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River Otters Bring Back a Hometown Favorite

September 19, 2003 - United Hockey League (UHL)
Missouri River Otters News Release


Forward J.P. Beilsten, a St. Louis native, made his pro debut last season with the River Otters

ST. CHARLES, MO (September 19, 2003) – Head coach/director of hockey operations Lonnie Loach of the Missouri River Otters of the United Hockey League (UHL) announced today that St. Louis native J.P. Beilsten has been signed for the 2003-2004 season. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Beilsten, who will turn 22 on November 20, will make his return to the River Otters and the Family Arena after beginning his professional career with the team on October 25th, 2002. Last year with the River Otters, Beilsten posted 13 points (6g, 7a) in 47 games in his rookie campaign. The 5-foot-11, 185-pound forward added 88 penalty minutes, showing he would not be intimidated by anyone.

The St. Louis native attended McCluer High School, and played two seasons with the St. Louis Junior "B" Blues of the Central States Hockey League (CSHL), from 2000 to 2002. In 2002, he racked up 79 points (37g, 42a) in 44 games with 309 penalty minutes with the Junior "B" Blues. But Beilsten is also known as one of the top roller hockey players in the country, starring for Team USA in the International Roller Sports Federation (FIRS) in 2002. Beilsten and Team USA won the Gold Medal in the Czech Republic that year, with an overtime win against the Czech Republic team.

Beilsten had been a hard working player all throughout camp last year, before making the team. He waited for his chance, and impressed when he got it. "J.P. is a very hard working player who just got his feet wet last year," Loach said. "He has a lot of skill and potential, and he will only get better with every shift."

The River Otters' players under contract include defensemen Doug Searle, Ryan Gillis, and Tony White, forwards J.P. Beilsten, Joe Ritson, Charlie Blyth, Jeff Petruic, Kori Davison, Troy Mann, and rookie Jesse Heerema. The River Otters have signed two goaltenders- Brian Regan and Tim Knudsen. Rookie defenseman Chad Moore has been invited to the River Otters 2003 training camp.

The Missouri River Otters open their new season on October 24th. Former River Otters coach Mark Reeds, and his Kalamazoo Wings, comes to town to take on his former captain and new River Otters head coach Lonnie Loach. It's also St. Louis Pizza and Wings Magnet Schedule Night. Don't forget that all full season ticket holders have been entered in the River Otters' Gulliver's Travels Vacation Sweepstakes. The drawing to win a seven-day all-inclusive trip to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, will be held on opening night, October 24th. Season ticket packages and corporate partnership opportunities are available by calling the River Otters at 636.896.4200.

25 Beilsten, J.P. Position: Forward Shoots: Right Birth date: 11/20/81 Height: 5'11" Weight: 185 Birthplace: St. Louis, MO

Bottom Line: In his second season...scored 13 points in 47 games in rookie year...Won 2002 FIRS Gold Medal with Team USA Roller Hockey...The St. Louis native spent two seasons with the St. Louis Junior "B" Blues of the Central States Hockey League (CSHL)...Ranked third in team scoring in 2001-2002 with 79 points (37g, 42a) in 44 games with 309 PIM...Posted 16 points (7g, 9a) in 28 games with 151 PIM in 2000-2001...Attended McCluer High School

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