Berke Commits to Cortland

MARKHAM, ON - DECEMBER 13: Nate Berke #71 of the Buffalo Jr. Sabres prepares to shoot the puck as Jacob Boomhouwer #3 of the Markham Royals defends on the play. Buffalo Jr Sabres vs Markham Royals on December 13, 2019 at Markham Centennial Arena in Markham, Ontario, Canada. (Ray MacAloney / OJHL Images)

Buffalo Jr. Sabres forward Nathan Berke has announced his commitment to continue his education and hockey career at SUNY Cortland, home of the Red Dragons. Berke, a 1999-born skater, just finished his final season in the Ontario Junior Hockey League.

The 6’3″, 174-pound Williamsville, NY native had been a part of the Jr. Sabres organization since 2017. In 130 OJHL games, he recorded 115 points, including 40 goals. His final season in the league was his best, despite being shortened by injury; Berke recorded 68 points in just 41 games.

He previously played with St. Joseph’s Collegiate Institute in Buffalo and also briefly played with the NAHL’s Johnstown Tomahawks.

Berke will join a string of recent Jr. Sabres alumni to suit up for the Red Dragons, including fellow ’19-’20 teammate Sutter Donegan.

Congratulations, Nate!