The Thunder sat down with new defenseman Mike Bergin and talked about his style of play, returning to the Upstate New York Area, his time spent abroad and more!
Describe your game to someone who’s never watched you play:
Mike Bergin: I play a simple game, a two-way game, I take care of my own end first and worry about offense after. I like to do the simple things like blocking shots making clean outlet passes.
You played four seasons at RPI, how was your first experience in the Upstate New York area?
MB: I loved it, I loved RPI and the area. It’s a great tradition to play at RPI, especially all the big games like the Big Red Freakout and things like that. It was awesome and a great place to prepare for pro hockey.
Are you excited to move back to the area?
MB: I’m really excited. My fiancé works just outside the Albany area so it’s really nice to be able to come back and be closer to her.
You spent two years in Sweden and played with some pretty big name NHL players, what was that experience like?
MB: My first year [in Sweden] was when the NHL lockout happened so I was pretty lucky to play with some of those guys. Cam Fowler was my D-Partner, so I was very lucky when that happened. Carl Hagelin and Matt Read played on that team as well and it was a great experience. It was my first year pro and getting to play with those guys, see how they approached the day-to-day aspects of the game, I was very lucky to be a part of that.
What is your favorite hockey memory at any level?
MB: Making the National Tournament with RPI (in 2011). They were in a little bit of a rut for a while and I was a part of the team that got back for the first time and I was pretty happy to be a part of that.
*Editor's Note: As a long time RPI fan, Thunder Director of Communications Zach Dooley was also very happy to see the Engineers get back to the big dance.
Hobbies Off The Ice
MB: I like to be outside, I like to golf and fish a little bit and relax out in the sun whenever possible. If there’s nice weather I’ll be outside for sure.
Favorites
Movie: The Town
TV Show: Modern Family
Pro. Sports Team: Toronto Blue Jays
What are you most looking forward to for the upcoming season?
MB: Being close to home and competing to win a championship. I’ve heard [Glens Falls] is a great city with great fans and I can’t wait to compete for them.
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