Finesse, conditioning prized assets

Dean Beuker is of German heritage, but the language was Greek to him during his first season of pro hockey overseas.

The former University of Saskatchewan Huskies standout stickhandled his way around language and cultural barriers, finishing with 31 goals and 41 assists for 72 points in 50 games and placing second on his team and the league in scoring.

“It was a little shaky off the start, with the cultural and language problems,” Beuker says of his first season in Germany’s 2.GBun league. “As the season went on, I just got better and better and I really enjoyed myself.” The best part? “The people,” says the 26-year-old native of Watson. “I didn’t think I’d enjoy that part, trying to get to know people of a different language. The best guys over there were the German guys.

“My father is of German heritage. He helped me out a little. My mom was from Belgium. When she flew over, I drove her to her hometown. She loved that.”

Beuker played for the Essen Mosquitoes. Linemate Tyson Mulock of North Delta, B.C., led the league in scoring, racking up 50 goals and 51 assists for 101 points in 52 games.

“As usual, I try to latch on to somebody and let them carry me,” Beuker says.

“Our team wasn’t supposed to be very good, but we ended up making the playoffs. The atmosphere, the fans in the rink, was a lot different. There was more of a college atmosphere — half the stands were for people standing and cheering and not sitting on their hands. It was a lot more entertaining.

“I got some offers from the top (German league), but this was the best fit for me and my wife (Victoria). She’s going to be working at the same place next year. I really enjoyed my coach and the town was good, so I figured I rather be somewhere comfortable and maybe venture out somewhere (the following year).”

The season began in late August. Beuker said he didn’t fully adjust until November.

“It probably took me 15, 20 games. Pro hockey, your job depends on it. I couldn’t grasp that at the start. I was, like, ‘What are you guys talking about? This isn’t me.’

“You learn the style. There’s lots of skill and no rough stuff. They’re really in shape and I’m not one who’s the greatest conditioned person.”

In four seasons at the U of S, Beuker won the Canada West conference scoring title three times.

“There were a lot of things I wanted to do as a Huskie and that included being one of the top guys at the end of it all,” he says. “I would have loved to have won a (Canadian) championship.

“I still want to win something. Sooner or later I’ve got to be due for it.”