Alexandria, MN (May. 20, 2024)
For more information, contact: Johnny Van Atta, Director of Hockey Operations and Media Relations (615) 830-1113, [email protected]
Northstar Knights alumni, Bauer Berry, has announced his commitment to University of St. Thomas last week. The Tommies are located in the suburbs of Minneapolis and have been a Division 1 program since the fall of 2021. The Tommies ranked 2nd in the CCHA conference last season and recently announced that they will be moving to the NCHC conference in 2026-27, which is the first season they’ll be eligible to qualify for the NCAA tournament. The school is currently constructing a $183.4 million on-campus facility to host over 4,000 hockey and basketball fans. “We’re super excited to add Bauer to the Tommie Family”, said St. Thomas Assistant Coach, Cory Laylin. “He’s an excellent all-around defenseman with size, skill and hockey sense. His character, work ethic and determination fits well with our culture and what we’re building here at St. Thomas.”
Berry played for the Knights from 2021 – 2023 totaling 71 points (18G, 53A) in 103 games played for both the 16U and 18U teams. Berry’s 71 points rank him in 5th place in points among defensemen in the Knights History. “We’re so excited and proud of Bauer,” said Knights Hockey Director and 18U Prep Head Coach, Rylan Galiardi. “He was a great player during his time here at NorthStar and we’re confident he will be a great defenseman for St. Thomas in the NCHC.”
After his time at Northstar, Berry moved on to the Muskegon Lumberjacks of the USHL who drafted Berry back in 2021 with the 194th overall pick. In 59 games played this season for the Lumberjacks, the Grand Forks, ND native scored 14 points (1G, 13A). “I thought I had a good year and my ice time increased over the season”, Berry said when he reflected on this past season. “I accepted my role with our skilled guys. I moved into that position and did well with that. I’m excited to see my future.” Berry is also ranked No. 154 among North American skaters in the final NHL Central Scouting Bureau’s draft rankings which is set for June 28 – 29 in Las Vegas. “We believe he (Berry) has the type of hockey sense that is very rare and should make him a NHL draft pick,” Galiardi added. “Most importantly, Bauer grew as a young man here and I know he has continued to pursue the Lord during his time in Muskegon.”
The Knights want to congratulate Bauer on his commitment and are excited to watch his continued growth and pursuit of his dream of playing collegiate hockey at a high level.