during the playoffs. For a fifth round pick, that is absolute gold.

As a recent Hurricanes' press release proudly pointed out, "The Brampton, Ont., native totaled 114 goals and 175 assists (289 points) in 253 regular-season contests in his four seasons with the Whalers. Terry (5'10", 190 lbs.) competed in two OHL All-Star Classics, was named the Kal Tire OHL Player of the Month two times and helped lead the Whalers to the OHL championship in 2007."

Chris Terry's gifted scoring touch was overshadowed only by his character and leadership. "He was awarded the Dan Snyder Memorial Trophy as the OHL's Humanitarian of the Year for his devotion to the Whalers' Community Relations efforts, and he was the inaugural recipient of the Mickey Renaud Captain's Trophy, given by the OHL to the captain that best exemplifies leadership on and off the ice."

If Albany is fortunate enough to have Terry for a full season or more, which is certainly a possibility, he has a good chance of wearing an "A" or a "C" just like his days in juniors. But as with all young forwards, it remains to be seen if his offensive ability will translate to the pros.

Regardless, Terry looks like a true worker who can play just about any role he is assigned, from goal scorer to checking forward. The website Hockey's Future, which keeps track of prospects and developing players, aptly notes that his "future as a pro is probably more tied to being an all-around player who can contribute at both ends of the ice rather than an elite goal scorer." We'll see.

Above all else, Terry, as young as he is, is sure to bring quality leadership to the River Rats' line-up...and if he gets involved in the local community like he did in Plymouth, the Rats' marketing staff will no doubt be kissing his Canadian feet.

Terry is a true all-around character player and, as made evident by the clip below, a genuinely good human being. Plymouth will surely miss him, but Albany will welcome him with open arms.