SPORTS

DCE's Berdal making big contributions on ice

Tim Johnson

USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin

D.C Everest defenseman J.J. Berdal has six points through three games so far this season.

WESTON – J.J. Berdal might be one of the smallest defensemen in the Wisconsin Valley Conference, but the Evergreens junior plays much bigger than his 5-foot-8, 150 pound frame.

Berdal more than held his own against larger opposing forwards last season and earned second-team all-WVC honors. He is looking to make an even larger contribution for Everest this season.

One of three captains for Everest this winter, Berdal has six points in four games heading into Thursday’s Marathon Cup semifinal matchup with Mosinee at Greenheck Field House.

“J.J.’s maturation is really evident this year,” Everest coach Dan VanSlyke said. “He plays both ends of the rink really well and loves to jump in offensively any chance he gets and then plays really sound on the defensive end.”

VanSlyke said he feels Berdal is one of the top skaters on the Evergreens, if not in the WVC overall.

“J.J. is so solid on his feet. He’s just got a really good base,” VanSlyke said. “He is just a fluid skater and is able to get up and down the ice really effortlessly. I think that helps him in all aspects of his game, whether he is in the offensive or defensive zone. He is able to move freely and it really benefits him especially when he has a puck on his stick.”

USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin caught up with Berdal this week to ask him about his and the Evergreens' fast start to the season:

Everest is off to a 3-1 start this year after dropping your first three games last season. What does that fast start mean to this team? It’s the best start that I have ever been a part of (with Everest). Now going into the (Marathon) Cup later this week we just want to build off that momentum and keep rolling.

You beat (No. 8) University School on Friday and then were shut out by Marquette the next day. Was there some letdown after Friday’s big win? I remember we were all happy warming up (for Marquette) and it was not really a good warm-up, we just weren’t really focused (from the start).

The six points that you individually have so far this year, is that your fastest start to a season? It is. I put up four points in the first game with three assists and a goal.

What do you credit that offensive output to? Putting your teammates in the right position? Just moving the puck well and my teammates getting the job done, just sniping (a shot past) the goalie.

You are one of three captains this year. Does leadership come easy for you? I don’t really have vocal leadership. I am more of a lead by example guy. The other two (captains) are really good at leading the team vocally and by example, too

You said one of the things you focused on was being a bit more physical this year: I put on about 10 pounds (In the offseason). Last year, I only weighed about 145 to 150 ish and other guys were around 180.

You were able to compete, however. How do you counter that size difference? I use my speed to get around (opposing) defensemen if I am up on the rush and use my speed going around the net (in the defensive zone) to get the forechecker off my back.

You have described the team overall as a scrappy bunch. Maybe its not the most skilled team in the conference but one that plays with a lot of heart: You look at (Wausau) West, a team with a lot of skill I feel we need to be hard-working and try to win every 50-50 puck (to be successful).

You have a three-year starter as goalie (Michael Janke). Talk about the confidence the team has with him in net: He has been really good for us the past few years. I’ve always been on a team with him since I was little and have grown up with him. He is someone who always has a good game and always works hard in the offseason. He always wants to get better, and it’s just awesome to have him back there (in net).

Tim Johnson: 715-845-0731, or timothy.johnson@gannettwisconsin.com; on Twitter @timmyjo11