The Checkers added some depth to their roster today, inking center Mitchell Heard to a two-way AHL contract.

The 24-year-old split his time last season between the AHL’s Stockton Heat and the ECHL’s Adirondack Thunder. In 22 games with the Heat, Heard logged seven points (3g, 4a) and ranked fifth on the team in penalty minutes with 71, despite playing in half as many games as the players above him.

A second-round pick by Colorado in 2012, Heard spent his first three pro seasons with the Lake Erie Monsters, totaling 28 points (11g, 17a) and 376 penalty minutes in 137 games. He has also spent parts of the last two seasons in the ECHL, racking up 48 points (22g, 26a) in 45 games with Fort Wayne and Adirondack.

Prior to turning pro, the native of Bowmanville, Ontario, starred for the Plymouth Whalers, recording 144 points (67g, 77a) and 216 penalty minutes in 171 OHL games.

Heard will head into training camp competing for a roster spot with the Checkers.