 Sophomore Dan Bertram showed some scoring prowess last year and looks to improve as a leader on the front line.
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So he's not the youngest kid in college hockey anymore, eh?
Dan Bertram was 17 when he left Calgary, Alberta for Chestnut Hill. It's a common age for freshmen to come to college; but in the world of ice hockey, it's a rarity.
"Last year was for sure a tough year, just the adjustment of it," the sophomore forward says. "I knew that's how it was going to be."
It's certainly not an easy feat to play in the Hockey East at such a young age.
"I didn't know how strong [my game] should have been," says Bertram. "It was about getting your feet wet."
Things started off hot. Bertram opened his career with the Eagles by scoring two goals against Denver back in October 2004. He notched another two goals a few games later, this time versus North Dakota, and followed it up with a tally against Maine in November. Such a solid performance early on garnered him Hockey East Rookie of the Week honors - twice.
And when Boston College was up against Cornell in December's Florida College Classic, Bertram scored a power-play goal to help the team to a 4-2 win.
Then the streak simmered down. The team got in a bit of a rut following winter break, and Bertram was playing with a high-ankle sprain and a shoulder injury. He finished up the season notching 17 points on nine goals and eight assists.
But if ther was doubt on how good of a hockey player he was, it was all put to rest at April's Under-18 World Junior Championship. Bertram played to his potential, scoring four goals in six games and earning a silver medal.
"That was nice," he recalls. "It kind of showed me where I was at as a player. 'Hey, that's how much I've come along against kids my own age,' I thought.
"That was nice to see, and it was a great confidence booster for sure," Bertram continues.
All About Confidence
It's the start of a new season. Bertram is another year older, and he's bringing something new to the ice for his sophomore contests - a lot of confidence.
"I think the biggest thing I built on for this year is confidence," he says. "I feel much more confident in myself and my game as a sophomore."
Spring Break
