Favorite NHL Team
Boston Bruins

Favorite NHL Players
Patrice Bergeron, Anthony Cirelli

Favorite Movies
Money Heist, Miracle, Mission Impossible

Favorite Celebrity
Addison Rae

Favorite Musical Artist
Drake

Favorite Netflix Binge
Outer Banks

Favorite Book
Mind Gym

Favorite Food
Pasta, shrimp and chicken

"I always wanted to go to the NTDP since Brett made the team, but I think when it really hit me that I wanted to take the next step was the start of my U15 year at Mount," said Berard. "I loved my coaches there and they pushed me to be the best every day and I can't thank them enough. The beginning of that year I really wanted to make the next step [to the NTDP]."

One of the biggest differences between the brothers was how they entered the NTDP. The program traditionally holds its Evaluation Camp every March to select the incoming crop of Under-17 players. It’s in that situation where an undersized skater like Brett can really showcase his skillset to the NTDP group that picks the incoming crop.

Brady was afforded no such opportunity to stand out among his peers. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the camp for the 2004-born players was canceled and the team was chosen based off their performance until the shutdown.

"It was stressful, one of the most stressful times of my life because I couldn't prove myself at the camp," Berard said. "I didn't know what direction they were going. When I got the offer, there was no hesitation at all to accept. This has been a dream since my brother came here and I'm really glad this year worked out the way it did and to have this opportunity. 

And if the team selection process was a bit wonky, the actual hockey season was anyone’s guess. Not knowing how many, or even if any, games would be played, or against which competition, Berard’s goals were more on the large-scale, not focused on stats on the ice. As he got closer to the season and realized the USHL would be playing a full schedule against players two and three years older, the goals became more clear.

But in cadence with the season, nothing could stay on a regular schedule for too long. In February, Berard suffered an upper-body injury that would take him off the ice for the rest of the season. He finished the year with 15 points in 32 games, but he vowed to himself to not let his injury get him down.

"I just tried to be a leader. You can be a leader on the ice and off the ice and I just tried to stay close with the guys. For me, it was trying to be a leader off the ice and in the weight room. It's not what I wanted the season to end like, but I think being there for everyone and trying to be a good role model to everyone else and being the best version of myself was how I could help."

The Providence college commit got a head start on his teammates in the weight room during his recovery period. But after the season, the rest of the squad got to join in for the grueling May training period. Berard’s goals for the month were not only to get bigger and stronger in the weight room, but improve his mentality as well.

"I think the thing for me is to try and have more confidence in myself. I think I lacked confidence a little bit this year. I need to get stronger so that when I'm playing kids who are older and bigger, I won't be knocked around."

While big plans are in store for his U18 season, where he will hopefully suit up for Team USA at the Under-18 Men’s World Championship, an opportunity his brother did not get with the COVID cancellation, he will be certain to regain walking in the footsteps of Brett after the season.