Colorado College is now down a forward and a defenseman as both Garrett Cecere and Jordan Berger left the program in two separate instances this week.
The Colorado Springs Gazette reported that Cecere, a sophomore defender, will head back to the United States Hockey League, where he last played for the Sioux Falls Stampede in 2013-14.
He recorded three assists in 34 games as a freshman and no points in four games this season.
“He said he was looking for a different opportunity,” CC coach Mike Haviland said in the report. “The coaching staff wishes him nothing but the best in his future endeavors.”
The Gazette also reported that Berger, a sophomore forward, is retiring from hockey due to ongoing concussion problems.
“It is tough saying goodbye to something you love so much, but in the end health is more important (than) a game,” Berger said on his Facebook page Monday. “I can’t even begin to explain how grateful I am for everything I’ve (learned) from hockey and the amazing relationships and experiences I’ve made. Thank you to my parents (Jeff and Brenda) for all that they’ve done to help me pursue my dream as a hockey player as well as everyone else who has supported me along my journey.”
Berger suffered an apparent concussion in practice late last season and had not been medically cleared to practice with the Tigers since.
He recorded two assists in 10 games his freshman year.
“It’s very sad to see a young man’s career come to an end but you have to think about life after hockey,” Haviland added. “He has a bright future ahead of him.”
