“It was probably one of the best experiences in my hockey career,” said Berard. “Providence College is only 15 minutes from my house, so my family and friends were able to come to the game and support me. It was a dream come true.

“Being able to play against Holy Cross the next day and beat my dad’s team was fun and cool. It was some of the most fun games of my hockey career and a once in a lifetime experience.”

Despite Team USA falling to Providence, 2-1 in overtime on Oct. 12, Berard will look back on it fondly.

“I think I will always remember skating out for the first time and lining up at the goal,” he said. “Then, when the starters were announced, and I had to skate from the goal to the blue line when my name was announced. I got to start that game. It was a huge pick-me-up and of course, having my friends and family there to cheer me on is what still sticks out to me.”

In the 4-2 win over Holy Cross on Oct. 13, it was a big offensive afternoon for Berard in beating the team his dad, David, has coached for five seasons, earning some family bragging rights.

“I scored two goals in that game,” he said. “On the first goal, Chase [Yoder] and I had a 2-on-1, it was a backdoor play and he found me, and I was able to bury the puck. I think that goal will stick with me. Overall, it was a big night for our team.”

The two happiest individuals in both buildings over the weekend might have been Berard’s parents. After all, they played a huge role in his hockey career through the years.

“My parents went there — my mom played field hockey and my dad played ice hockey; he was a goalie,” explained Berard. “My dad was an assistant coach there for 20 years, so we grew up around the program. During the summer, we would sometimes get to go with him to work and eat lunch in the cafeteria.

“I grew up at the rink and it was something that I dreamed about. To be able to come home and play in front of my family and friends is really a childhood dream of mine.”

It wasn’t always easy for the 5-foot-9, 152-pound forward to get to this point. After all, he went through some growing pains during his first year with the NTDP. It was amazing for him to see the difference in his development.

“I think I made huge improvements in my game,” said Berard, who closed his career with 22 goals and 54 points in 92 games. “The Under-17 year was hard. Making the switch from playing high school hockey in Rhode Island to the USHL was a big jump. It was challenging and an adjustment playing against bigger, older and stronger players.

“In my U18 year, I felt more comfortable with the USHL games, but the college games were definitely that challenge. It was definitely fun.”

He also credits head coach Seth Appert in helping him figure out who he was as a player on the ice.

“Coach Appert and I had a long talk about my identity as a player,” he stated. “We decided that [Boston Bruins winger] Brad Marchand was someone I wanted to model my game after. He is an undersized player and has had NHL success. It’s really being a grinder and playing with a chip on my shoulder. It really helped me this season.”

Unfortunately, the U18s' season ended before they had a chance to host the Under-18 World Championship in Plymouth this month. Despite the disappointment, Berard is trying to make the most of his time as he gets ready for the NHL Draft and of course, his college season next year.

“I’m trying to make the most of it since we are in quarantine right now,” he said. “I’m doing in-home workouts with my brother [Brady]. He will be coming out to the program next year.