The Victoria Grizzlies are excited to announce that NCAA national championship-winning head coach Brad Berry will join the club’s training camp as a special guest coach.
Berry spent 10 seasons as head coach of the University of North Dakota, leading the Fighting Hawks to the 2016 NCAA National Championship in his first season behind the bench.
During his tenure, North Dakota remained one of the premier programs in college hockey. Berry led the Fighting Hawks to five NCHC regular-season championships and earned the conference’s Herb Brooks Coach of the Year award four times.
Berry will work alongside the Grizzlies coaching staff throughout camp, bringing decades of experience in player development, team building and preparing athletes to compete at the highest levels of the game.
“We’re incredibly fortunate to have someone of Brad’s calibre joining us for training camp,” said Grizzlies President David Michaud. “Our players will have the opportunity to learn directly from a coach who has led an elite NCAA program and won a national championship. His experience, knowledge and perspective will also be tremendously valuable for our coaching staff as we prepare for the season.”
Before moving behind the bench, the Alberta native played 241 games in the NHL. His coaching and scouting career has also included positions with the Dallas Stars, Columbus Blue Jackets, Vancouver Canucks and Manitoba Moose.
For the Grizzlies, Berry’s presence adds another elite hockey voice to an important week of evaluation, preparation and team building.
“This is a tremendous opportunity for everyone in our organization,” said Grizzlies Head Coach and General Manager Geoff Grimwood. “Brad understands what championship standards look like and what players need to do every day to reach the next level. Having him work directly with our players and staff will make our training camp—and our hockey club—better.”
Berry will join the Grizzlies when training camp opens at The Q Centre.
