HUNTSVILLE | The University of Alabama in Huntsville hockey program and fourth-year head coach Mike Corbett announced Monday an addition of four student-athletes for the upcoming 2016-17 campaign, which begins with a trip to Ferris State on Oct. 1-2.
 
"As a whole we have a small group of players we are adding to our 2016-17 squad," Coach Corbett said regarding the signing class. "They may not add size but we are a much faster and talented team with this freshman group.  I do feel they will also add the offense needed for us to add more wins in the standings.  They're a fantastic group of student-athletes that UAH and UAH fans can be proud of."
 
Austin Beaulieu (5-9/170, F)
Hometown: Coral Springs, Fla.
Previous Team: Wichita Falls Wildcats (NAHL)
 

HKY: Welcome Austin Beaulieu to @uahhockey! #UnitedWeCharge pic.twitter.com/5IOXALdDIq

— UAH Chargers (@UAHChargers) August 15, 2016

Bio: Played the 2014-15 and 2015-16 seasons with the Wichita Falls Wildcats (NAHL) … Appeared in a total of 119 games for Wichita Falls … Totaled 104 points from 39 goals and 65 assists in his two seasons … Member of 2014-15 NAHL All-Rookie Team …  In 2014-15, ranked second on the roster with 55 points from 22 goals and 33 assists while holding a +27 rating on the ice … Finished second on the roster with 49 points on 17 goals and 32 assists in 2015-16.
 
Coach Corbett on Beaulieu: "Austin comes to us from Florida after two years of junior hockey where he was an offensive leader from day one of his career. He's a strong offensive player with tremendous hockey sense.  Austin is a player we feel will upgrade our production during his freshman season. A good skater with the ability to make plays and will aid our special teams."
 
Connor James (5-9/170, D)
Hometown: Wainwright, Alberta
Previous Team: Spruce Grove Saints (AJHL)
 

HKY: Connor James joins @uahhockey for 2016-17! #UnitedWeCharge pic.twitter.com/H1v7NVDmTb

— UAH Chargers (@UAHChargers) August 15, 2016

Bio: Played the 2012-13, 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16 seasons with the Spruce Grove Saints (AJHL) … Helped Spruce Grove to an AJHL Championship in 2013-14 and 2014-15 … Appeared in a total of 142 games for Spruce Grove … Totaled 20 goals and 44 assists for 64 career points with the Saints … Played in 46 playoff contests with Spruce Grove, totaling five goals and 10 assists for 15 points in those games.
 
Coach Corbett on James: "Connor is a strong skating defenseman that has been part of championship teams during his junior career.  He knows what it takes to win and will add experience in that area for our program.  Connor will add depth to our backline and will bring all the attributes we like every day.  He can skate, and brings a strong offensive element with his shot from the point."
 
Jordan Larson (5-9/190, F)
Hometown: Fort Frances, Ontario
Previous Team: Carleton Place Canadians (CCHL)
 

HKY: Welcome Jordan Larson to the Rocket City! #UnitedWeCharge pic.twitter.com/ggUzzT6Vsa

— UAH Chargers (@UAHChargers) August 15, 2016

Bio: Played the 2014-15 and 2015-16 seasons with the Carleton Place Canadians (CCHL) … Helped Carleton Place to CCHL Championship in both seasons on the roster … Member of the 2015-16 CCHL Third All-Star Team … Totaled 90 appearances with Carleton Place while posting 105 career points from 44 goals and 62 assists … Contributed 14 goals and 17 assists for 31 points in 31 career playoff games with the Canadians … Previously played with the Pembroke Lumber Kings (CCHL) in 2012-13, 2013-14 and part of 2014-15 … Played in 118 career games for Pembroke with 32 goals and 80 assists for 112 career points … In lone season with Fort Frances Lakers (SIJHL) in 2011-12, posted 69 points (34g-35a) and finished the season as the SIJHL Rookie of the Year.
 
Coach Corbett on Larson: "Jordan has been a very successful junior player during his career. He is a player that has all the attributes we look for in a player. His compete level is what has put him as a top player on his junior team.  He is a smart player that can play in every situation and he has produced at every level he has played.  He shoots the puck very well and we feel he can add to our offensive output this season."
 
Sean Rappleyea (5-11/170, F)
Hometown: South Amboy, N.J.
Previous Team: Ottawa Jr. Senators (CCHL)
 

HKY: Sean Rappleyea rounds out this year's @uahhockey signing class! #UnitedWeCharge pic.twitter.com/xMkXdLnNvG

— UAH Chargers (@UAHChargers) August 15, 2016

Bio: Played the 2014-15 and 2015-16 seasons with the Ottawa Jr. Senators (CCHL) … Named 2015-16 CCHL Defenseman of the Year and a member of the CCHL First All-Star Team … Appeared in 116 career games with Ottawa in addition to 25 playoff games between two seasons … Posted 68 career points from nine goals and 59 assists … Was the alternate captain for Ottawa in 2015-16 … Led the roster with 35 assists in 2015-16 … Totaled 11 points from two goals and nine assists in 25 playoff games.
 
Coach Corbett on Rappleyea: "Sean has tremendous legs and speed. He will add that element to our defensive corps. He is a player that uses his speed effectively on both sides of the puck.  Sean will be a player that fans will notice every shift because he will always be around the puck.  He will aid our offense from the backline by joining the play and adding a second layer of offense."