Chris Berger commits to Brown

Brown University has picked up a small, but highly skilled forward for the future with the commitment of Buffalo Jr. Sabres forward Chris Berger. The '98 from Williamsville, NY has seen his stock rise over the past six months due to some impressive performances in various showcases.

He had 14 goals and 16 assists in 36 games for the Jr. Sabres' U16 team that competed in the Tier I EHL U16 Division last season. Berger had four goals and four assists in six games played at July's USA Hockey Select 16 Festival in nearby Amherst. This observer had the following notes on Berger following the event:

48. Christopher Berger (#8 Grey) 5-10/167 Buffalo Junior Sabres U16 - He's not overly big, but he does a good job of maneuvering through traffic with a combination of speed and good puck skills. He did a nice job distributing the puck as well as finding the back of the net here this week.

Berger was selected by the Des Moines Buccaneers in the fifth round of the 2014 USHL Futures Draft. SB Nation College Hockey's Managing Editor Chris Dilks was high on his pick, saying, "I really liked the picks of Berger and [Wayzatta forward Mark] Senden; both are smart hockey players, good skaters, and play bigger than their size would indicate." Dilks saw Berger at the Tier I Playoffs as well, commenting, "A good skater and an effective two-way forward."

Brown assistant Mike Devine, a former head coach at Kimball Union Academy, has been hitting the road hard and continuing the strong recruiting momentum the Bears staff has maintained in recent years. Head coach Brendan Whittet is a very good recruiter and has a keen eye for procuring high-end talent.

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