(photo courtesy Clarkson University Athletics)

CHARLOTTE, NC—Charlotte Checkers head coach and general manager Jeff Daniels and senior vice president of hockey business operations Derek Wilkinson announced today that the team has agreed to terms with rookie forward Matt Beca on a two-way contract.

Beca, 24, completed his fourth year at Clarkson University in 2009-10, leading the team with 20 goals and 38 points. He was named most valuable player at Clarkson, while also taking home ECAC Player of the Week honors in October, 2009. Following the season, Beca skated in five games with the Springfield Falcons (AHL), where he potted one goal.

In 149 career collegiate games, the Mississauga, Ontario native has tallied 51 goals and 72 assists (123 points), while leading Clarkson to an ECAC Hockey Tournament Championship (2007), a conference regular season title (2008) and two consecutive showings in the NCAA Tournament (2007, 2008).

Matt Beca career statistics

The Checkers’ home opener is scheduled for Friday, Oct. 15 at Time Warner Cable Arena. Season tickets for the inaugural 2010-11 AHL season are now on sale and season ticket packages start as low as $10 per game. Ticket information can be obtained by calling 704-342-4-ICE or visiting www.gocheckers.com.