ANCHORAGE - Senior defenseman Luke Beaverson, who tallied 18 points in 138 career games at Alaska Anchorage, has been signed by the National Hockey League's Florida Panthers.

UAA's team captain during the 2007-08 season, Beaverson inked a two-year entry-level contract with the Panthers. The Mendota Heights, Minn., product was originally drafted by Florida in the ninth round of the 2004 NHL draft.

"Luke was a great leader for us both on the ice and in the classroom," said UAA head coach Dave Shyiak. "He has developed his game tremendously over the last four years and he has earned this opportunity. We certainly wish him luck and thank him for his time at UAA."

Beaverson played six games with the Rochester Americans of the American Hockey League (Florida's affiliate) at the conclusion of his senior season, recording 13 penalty minutes.

Paired on the Seawolves' top defensive line this past year, the 6-5, 228-pounder scored one goal and two assists in 30 games, while registering 24 penalty minutes.

Beaverson is the sixth UAA skater to see action in an AHL game since the end of the 2006-07 season, joining Chad Anderson (Philadelphia), Jay Beagle (Hershey), Justin Bourne (Bridgeport), Lee Green (Binghamton) and Charlie Kronschnabel (Portland).