A second Raven is flying to the 2011 World University Games to represent Canada in men’s hockey, Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS) announced Jan. 19.
Forward Ryan Berard has been picked to join his men’s varsity teammate Brandon MacLean on team Canada’s roster at the international winter sports tournament, which takes place in Turkey from Jan. 27 to Feb. 6.
“He’s been on our radar,” said Brian Bourque, coach of the University of Waterloo’s men’s hockey team and the Canadian hockey team’s general manager. “We’ve been watching him throughout the season.”
Berard, who played in the Ontario Hockey League before joining the Ravens, was added to the team to replace one of two injured forwards.
“When an opening became available, we knew that we’d be very comfortable that he’d be able to fit in,” Bourque said, adding he liked “his work ethic, his determination, [that] he’s been contributing offensively.”
Berard’s capacity to fit in with his new teammates was also a reason he was named to the team, Bourque said.
“We also did lots of homework to make sure the type of person he is, not only in practice but on-the-ice character, is great,” Bourque said. “I’m real happy to have him.”
The sports management student from Niagara Falls, Ont., has seven goals and 20 assists in 22 games this season, putting him in 16th place for points among all Ontario University Athletics (OUA) skaters and in third place on Carleton’s team.
He scored his latest goal in the Ravens’ 7-2 win over the Concordia Stingers Jan. 21.
Berard and the rest of team Canada open the tournament against Slovenia Jan. 27 and are looking to win their first gold medal since 2007.
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