Quinn Bereson has spent his entire hockey career playing in his hometown of Flagstaff.

That has changed this year as Bereson is playing junior hockey out east for the EHL’s Connecticut Nor’easter.

“The opportunity to sign with the Nor’easter came to me from talking to Coach Espo (Michael Esposito) through NCSA and meeting with him on FaceTime,” said Bereson. “During the summer, I went to the Global Showcase in Las Vegas and he happened to be there, so we talked for a bit and then near the end of the summer, he sent me a contract. 

“I think what appealed to me about the team was the facilities, the rink, housing, and the coaches. At first, I was nervous to leave home but after being here for a few weeks, I’ve adapted and grown to love the environment and the opportunity that was given to me.”

Growing up in Flagstaff, Bereson skated for the local Flagstaff Northstars organization before going to the Flagstaff Avalanche high school program when he was 16.

“What got me started playing hockey was my dad (Dave),” Bereson said. “Him and a few other people pretty much built the organization that I grew up playing in. The NHL didn’t have a huge impact on me to play hockey, except for my home team (Arizona Coyotes) and when I got a few years older, I started following the Boston Bruins. The coaches that helped me the most and that had a positive influence on my game were my dad, Coach Jeff, Randy, Matt, and JB.

“Last season in Flagstaff was OK. We struggled in the beginning, but ended up more in the middle of the pack during the end, clinching our spot in playoffs but losing in the first round. On a personal level, it was pretty big for me being my last season before I had to leave town.”

Now with the season rolling in Connecticut, Bereson reflected on the past as well as the future.

“The things that I will remember the most about playing in Arizona are my teammates that are now some of my closest friends and also all the great memories growing up with them,” Bereson said. “My goals going forward are to continue to play hockey throughout college and my whole life.”

Photo provided by Quinn Bereson

— Matt Mackinder

(September 30, 2024)