University of Connecticut Athletics
Getting to Know the #IceBus Freshmen: Carter Berger
12/13/2019 10:00:00 AM | Men's Ice Hockey
Carter Berger is a defenseman from North Vancouver, British Columbia. Before coming to UConn, he played three seasons in the BCHL, where he tallied 108 total points. He has been a key part of the Huskies defense so far this season, appearing in 15 games and recording six points. He scored his first collegiate goal in the team's most recent win over Vermont to go along with his five assists.
Berger was selected in the fourth round of this year's NHL Draft by the Florida Panthers with the 106th pick. Last weekend, we had a chance to ask him about his first season at UConn and some other things.
Q: Why'd you pick UConn?
CB: I think for me, they're a team that's trending in the right direction. They're trending upwards. I think when I came on my visit here, I really fell in love with the school and I think I connected well with the coaching staff. I think those were some of the main reasons why I chose here.
Q: What's your favorite part about playing hockey here at UConn so far?
CB: I don't know if there's one thing in particular. I think I've connected really well with all the guys on the team so far and playing in the XL Center every night is a treat.
Q: You were able to come in and really establish a solid role for yourself right away as a freshman. What's that been like?
CB: It's been good. Yeah, I think the older guys have really helped me transition pretty smoothly. I think I'm still trying to learn every game, but I think each game is getting better.
Q: You recorded an assist in your first collegiate game and you have five on the season. Did you anticipate playing this kind of role so early in your career?
CB: I think a little bit. I think I knew going into college I wanted to come in and try to be an impact player right away, and I think I'm on my way of getting there.
Q: You played three seasons of junior hockey in the BCHL. How do you think that helped prepare you for the college level?
CB: I think the BCHL is a great stepping stone for the NCAA. I think just everything that league has to offer really made my transition here smooth.
Q: What's been the toughest adjustment for you so far to college hockey?
CB: I think just the speed of the game. Obviously there's a lot of older guys out there, so plays happen quicker. So you gotta react fast and I think for me, that's been the biggest change.
Q: Who's your favorite professional hockey team and player?
CB: For me, I'm from Vancouver, so I gotta go with my hometown Canucks. As far as a player goes, I don't really have one. I watch a lot of hockey, but no player in particular.
Q: You were drafted by the Panthers in this year's NHL Draft. Can you tell me what that experience was like for you?
CB: That was really awesome. The draft was in my hometown of Vancouver, so I had a lot of family and friends there that were supporting me. So that was just a really cool experience, especially with it being in my hometown.
Q: What do you feel is the best part of your game?
CB: I think my skating and my offensive instincts are two of the main things that stick out to me. I'm really working on this year just to become a more well-rounded defenseman.
Q: What's something you'd like UConn fans to know about you that they won't find on a stat sheet or in a bio?
CB: Both my parents were actually National Team swimmers for Canada, so that one's pretty cool.
Q: Wow, did you ever swim?
CB: Never competitively. I like swimming, but never competitively.
Q: What's a personal goal for you for the rest of the season?
CB: I mean we obviously want to make the playoffs and hopefully go as far as we can. Win a Hockey East championship and hopefully we make the NCAA Tournament.
