Junior (2005-06): More than doubled his point total from the previous season, finishing with 1-10--11 to lead defensemen in assists...Received the Soo BlueLiners' Scholar-Athlete Award after accumulating a 3.475 grade-point average...Led defensemen in plus/minus with a +4 rating...Scored an unassisted goal against Robert Morris (11/25).
Sophomore (2004-05): Appeared in only 20 contests due to a mid-season injury...Tied for the team lead in plus/minus with a +1...Assisted on four goals...Penalized only five times for ten total minutes.
Freshman (2003-04): Appeared in 34 contests as a freshman...Scored first career goal in a 2-1 loss to NCAA Tournament participant Michigan State at Joe Louis Arena (2/7)...Registered first career point on Jon Booras' goal against Nebraska-Omaha (11/8)...Assisted on Bo Cheesman's game winning goal in a 5-2 victory over Northern Michigan (2/20).
Prior to LSSU: Played with LSSU teammate Jeffrey Rainville on the Soo Junior Greyhounds...Named to the Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League (NOJHL) Second Team and all-star team as a defenseman in 2002-03...Totaled 13 goals and 28 assists during his final junior season...Played for the Minnesota state champion Elk River High School team in 2000-01.
Personal: Son of Steve and Joan Birkeland...Graduated from Elk River High School (Minn.) in 2002...Participated in soccer and tennis...Enjoys golf, volleyball, and spending time on the lake...Majoring in economics.
Favorite TV Show: Simpsons
Favorite Movie: High Fidelity
Favorite Food: Prime Rib
Favorite Superhero: Michelangelo of the Ninja Turtles
Favorite Band and Song: "Break on Through" by The Doors
What sets me apart from my teammates: I went to Wimbeldon with my Grandparents
Person I would like to meet from history: Winston Churchill
Advice I would give to youngsters: Believe in yourself and work hard
Pre-game ritual: Eating carbohydrates
Favorite NHL team: Minnesota Wild
Career Statistics
| Season | G.P. | Goals | Assists | Points | PIM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003-04 | 34 | 1 | 4 | 5 | 4 |
| 2004-05 | 19 | 0 | 4 | 4 | 10 |
| 2005-06 | 36 | 1 | 10 | 11 | 12 |
| Career | 89 | 2 | 18 | 20 | 26 |
|
