Shreveport defenseman Berndt makes NCAA Commitment

The Shreveport Mudbugs of the North American Hockey League (NAHL) are pleased to announce that defenseman Johnny Berndt has committed to playing NCAA Division III hockey for Aurora University. 

Berndt, 20, just completed his first season in the NAHL and third year of junior hockey. The Wheaton, Illinois native was a dominant presence from the blue line all season, leading all Mudbugs defensemen in goals, assists, and points. In 58 regular season games, Berndt found the back of the net 15 teams and dished 32 assists. His 15 goals placed him tied for first in goals by a NAHL defenseman in the regular season with Noah Ziskie of the Bismarck Bobcats. With his strong play, he was selected to represent the South Division at the 2026 NAHL Top Prospects Tournament in February. 

Berndt is a prime example of the Ladder of Development. Prior to playing in the NAHL with Shreveport, the Wheaton, Illinois native played two seasons in the NA3HL with the Louisiana Drillers. With the Drillers, Berndt won a Fraser Cup Championship in 2025, was named to the All-NA3HL 1st Team, and was awarded the 2025 NA3HL Defenseman of the Year.

Berndt joins a growing group of players from the 2025-26 Mudbugs roster committed to playing NCAA hockey.

Click here for an updated NAHL to NCAA commitment list