Berry Earns Big Ten Honors

There is a new leading goal scorer among Big Ten teams, and he resides in East Lansing.

Senior forward Matt Berry was awarded the Big Ten’s First Star of the Week on Tuesday, the conference announced.

Berry’s four goals and two assists in last weekend’s series also make him the conference’s leading scorer.

Junior captain Michael Ferrantino had high praise for his linemate, who he has played with since last season.

      Ferrantino-on-Berry

“He’s one of those guys that when he gets hot, he’s hot,” Ferrantino said.

Michigan State head coach Tom Anastos also praised Berry, as well as his entire line, which is quickly becoming the Spartans’ key offensive weapon.

      Anastos-on-Berry

“I thought Matt [Berry] had, obviously, a very strong weekend and a good start,” Anastos said. “Should be a really good confidence boost for him.”

The conference honor is the second of Berry’s career, as he was last named the Big Ten First Star of the Week on March 18.

While nothing much has changed in terms of Berry’s style of play, his linemates (sophomore Mackenzie MacEachern and Ferrantino) have been a tremendous asset to him.

      Berry

“That was a big boost that I had Ferrantino and Mac [MacEachern] on my line, so that helped a lot. And I think we just work well together,” Berry said.

The MacEachern, Ferrantino and Berry line has produced 14 points (six goals, eight assists) collectively in their first two games.

The line will be tested this weekend, as the Spartans head out to New England to face No. 12 Boston University and No. 7 UMass-Lowell.


Jason Ruff is the host of Behind the Mask for Impact Sports.

Photo: Brian Bobal/Impact Sports