Brad Berry: 'I will Always Bleed Green' – Grand Forks Herald

Note of the editors: Former en hockey coach Brad Berry van Und wrote a letter to the Herald on Tuesday and reflected on his journey to the head coach of Und and his time at the school.

In the past 48 hours I had the opportunity to think about the past, to consider the present and the future.

The only thought that came to me during this abrupt and rapid change was to really thank the very impactful and special people in the last 42 years in my association with und Hockey and und.

In 1983 I boarded the campus as a recruited hockey player. I came from a small town in Alberta, Canada, as a young man who had no idea how long I would be in Grand Forks and how much und hockey would forever influence my life.

I went to the NHL concept choice for the Winnipeg -Jets. My lifelong children's dream, like every young boy in Canada, had to play in the NHL. North Dakota Hockey has absolutely helped me to reach that dream.

On day 1, coach Gino Gasparini brought the first -year class of nine young and very confident players from different provinces and states to his office. Very quickly and with a strong presence he taught us 'the North Dakota way'. That was to set aside all individual agendas and egos and to make the team the absolute focus. Gino inspired and formed many players during his term of office at Und with a lot of success on the road. Thank you, Gino. You made me who I am.

After I left undes, I signed an NHL contract with the Winnipeg Jets. I was lucky to spend the first eight years of my professional career mainly in the NHL and play in Winnipeg, Minnesota and Dallas. Eventually I was approached by the Dallas Stars Management of Bob Gainey, Les Jackson and Doug Armstrong.

They offered me the opportunity to go to Kalamazoo, Mich. To go to play and work with their high -quality prospects in their best affiliated team. My first thought was that I could still play in the NHL. After taking some time to think about it, I realized that they appreciated me enough to trust me their top perspectives and future to show them how they can be real professionals on and next to the ice. I embraced and absolutely loved my role as a mentor for young NHL aspiring players for the next five years. Thank you, Bob Gainy, Les Jackson and Doug Armstrong. You started and feed my coaching mindset.

After a second return, there was a retirement by playing the game that I really loved all my life. After a 13-year-old pro-hockey play career, a critical point took place in my life. What should I do now?

On August 2, 2000 my phone rang out of nowhere. It was Dean Blais. Dean recruited and coached me as a player at Und. He said, “I need an assistant coach and want to know if you want to come back to North Dakota.”

For every important decision in my life I first consult my wife. For this, and how special und hockey is, I immediately said “yes” without her approval, knowing that she would be all-in. Dean gave me my first chance to become a full -time coach. Thank you, Dean. You are a real leader and I have learned so much from you. You are and will always be a real and good friend.

Along the way I had the privilege of working with Cary Eades and Dave Hakstol. They are both huge coaches and people with great knowledge of the hockey game. You have both had a great coaching career and still have a huge impact on the game. Thank you, Cary and Dave. It was an honor to work with you.

After years of growth as an assistant coach, I had the passion to try to eventually become a head coach.

I knew that the only way to do that was to go outside of my comfort zone as an assistant coach at Und and to gain extra knowledge and experience to increase my oeuvre. That was crucial to experience every other scenario and situation to achieve success and to overcome adversity. My chances came from the Manitoba Moose from the American Hockey League and the Columbus Blue Jackets from the NHL.

With the Moose, und Alum Mark Chipman, Craig Heisinger and Scott Arniel all the great old friends from the Winnipeg Jets days were the standard for Excellency and professionalism in all ways. The two years that I worked there were the most influential in my growth as a coach. Thank you, Mark, Craig and Scott set up at an elite level daily. You all let me strive for that level of excellence during my coaching career.

Thank you, Scott Arniel, that you gave me the opportunity to coach with Columbus at the highest level of hockey and to experience the highest highlights and the lowest lows. Both gave me valuable experience for the coming future times. Scott, you are now a living proof of that and leads the Winnipeg -Jets to the top of the NHL.

All this extra coaching experience gave me the best chance to become head coach.

In May 2015 I was appointed head coach of North Dakota Hockey. The next 10 years were filled with many great memories and championships. For this great opportunity I want to thank athletic director Brian Faison and President Robert Kelley. Thank you for believing in me and who I am.

During my 19 years as a head coach and assistant coach, I had the chance to work with so many incredible people in Und and Ralph Engelstad Arena. The list is so long. You know who you are. Thank you very much for your hard work and dedication to the program. You left your fingerprints on the great success we had.

To the Engelstad family Ralph, Betty, Kris, Sean and Erin: long ago you entered into a program-changing commitment that the hockey has absolutely improved. From the construction of the Ralph Engelstad Arena to your constant support over the years and to this day, thanks. What is incredible is that you all have generously supported other programs and organizations at Und and within the city of Grand Forks. You are all really great and have influenced many people exponentially and positively. We are all very grateful.

Und Hockey undoubtedly has the best fans in college hockey. We are very grateful for your strong support, not only with the Ralph, but also on every road location in which we play. You are a fan base. Other hockey programs want them to have. Thank you for spending your hard -earned money and your valuable time to support the players and our program.

To the current and former players (and there are many of you): you are the life -hearted and face of und hockey. I want to thank you all in so many ways. Thank you for representing North Dakota Hockey at the highest level on the ice, in the classroom and in the community. You all worked so hard in all these areas every day. At und Hockey we are measured by victories and championships and that is definitely the way it should be for an elite program that we are. We all know that as players and coaches.

The other way we are measured, and the most important thing is our character. Who we are if people and what qualities we have for me is the ultimate measurement. I really believe the way we behave with a great attitude, with an unstoppable work ethics and the selfless dedication to help others is the gold bar standard for character. You all have that. I want to thank all players for reaching that standard. The final goal is to be excellent spouses and fathers. You keep the chain strong and unbreakable.

Finally and more importantly, for my family, my wife, Suzanne, my adult children Brianna (und Alum), Brooke (und Alum) and Bauer (incoming St. Thomas Freshman Hockey Student athleet): I love you all my heart!

The sacrifices that you all made for my personal career is the ultimate sign of love. During all the family movements, the time I brought away from all of you at work, and the special days in your life that I missed, thank you for the concept. Thank you for being a close, tight family who supports and raises each other and encourages each other to be our best every day.

To the love of my life, Suzanne: When I got on campus 42 years ago, the last thing I was to a friend/future woman was. My focus was playing college hockey and finally pro hockey. That was my only goal. You were introduced my life and that was a game change. You are the loving and selfless mother and shepherd of our wonderful children. I am grateful for every day we spend together. Thank you for giving me your life. I love you.

In conclusion, und hockey is the embodiment of college hockey excellence in every aspect of the game. The future of the program is currently the most important issue. I am firmly convinced that the next head coach has the great opportunity to bring this prestigious program to a different level. Someone is needed with a huge and wide range of experience, ruthless work ethics and especially a personality who connects with young players who all have different qualities who need confidence and care to grow individually, and especially as a team.

There will be many excellent and very qualified applicants who would die for this job. This position is seen as the NHL of College Hockey. My hope is that the current administration will take place in this recruitment process with open spirits and with an absolutely strong conviction to hire the best leader of all major candidates who register for this important position. The program owes this.

I will always bleed green.

Thank you all
Brad Berry