ECHL Florida Everblades

Long-Time 'Blade Berg Announces Retirement

July 19, 2007 - ECHL (ECHL)
Florida Everblades News Release


ESTERO, FL - Florida Everblades all-time leading scorer Reggie Berg has decided to retire from hockey, he and the team announced today. Berg hangs up his skates after seven seasons in Southwest Florida as a member of the Everblades.

Berg, who turns 31 in September, leaves hockey as the Everblades all-time leader in points (319), goals (145), plus-minus (+86), power play goals (32), short-handed goals (11), and shots (1,119). The Anoka, Minnesota native also ranks among the all-time team leaders in assists (2nd, 174), game-winning goals (2nd, 22) and penalty minutes (5th, 334).

"I've known Reggie since he was 16-years old." Everblades president and general manager Craig Brush said. "In many ways he feels like a son to me, and it's a sad day that he's announcing his retirement from hockey. We fully understand his decision, and wish him all the best in his new career."

Berg's professional career began in 1999 after completing his collegiate career at the University of Minnesota. During his first season with the Everblades, the former 7th round draft pick by the Toronto Maple Leafs in 1996, tallied 53 points (27g, 26a) in 52 games. During his first three professional seasons, Berg also saw time in the International Hockey League with Orlando (1999-00) and Cincinnati (2000-01) and in the American Hockey League with Lowell (2000-02).

"It's never an easy decision to give up what you love to do, and this was definitely not an easy decision for me to make." Berg added. "I truly feel though, that it was the right decision for me, my family and the team. I'm going to miss hockey, the fans and the organization. I can't thank the fans and the Everblades enough for everything they've done for my career and family, but there comes a time when you have to step back and put family first. I've put the team first for seven years, and now is the time for me to turn my attention to my family. I owe a tremendous amount of thanks to Mr. Brush for allowing me to be a part of this organization for so long, and only the great mutual respect between us allowed for that."

After electing to sit out the 2002-03 campaign, Berg returned to the Everblades in 2003-04 and notched 47 points (24g, 23a) in 40 games. In Berg's final season last year, he managed a career-high 29 goals and a career-high 64 points in 58 games. Over his final four seasons in Florida, Berg averaged 1.16 points per game.

Berg's career highlight's include:

- 2006-07: Skated in his 300th career game on Nov. 28 vs. Texas...notched 300th career point with a goal on Dec. 10 at Gwinnett...scored 150th career goal on Mar. 23 vs. Columbia... became the Everblades all-time leading scorer with an assist on Apr. 1 at Pensacola.

- 2005-06: Became Everblades all-time leading goal scorer on Feb. 28 vs. S. Carolina. - 2004-05: Picked up his 200th career point on Oct. 22 vs. Texas...scored his 100th career goal on Jan. 15 vs. Columbia...had career high five points in one game (1g, 4a) on Jan. 29 vs. Louisiana.

- 2003-04: Had career high 11-game point scoring streak from Oct. 25-Nov. 28. - 2001-02: Scored first of his five career hat-trick on Dec. 28 vs. Greensboro.

Berg leaves the game of hockey with an impressive 346 career points (155g, 189a) in 344 games from 1999-2007. As an Everblade, Berg finished with 319 points (145g, 174a) in 280 regular season games, and chipped in 46 points (19g, 27a) in 52 career Kelly Cup Playoff games.

Opening Day for the ECHL's 20th Anniversary Season will be Oct. 18 when the Johnstown Chiefs host the Wheeling Nailers at Cambria County War Memorial in a rematch of Game 7 from the first-ever ECHL Finals.

Celebrating its 20th Anniversary as the Premier 'AA' Hockey League in 2007-08, the ECHL began in 1988-89 with five teams in three states and has grown to be a coast-to-coast league that will have 25 teams in 17 states and British Columbia in 2007-08. The 25 teams includes the Mississippi (Biloxi) Sea Wolves, who return after missing two seasons in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, and the expansion Elmira (N.Y.) Jackals.

Be a part of the Everblades 10th Anniversary season! The 2007-08 season begins on Friday, October 19 when the 'Blades host the Mississippi Sea Wolves at 7:30 p.m. from Germain Arena! Deposits are being taken now for 2007-08 Florida Everblades season tickets! For just $50 per/seat you can reserve your piece of the action for next season! Visit www.floridaeverblades.com and www.germainarena.com for more information on ticket packages, pricing and upcoming Germain Arena events.

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