Brady Berard: Underrated Acquisition for Eagles?

Berard spent the first two seasons of his NCAA career at Providence

Entering next season, Boston College will be looking for revenge. 

After losing out to Denver in the Frozen Four finals this year, the team will be determined to avenge their loss and come out on the winning end. 

While they won't ice the same team as last year, with Will Smith and Cutter Gauthier turning pro as examples, the Eagles are still expected to be one of the top programs in the country. 

While fans may mention players such as Ryan Leonard, Gabe Perreault and Oskar Jellvik when thinking about difference makers, one underrated acquisition for the team may have come through the transfer portal - Brett Berard. 

Berard, who enters his junior season after two years at Providence, doesn't have eye-popping numbers. With 11 points over 61 games at the NCAA level, one might be asking why Berard but he has the chance to be a difference maker. 

One reason for optimism is Berard has the ability to mesh with almost anyone he plays with.

A hard-working player, Berard consistently scans when he is on the ice and puts himself into positions where he can create or win the puck back.

Take this play for example. As the Eagles player carries the puck through the neutral zone, Jamie Engelbert pressures the puck carrier and forces them to throw the puck up the ice, While Engelbert is doing this, Berard recognizes what is happening and is able to create the turnover. 

With a quick look up ice, Berard moves the puck to his teammate and it leads to Engelbert's goal. 

Although Berard was a highly touted recruit when entering the NCAA, he still has the ability to be a contributor even when he doesn't show up on the scoresheet. 

As Berard enters his first season with the Eagles, it will be exciting to see how he fits into the lineup. He will have to prove himself but it would not be surprising to see him earn his coaches trust quickly. 

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