New York Ranger Brett Berard calls his Darien hosts “A Second Family”
After an impressive rookie season with the New York Rangers, professional hockey player Brett Berard—known for his powerful left shot—is making headlines off the ice. The 23-year-old Rhode Island native, who plays left and right wing for the “Blueshirts,” has recently been featured in the Wall Street Journal and People magazine for his unique off-season accommodations: a cozy basement bedroom in a Darien family’s home.
The hockey-loving Fiorita family say they “hit the jackpot” when they welcomed Berard into their home. Though the story made news cycles recently, Berard actually moved in with the Fioritas during summer 2023 when he was 20. It all started when Matthew Fiorita—the second oldest sibling—connected with Berard’s best friend, linking the two while Berard planned to train in Fairfield County near the Fiorita home.
“When our son Matthew called three years ago to ask if this newly signed New York Ranger could live with us for the summer, we said yes without any hesitation,” explains Missy Fiorita, the host and mother of four. “We’re big Rangers fans, so the thought of helping a young player was very exciting.”
In his basement bedroom, Berard feels right at home amid the family’s hockey memorabilia—autographed sticks, jerseys and framed photos of former New York Ranger greats Henrik Lundqvist and Mark Messier. Berard is grateful for the Fiorita family’s encouragement on and off the ice, saying the experience has been “awesome.”
“They are a huge support for me, and it’s kind of a second family away from home,” says Berard, who also appreciates the proximity to his hometown of East Greenwich, Rhode Island. “It’s pretty special to be in the area and to have family and friends all around.”
Missy Fiorita is happy the living arrangement is beneficial to Berard. “Brett moved to Michigan by himself to play hockey at 15 and started playing for Providence College at 17,” she says. “I think he wanted to live with a family to help stay grounded. Brett was really wise to seek out this option, with or without the Rangers prompting.”
Fast forward to November 2024: Berard invited his host family to watch his NHL debut at Madison Square Garden (MSG). Fiorita recalls the exciting text message they received from him: “Hey guys! Just wanted to pass along some news. I got pulled up today and am making my NHL debut tomorrow night at MSG,” wrote Berard. “I just wanted to say thank you for the support and for everything you guys have done for me.”
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Coincidentally, Fiorita’s sons John and Matthew were already planning to attend the game, so the rest of the family—Missy, Paul and daughters Emma and Lila—dropped everything to be there. “We were the crazy people cheering in the stands for number 65,” says Fiorita. “It was so awesome to have witnessed firsthand his humility, hard work, tremendous sacrifice, perseverance, determination and discipline culminate into his dream of taking his rookie lap on the ice at Madison Square Garden.”
After the game, the Fioritas joined Berard, his family and friends to celebrate the occasion. A few days later, Berard scored his first professional goal on November 27 against the Carolina Hurricanes.
During his time with the Fiorita family, Berard enjoys lively dinners, Rummikub, movie nights and competitive rounds of ping-pong, golf, tennis and basketball. His host mom loves cooking his favorite foods, like family recipe Chicken Philipo, steak, grilled shrimp and pasta. Although Berard “shows great restraint and doesn’t often eat dessert,” Fiorita says, “he’ll make an exception for my homemade strawberry shortcake.”
Berard is equally supportive of his second family, attending soccer and hockey games for Lila, the youngest sibling and a senior at Darien High School. In February, he surprised her at the Fairfield County Interscholastic Conference (FCIAC) Championship Hockey game, cheering her team on to victory.
“After Darien won, we took our family picture and Brett was of course included,” says Fiorita. “We all went out for a celebratory dinner at the Goose and Brett ordered the New York Strip. The next night Brett was on the ice with the Rangers, and he scored a goal. He joked with my husband Paul, ‘It must have been the steak dinner!’”
Lila, who will play hockey at Hamilton College next year, trains at the same gym as Berard—Prentiss Hockey Performance in Stamford. “The two have developed a very special bond, much like big brother and little sister, says Missy. “They talk about nutrition, workouts and their personal records.”
After some extensive hockey training during his third summer in Darien, Berard feels confident for the upcoming season. “I think if I put my best foot forward and focus on myself, things will fall into place,” he says. “I get excited for every day on the ice trying to show what I can do.”
– New York Ranger Brett Berard on his relationship with Darien’s Fiorita family
Although Berard plans to live in his own apartment during the season, Fiorita says he’s welcome back any time. “Brett brings his heart, energy and kindness into our home and family. We love it when he’s with us, and it’s an adjustment when he leaves in the fall,” says Missy. “We will be forever fans of Brett Berard, foremost the person and also the hockey player.”