Few were as dominant from the blueline as Jake Bean was during his WHL career. Playing for the Calgary Hitmen and Tri-City Americans, he recorded 196 points in 219 games. He sits fourth all-time in points by a defenceman and third in points per game from a blueliner in Hitmen history.
Bean exploded onto the scene in 2014-15 with 39 points in 51 games. His 34 points ranked him third among all rookies in the WHL with his 39 points ranking 13th. While his first season was strong, his second season is where he shined.
2015-16, Bean became lethal from the blueline. He led all WHL defenders with 24 goals and finished sixth with 64 points in 68 games. Not only was he named to the WHL East Second All-Star Team, but he was also invited to the CHL Top Prospects Game and won Gold at the Ivan Hlinka Memorial tournament.
Bean continued his strong WHL career in year three with 45 points in 43 games. For his efforts, he was selected to Team Canada at the World Juniors. After playing in seven games, he helped Canada capture Silver at the tournament. As for his season in the WHL, he was once again selected to the WHL East Second All-Star Team.
In Bean’s last season, he split time between the Hitmen and Americans. He recorded 48 points in 57 games. Once again he was selected to Team Canada winning a Gold at the World Juniors. He was dominant in the playoffs with 18 points in 14 games before Tri-City was eliminated.
A weapon from the blueline, Bean was a special talent. He is well deserving of being included in our Best of the 2010s list.
