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River Ridge hockey player recognized for achievements on and off ice

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By Eric Horchy | The Suncoast News

Published: May 30, 2009

NEW PORT RICHEY - For his hard work on the ice, hitting the books and as part of the New Port Richey community, River Ridge senior hockey player Brent Bertrand has received a scholarship bearing the name of longtime NHL great Dave Andreychuk, captain of the Tampa Bay Lightning's Stanley Cup-winning squad.

The Dave Andreychuk Scholarship of Excellence is presented yearly to two Suncoast high school seniors who exemplify determination, leadership and a commitment to excellence on the ice, in the classroom and in the community, according to the team Web site.

The $2,500 Bertrand earned will go toward his education at the University of Central Florida beginning next fall. He will attend the Burnett Honors Collage while in Orlando after graduating from River Ridge. The River Ridge Class of 2009 salutatorian with a weighted 4.66 GPA, Bertrand plans to major in computer science and mathematics.

Bertrand did not stop at just a high school diploma, though. He is also set to graduate from Pasco-Hernando Community College with his Associate of Arts degree.

"It's a well-deserved award for Brent," said River Ridge's hockey coach, Brian Griffin, who nominated Bertrand for the scholarship. "He's a super kid with super parents who are always very supportive."

"Brent was a pleasure to coach. As a teammate and a leader, he was outstanding."

Bertrand, nicknamed "Brentzky" as a play on his name and NHL legend Wayne Gretzky's according to Griffin, helped lead River Ridge to a league title this season and near perfection in the standings. The Royal Knights finished with just one blemish on its 17-1 record.

The soon-to-be graduate also participates with the high school roller hockey team that skates at SportsZone2, in New Port Richey.

As for the scholarship, Bertrand accepted his honor May 20 in downtown Tampa at the St. Pete Times Forum on May 20. In addition to rubbing elbows with Andreychuk, a 26-year veteran who ended his career in Tampa, Bertrand also got to meet the Lightning's principal owner, film producer Oren Koules, and the club's general manager Brian Lawton, the first U.S.-born player selected first in the NHL draft.

The award is presented by the Lightning Foundation, an organizational branch that focuses on the advancement of amateur hockey and the educational enrichment opportunities for children, along with medical research and treatment for those in need, the team Web site states.

In addition to sterling academic records and his participation on the ice, Bertrand also regularly volunteered his time at Gulfside Regional Hospice.

Ice Hockey Notification

For anyone interested in playing ice hockey next season, no matter which high school being attended, contact Brian Griffin at 727-843-0716.

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