ERIC
BERTRAND

Name: Eric Bertrand
Height: 6/1
Weight: 205
Position: Left Wing
Shoots: Left
Date of birth: 4/16/75
Birthplace: St. Ephrem, Quebec, Canada
Aquired by NJ: 1994 Entry Draft, 9th round (207 overall)
1998-99 Season Team:  Albany River Rats
Stats:

Year........Team........League.......GP...G...A...Pts...PIM
1992-93  Granby     QMJHL        64    10 15  25    82
1993-94  Granby     QMJHL        60    11 15  26    151
1994-95  Granby     QMJHL        56    14 26  40    268
1995-96   Albany     AHL             70    16 13  29    199
1996-97   Albany     AHL             77    16 27  43    204
1997-98   Albany     AHL             76    20 29  49    256
1998-99   Albany     AHL             78    34 31  65    160

Other: Eric had an extended stay with the New Jersey Devils at their training camp prior to the 1998-99 season and was one of the last cuts on the roster that pre-season.
Our Scouting Report: Eric came to the Rats as a rebellious young player with a temper.  But as the years have passed his temper has cooled (slightly) he is now getting noticed for his points.  We would have to say that this was Eric's best year.  He put up the points that any scout would had to of noticed.  His forte this year was setting up goals for other players.  He made great passes that led to great goals.  He also liked to stand in front of the net waiting for the perfect pass that would lead to the perfect goal.  Doing a good job at pissing off the goaltender while he was at it by blocking his view which led to other goals being scored including many of his own.  We see Eric in the NHL for at least part of next season.  He has come a long way from the rookie he was to the player he is today.  We view him as a valuble player that we wouldn't be surprised to see him crack a line in the  NHL next year (hopefully with the Devils).
Strengths: Ability to set up and score goals
Weaknesses: Taking too many penalties and possesses a short temper
Style of Playing: Defensive (score a couple of quick goals then protect the goaltender)