October 11, 2007
Berard makes immediate impact
By Brian Wilson, TheFourthPeriod.com
(UNIONDALE, NY) -- EThe latest castoff to take residence at Charles Wang's society of wayward hockey players -- otherwise known as the New York Islanders -- is actually an old face.
The Isles finally completed the long-rumored signing of defenseman Bryan Berard to a one-year, $750,000 contract Tuesday. He paid immediate dividends on Wednesday, scoring the game-winning power play goal in a 2-1 victory over the Rangers.
"It's exciting just to get back playing," Berard said. "I've missed a lot of hockey the last couple of years. It was a little bit frustrating to miss the first (two) games, but I finally got a contract done and now I'm back playing. It was an exciting night."
Berard, who won the 1997 Calder Trophy as an Islander, returns to the Island after an eight-year hiatus during which he endured a career-threating eye injury as a Maple Leaf (2000), a positive steroid test as a potential Olympian (2005) and a season-ending back injury as a Columbus Blue Jacket (2006).
"When you get a second chance," said Islanders coach Ted Nolan," you try to make the most of it, and Bryan Berard has a great opportunity here."
Berard participated in training camp with the team, but could not be signed until a roster spot opened. That finally happened on Monday, when Phoenix claimed defenseman Freddy Meyer on waivers.
"[The wait] was tough," said Berard. "Luckily the Islanders let me work out with them and I thank them for that, it kept me in shape."
Isles goaltender Rick DiPietro -- like Berard, a New England native and former first-overall draft pick -- is pleased Berard is finally in the fold.
"I can't imagine losing the sight in one eye and trying to play at this level, and he's able to do that and he does it well," said DiPietro. We're excited to have him and I hope he continues to score big goals."
Brian Wilson is the
Long Island Correspondent for The Fourth Period Magazine and covers the
Islanders for TheFourthPeriod.com.
