Milwaukee defenseman Berry called up to NAHL
January 14, 2019
The Milwaukee Power of the NA3HL are pleased to announce that captain and defenseman Jake Berry was called up to the Bismarck Bobcats in the North American Hockey League (NAHL).
“Jake has been a big part of what we have done here in Milwaukee in our inaugural season. He’s been our leader in the locker room by showing our guys what it takes to be a top player in the NA3HL and now he’s blazing a trail up the mountain of junior hockey for our team by being the first Power player to play in a NAHL game and we couldn’t be more proud of him,” said Chase Ernst, President of Hockey Operations.
Berry (6’1/180) made his NAHL debut on Saturday night in Bismarck’s 5-0 win over Brookings.
Berry, 20, has been lighting up the score sheet as one of the NA3HL’s top defensemen posting 13 goals and 51 assists in just 31 games, smashing his previous season best of 3 goals and 43 assists in 45 games. The native of Brookfield, Wisconsin, now has the opportunity to showcase his abilities at the next level against better competition and in front of more scouts in pursuit of playing high-level college hockey.
“He’s a good puck moving defenseman that can add offense, at every level of Junior he’s played he’s been able to produce, and our hopes are that he can come in and help us make a good deep playoff push. He’s done a nice job in practice up to this point and we’re excited about getting him in our lineup to see what he can do at our level,” said Garrett Roth, the Bobcats Assistant Coach. “Our hope in calling Jake up is that he does one heck of a job and solidifies a spot on our roster as we are looking to add a defenseman that can help us shore up our defensive zone and win games down the stretch.”
Bismarck is currently tied for fourth in the NAHL's Central Division with 26 games remaining and only four playoff spots up for grabs.
“It’s definitely an honor being recognized at the next level and I’m excited for the opportunity that the Bobcats have given me. All the guys have been super nice and welcoming which makes it a lot easier to just go out there and play my game,” said Berry.
After starting out his junior career in Texas with the Brahmas of the NA3HL, Berry played last season in two different Canadian leagues before coming back to play in his hometown this season. “This is the reason we put a junior team here in Milwaukee, to give these young men the chance to play great hockey closer to home,” said Ernst.
The Power now have the tough task of potentially finishing out the season without one of their anchors on defense, the main driver of their power play, and their Captain. “It was tough leaving the team in my hometown of Milwaukee, but I can’t pass up the opportunity at this level. I wish them all the best if I end up staying here in Bismarck,” said Berry.
