Northwest Notes May 4, 2021

Shaw promoted to associate head coach for WSU men's basketball

PULLMAN — Washington State men's basketball head coach Kyle Smith announced Monday the promotion of Jim Shaw to associate head coach.

Shaw, the Cougars' most experienced veteran coach, has spent nearly three decades on the bench, including spending the last two seasons alongside of Smith at WSU.

"It would be difficult to match Coach Shaw's enthusiasm and energy for coaching," Smith said in a news release. "Prior to coming on board two years ago, he built a powerhouse program at Western Oregon as head coach where he was a two-time NABC West Region Coach of the Year in four years. Jim has been a big part of building a strong foundation in our first two years in Pullman. He has lead the charge in our dramatic improvement on defense. Our program has improved from 284 to 24 nationally in two years, according to Kenpom.com. He has had a strong hand in our recruiting efforts as well which has led to one of the best recruiting classes in WSU history."

Prior to coming to WSU, Shaw spent over 25 years coaching throughout the country. Prior to coaching at Western Oregon, he was part of six Pac-10 championships at Washington and Oregon State, three Big-12 Tournament titles at Oklahoma, and campaigns at Saint Mary's, Portland and Idaho State where his teams earned NCAA Tournament bids.

Chiefs forward Beckman named WHL Player of the Week

CALGARY, Alberta — Spokane Chiefs forward Adam Beckman was named Western Hockey League Player of the Week for the week ending Sunday.

Beckman, a left winger and 19-year-old product of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, recorded seven points (six goals, one assist), including two hat tricks, in three as the Chiefs went 2-0-1-0 this past week in the U.S. Division.

In 17 games this season, Beckman is tied for second in goal scoring in the WHL with 15 goals. He trails only Lynden McCallum of the Brandon Wheat Kings, who finished the East Division campaign with 21 goals. With 24 points (15G-9A) to his credit, Beckman leads the Chiefs in scoring.

Beckman was selected by the Minnesota Wild in the third round (75th overall) of the 2019 NHL Draft.