May 11, 2018
The Milwaukee Power of the NA3HL has named Fred Berry as the organization’s first General Manager & Head Coach. Berry, a native of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, began his storied hockey career, amassing 358 points in only 202 games, within the Junior ranks in Western Canada playing for the Merritt Centennials & New Westminster Bruins.
Recognized as one of the best Junior hockey players in Canada the Detroit Red Wings drafted Berry in the 1976 National Hockey League (NHL) Draft in the 3rd Round with the 40th overall pick. Berry would play 3 games with Detroit during the 1976-77 season before embarking on one of the most successful professional hockey careers inside the now defunct International Hockey League (IHL).
Video: Meet new Milwaukee Power head coach Fred Berry
“From my first conversation with Fred it was apparent there was not a more renowned, respected, knowledgeable, trust-worthy, hockey figure inside Milwaukee to usher in this city’s Junior hockey-era & lead our Power organization during our inaugural season,” stated Chase Ernst – Vice President of Hockey Operations. “Fred is committed to building the sport of hockey at all levels inside Milwaukee; developing & advancing our players to the next levels; providing an entertaining style & brand of hockey; and wanting to bring the Fraser Cup to the fans of the Power & the city of Milwaukee.”
“Freedo” as most Milwaukee hockey fans would come to know him spent seven of his ten professional seasons with the Milwaukee Admirals of the IHL. Berry is the only player in Admiral franchise history to break the 100-point threshold three straight seasons. Berry holds the Admiral franchise record for assists (379); ranks second in points (604) & games played (465); and has his number 14 retired. Berry ranks 13th all-time in assists and 16th in points in the 56-year history of the IHL. Over the course of his entire professional career Berry played in 706 games, recording an astounding 823 points on 301 goals & 522 assists, for an average of 1.17 points-per-game.
Berry has been an instrumental voice & leader within the local Milwaukee hockey scene since his retirement from playing in 1987. Berry has been associated with the Milwaukee Jr. Admirals AAA Hockey Program; the Waukesha High School Hockey Club; and the Waukesha Youth Hockey Association, where he spent 13 seasons as a head coach, winning 8 Wisconsin Youth Hockey State Championships. Berry and his wife Kristi have four grown children (Brittany, Braxton, Jessica & Jake). Since 1992 Berry has owned & operated Hockey Haven Superstore in Brookfield, WI.
