AFTER FURTHER REVIEW ��� CHRISTOPH BERTSCHY
May 11, 2016AFTER FURTHER REVIEW – CHRISTOPH BERTSCHY
2015-16 was a glimpse of what Christoph Bertschy is capable of doing. Minnesota’s 2012 sixth-round pick (#158 overall) gave Iowa Wild fans one of the most memorable nights in team history, potting the first hat trick in team history and becoming the first rookie to wear an “A”.
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Prior to coming to North America, he spent the previous four years in his native Switzerland, playing for Bern of the Swiss A. His impact was felt in Des Moines, as the rookie suited up in 72 games for Iowa, scoring 11 goals and adding 24 assists for 35 points. His 24 assists set a new team record for most in a season by a rookie, to go along with another rookie record, 187 shots on goal – the second highest total in a season for a Wild skater (Graovac 195 (2014-15).
Bertschy’s big night came on Jan. 29, 2016 against Charlotte, as the Wild handed the Checkers a 5-4 overtime defeat. He started his historic night 1:23 into the second period, beating goalie Daniel Altshuller for his first of the night. He added two more in the third period to complete the hat trick at 19:03 of the third period, tying the game 4-4 and forcing overtime. Each goal Bertschy scored that night came with Iowa trailing by one.
With his stellar play, Bertschy earned his first NHL callup and made his NHL debut with Minnesota on Nov. 7, 2015. His first NHL game was against Tampa Bay in St. Paul, a 1-0 Wild win. In all, the 5-foot-10, 175-pounder played in three games for Minnesota, failing to garner his first NHL point.
Bertschy’s 2015-16 By The Numbers
Games Played: 72
Goals: 11
Assists: 24 (rookie record)
Points: 35
Power-Play Goals: 3
Power-Play Points: 11
Power-Play Assists: 8 (tied for team lead)
Shots on Goal: 187 (rookie record)
Expectations for the 2016-17 season are high for Bertschy, who will be expected to contend for a roster spot in Minnesota and is a likely candidate to get more games in with the big club.