After winning the 2012 NCAA Hockey Championship as an alternate captain with Boston College Eagles, undrafted forward Barry Almeida(19) signed an ato to join Hershey Bears for the remainder of the regular season and quite possibly their Calder Cup Playoffs‘ run.
In his first game, the last of the 2011/2012 AHL regular season, with his new team on his first shift, he scored his first pro goal on his first shot. He should have probably played the lottery on Sunday too.
The 23-year old is another small player entry at only 5’8″ 175 lbs. but looks to have the ability to adapt. Couldn’t hurt for the Caps to continue the look with an invite to rookie camp this summer.
Original story: 4/16-12
Although he wouldn’t appear in any playoff match-ups, as the season concluded Hershey Bears was quick to offer him a one-year minor league contract.
His playing time in his rookie season was split equally between the AHL and on reassignment to affiliate Reading Royals.
In 35 games with the Bears he scored 6 goals and 8 assists, while in 27 ECHL contests he had close to point-per-game production at 10 tallies and 14 helpers.
He also skated 15 Kelly Cup Playoff games (4 goals, 2 assists) en route to his first pro title and his sixth overall.
He was signed late in the off-season by Milwaukee Admirals and attended parent club Nashville Predators‘ training camp but before 2013/2014 started he would be sent down to Cincinnati Cyclones, where he remained for the duration.
Through 47 games he would pot a decent 11 goals and 15 assists, then be on yet another squad that would make it all the way to the Kelly Cup Finals before their exit.
For his third pro year he signed left for Sweden’s Division 1 on a deal with Kallinge-Ronneby IF but before ever skating a game decided to return and inked for 2014/2015 with Utah Grizzlies.
In 55 games he would reach a new career high for assists (27) and points (40) but did not appear in the playoffs.
The soon-to-be 27-year has decided to stay with Utah for his 4th pro season.