Parker Berge is still just 23, but the left-shot defenseman has already experienced plenty in his hockey career.
Four years with the Regina Pats, a trade in his final WHL season, 123 ECHL games, a pair of AHL training camps — the list goes on. However, he’s added another experience to that list this fall… NCAA hockey.
The Edmonton native is four games into his Maverick career, as Berge committed to Omaha hockey in July.
Within all of the NCAA’s eligibility changes in recent years, the door opened for players with professional experience to play collegiately. Aidan de La Gorgendiere and Marc Lajoie brought pro experience last season, Ryan McCleary joined Omaha from the ECHL’s Cincinnati Cyclones in January, and Berge brought the same for 2026-27.
“You grow up and with how the rules were, (college hockey) was never really an option for me, so it wasn’t something I really looked at,” Berge told Hurrdat Sports. “Having the opportunity is something that’s fantastic and getting to experience college hockey is something else. It’s a crazy experience, it’s awesome, and I’m just happy I’m getting to do it here.”
Berge has made an immediate impact on Omaha’s blue line, especially offensively. He enters this weekend’s series at Denver with a team-high six points, including two goals. He’s coming off a three-assist effort, too, as Omaha completed a sweep at Lindenwood last Saturday.
Berge’s six points are currently tied for fourth among NCHC defensemen, he’s one of three Mavericks with multiple goals, and his 10 shots are tied for second on Omaha’s roster. And while the offensive contributions have been encouraging, his goal is to provide a “solid two-way game.”
However, he already feels his game is evolving in Omaha.
“I think it’s grown a lot,” he said. “The coaches are a big portion of that. The play that we have during practice and stuff like that. I think I’ve been able to really solidify my game in different areas. I was like ‘I could use a little bit more here or there,’ and the coaches have helped me out, and they’ve been able to help me grow those parts of my game.
“I’m really happy with that and I’m excited for the rest of the year.”
Parker Berge fires a shot against Augustana. “He’s such a good kid and wants to learn and get better,” Gabinet said. “He takes coaching so well and asks questions, and even at Lindenwood you could see his improvement from Augustana away from the puck.” Photo by Eli Larson.
Berge admits that coming into Omaha, he wasn’t 100% sure what to expect. Yet from Baxter Arena to being around his new teammates and coaching staff, he’s been impressed every step of the way.
Berge said the program’s reputation and the way people spoke about Omaha stood out to him when considering his options. He was teammates with Isaiah Saville and Simon Latkoczy last season with the ECHL’s Greenville Swamp Rabbits, too, and whether it be Omaha’s culture, coaching staff or fan base, he wanted to experience it himself.
“I think just talking with the coaching staff and their philosophies, the way they want to run things, I think that fit with my mold of what I want to play hockey in,” Berge said. “Talked to a few guys that played here and I knew some guys that played here, and everybody had good things to say. So it was a pretty easy decision for me.”
So far that decision has been mutually beneficial.
“I think he’s been solid,” said head coach Mike Gabinet. “Offensively we’ve seen his growth and contributing some offensive plays. We just talked the other day. I think it’s a really good environment for him to learn that play without the puck too and the defensive aspect of the game, and just how important that is as well. So really excited to see his development.”
Gabinet feels that Berge is already “taking steps in the right direction” and praised his desire to improve and take coaching. Although the college game and schedule are different, Berge hopes his professional experience will benefit him, too.
Playing against ECHL players with college experience could translate to playing in the NCHC, and Berge wants to use that to his advantage.
Omaha defnseman Parker Berge put up 41 points (6-35-41) over 57 games during the 2024-25 season and was named to the ECHL All-Rookie Team. He had 23 points (8-15-23) over 66 ECHL games last winter. Berge spent the past two seasons on an AHL contract with the Ontario Reign. Brandon Tiedemann / Hurrdat Sports
He also wants to help his new teammates however he can, whether that be offering advice on or off the ice or simply being a leader.
“I’ve gotten a lot of different experiences in my hockey journey,” Berge said. “I’ve seen a lot of different places; it’s been kind of cool just from that aspect. You’re going to different places, seeing different things, playing for different coaches, different organizations.
“I just think you go through those, you build yourself up, you find your game in different areas, and I think it’s been really awesome. I’m really happy to where I’ve been able to get to at this point.”
That journey has brought Berge to Omaha, and he’s excited for the opportunity ahead of him this season. He wants to leave an impact however he can, and he also sees the future potential inside Baxter Arena.
“I’m super excited,” Berge said. “You see the guys and the skill we have in that dressing room and I think lots of these guys are going to be really important to this team. Whether it’s this year, next year or years to come, I think it’s really awesome.”
Omaha (2-2-0) heads to No. 3 Denver (3-2-1) this weekend to open NCHC play.
Stay tuned to Hurrdat Sports all season as Avarie Howard and Jordan McAlpine provide Omaha hockey coverage.
