by Mike Ries, Staff Writer, AHL Report

BRAMPTON, ON. — Brampton Beast forward Alex Foster has been a pleasant surprise so far this season centering the top line and scoring at a point a game pace.  The former Toronto Marlies captain started the season with the Rapid City Rush of the ECHL before being released and signing with the Brampton Beast. 

Foster starred at Bowling Green State University for two seasons in which he recorded 82 points in only 72 games.  He then signed with the Toronto Marlies and played six seasons with the Toronto Maple Leafs top minor league team. Foster also saw action in three games in the NHL with the Maple Leafs.  His role on the Marlies was that of a defensive forward and penalty killer, two roles in which he excelled at and was subsequently named team captain.

After his run in the AHL, Foster played across Europe for the next six seasons including stops the Czech Republic, Germany, Austria and Ireland before returning to North America this season to resume his career.

Alex did not disappoint upon his arrival in Brampton. He is a high energy player who is a very smooth skater and possesses exceptional speed at the ECHL level.  Foster is well-liked by teammates and certainly proved his value as a leader. Ascending to the top line center position this season, Foster along with captain Brandon Marino have proved to be a lethal one-two punch both scoring at a point a game. The pair have uncanny chemistry on the ice.

Foster and the recent arrival of David Vallorani has bolstered a forward group that has had balanced scoring, but lacked a solid top line and proficient power play forwards.  Foster has been strong at both ends of the ice and to date has been the best addition the Beast have made in the past few seasons.  Even at the age of 33, which in today’s hockey world is bordering on over the hill, Foster doesn’t look out of place and rarely is caught flat-footed.

With the recent additions at the forward position, a more mobile defensive corps and the strong goaltending tandem of Marcus Hogberg and Zach Fucale, don’t be surprised if the Beast climb to the top the Eastern Conference and challenge for the Division title before seasons end with Foster leading the way.