Brad Berry Named Head Coach of UND Hockey

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GRAND FORKS, N.D. – University of North Dakota Director of Athletics Brian Faison announced today that longtime assistant coach and former UND letterwinner Brad Berry has been hired as head coach of the men’s hockey program.

Berry was introduced as the 16th head coach in the program’s history – and the sixth former UND player to take over the program — at a news conference this afternoon at Ralph Engelstad Arena. He replaces Dave Hakstol, who was named head coach of the National Hockey League’s Philadelphia Flyers earlier today.

“We are excited to have Brad take leadership of the UND men’s hockey program,” said Faison. “He is an effective recruiter, has an outstanding reputation as a teacher of the game, and brings a tremendous energy and passion to the position. His core values and his understanding of the unique culture that has made UND hockey so successful are the traits that make him the right coach to carry the program forward.”

Possessing a wealth of professional and collegiate coaching and playing experience, Berry recently completed his ninth season as an assistant coach at UND. He served two stints in that role, first from 2000-01 through 2004-06 and again from 2012-13 through 2014-15. The former NHL defenseman has also spent time as an assistant coach with the NHL’s Columbus Blue Jackets (2010-12) and the American Hockey League’s Manitoba Moose (2006-08).

“I’m very humbled and honored to be the next head coach at the University of North Dakota,” said Berry. “Men like Dave Hakstol, Dean Blais and Gino Gasparini have put that foundation in place for the program to be as successful as it has been. Myself, as well as Coach (Dane) Jackson and the rest of our staff, plan on carrying that torch to keep the program at the highest level.”

Courtesy UND Athletics