GRAND FORKS, N.D. – University of North Dakota Director of Athletics Bill Chaves announced on Wednesday that Head Hockey Coach Brad Berry has received a contract extension through the 2025-26 season.
“Today is a great day for UND and UND hockey as we announce the extension of Coach Berry’s contract,” said Chaves. “Brad has been a tremendous leader for our program and student-athletes. In addition, he is a great teammate to everyone in our department, university and State. He is nationally respected and is looked upon by his peers and others when the discussion of growing the game of college hockey is discussed. I look forward to our continued partnership.”
Berry is currently in his seventh year at the helm of the North Dakota hockey program and has continued to put his own distinct stamp on a culture already steeped in tradition and success. He has guided his alma mater to a 159-74-25 (.664) record during his time, including seven winning seasons, three NCAA Tournament appearances (2016, 2017, 2021), a national championship (2016) and one of the best seasons in school history prior to getting cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2019-20.
“My family and I would like to thank President Armacost, Bill Chaves, The University of North Dakota, Ralph Engelstad Arena and the Engelstad Family for giving us the opportunity to keep ‘Adding to the Tradition’ over these seven seasons,” said Berry. “We are very grateful and blessed to continue being part of an elite hockey program that possesses an outstanding culture.”
The Bashaw, Alberta, native is a three-time National Collegiate Hockey Conference Herb Brooks Coach of the Year recipient (2015, 2020, 2021) and won the Spencer Penrose ACHA National Coach of the Year in 2020. His .664 winning percentage at UND places him fourth all-time.
He has continued the success of sending players to the next level, as a school-record 24 former North Dakota student-athletes currently play in the NHL while countless more are enjoying success across a bevy of professional leagues. Berry has coached back-to-back Hobey Baker finalists, nine All-Americans, 22 all-conference selections and multiple scholar-athletes.
Perhaps his best work has come during this current season, as North Dakota has its sights set on an unprecedented third straight Penrose Cup despite welcoming 14 newcomers, the most in a single season since 1973, after eight players from last season’s team signed NHL contracts.
Berry himself was a standout defenseman as a player, first at UND where he collected 74 points (12 goals, 62 assists) in 112 games from 1983-86 under legendary head coach Gino Gasparini. Berry also won a gold medal with Canada at the 1985 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship before embarking on an eight-year NHL career that saw him play 241 games.
Berry’s family includes his wife, Suzanne, daughters Brianna and Brooke and son, Bauer.
*Alec Stocker Johnson, UND Athletics
