Alexandria, MN (Jul. 1, 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 and Austin Moline, were drafted into the NHL on June 29th. With the selection of Berry and Moline, the Knights now have 4 alumni who have been drafted in the NHL as they join Reese Laubach (San Jose Sharks, 2022) and Ben Strinden (Nashville Predators, 2022).

Berry was drafted by the Edmonton Oilers in the 7th round 218th overall. The Grand Forks, ND native played for the Knights from 2021-2023 suiting up with the 16U AAA team and 18U Prep team. “Having Bauer just a year removed from NorthStar and having been drafted in the NHL is a testament to his potential and how much he not only grew in his two years here but in his last season with Muskegon,” said NorthStar Knights 18U Prep Head Coach, Rylan Galiardi.

 

During the 2021-22 season, Berry made an immediate impact as a two-way shutdown defenseman. In 51 games played, he accumulated 33 points (9 G, 24 A) and then followed his steady performance up the following season with 38 points (9 G, 29 A) in 52 games played. Berry led defenseman in points as well as led the team in Power Play Assists with 12. “Bauer has immense hockey sense and if you look at Stanley cup winners, they’re doing it year after year with big smart D,” Galiardi said. “He has a lot more skill than he showed last year in his rookie year in the USHL and expect him to show that more this season.” 

 

“I’m looking forward to getting to Edmonton this week and seeing how they run their organization and just meeting other guys who are a part of the organization.” Berry said. “I’d like to thank all my past Coaches for helping me get to this point and my teammates for making me better everyday and everyone else that supported me along the way.” Berry committed to the University of St. Thomas on May 20th and will play another 1 – 2 seasons in Muskegon before suiting up with the Tommies.  

 

Austin Moline was drafted by the Philadelphia Flyers in the 7th round 205th overall.  The Las Vegas, NV native played for the 16U Knights for the 2020-21 season. In 28 games played, the defenseman put up 18 points (4 G, 14 A). “It’s really fun to see a young man with so much potential when he was here getting recognized as a NHL prospect,” Galiardi said. “He was a skinny forward when he was here and now he’s a big strong offensive D man getting drafted in the NHL.” Now, Moline stands at 6-4, 195 lbs and brings physicality to the lineup while also jumping into the rush to create offense.

 

From 2021-2024 Moline played for Shattuck St. Mary’s where he accumulated 100 points (16 G, 84 A) in 165 games played. With the Draft taking place in Moline’s home town, the moment was extra special for him. “It feels great to represent the city,” Moline said in an interview with Las Vegas news network KTNV. “I’m sure in the next 5-10 years there’s going to be a lot of great players that come out of here too, so I can’t wait to watch that.” Moline is committed to Northern Michigan University and is tendered to play for the Brooks Bandits of the BCHL next year. 

 

“Most importantly, our program is more interested in these players growing in their faith and character,” Galiardi added. “We’re excited to see these young men impact their dressing rooms, communities and the hockey world.”