Ranger in the Basement: How Brett Berard Trades Swanky Summer Homes for Cozy Connecticut ‘Superfan’ Fam

While most NHL players use their offseasons to relax in tropical resorts, party in big cities, or unwind at private lakeside properties, New York Rangers forward Brett Berard is spending his break a little differently — in a basement. Not just any basement, though. It’s the downstairs of a family home in Darien, Connecticut, and it’s where Berard has found an unlikely second family, a much-needed reset, and, according to him, “literally perfect” peace.

It’s the kind of story that sounds too wholesome to be true — a young NHL player with millions watching him on the ice, choosing to spend his offseason living with superfans in suburban Connecticut. But for Berard, it’s never been about flash. It’s about feeling at home. “I live all year by myself, so it’s kind of a second family away from my family,” he says, and you can tell he means it.

The story started with a simple conversation between friends. Berard mentioned to his buddy Petey Alofsin that he’d be training in Fairfield County during the offseason. Alofsin had a connection: a frat brother from college whose family happened to be huge Rangers fans and lived right in Darien. A few calls were made, one thing led to another, and before long, Berard was moving into the Fiorita family’s home.

At first, the idea seemed a little out there. A professional athlete crashing in a suburban family’s basement? But once they met Brett, all doubts melted. Missy Fiorita, the mom of the household, admitted she initially thought the whole idea was a joke — “A Ranger’s not going to move into our house,” she thought. But the moment Brett walked through the door, it felt right. Welcoming him into the family wasn’t just easy — it felt natural.

Now, Berard isn’t just living in the basement — he’s living in the rhythm of the family. He’s part of dog walks, driveway basketball games, movie nights, and even the occasional kitchen-table Rummikub match. It’s a vibe that’s hard to fake: the comfortable warmth of people who genuinely enjoy being around each other. Berard might be in the early stages of a promising NHL career, but here, he’s just Brett, the guy who takes out the trash, makes small talk over cereal, and joins in family debates about whether to order pizza or make pasta.

There’s something quietly radical about a professional athlete who chooses this kind of offseason. Instead of surrounding himself with yes-men or renting out a penthouse, Berard has opted for community, authenticity, and a few good laughs with people who treat him like a son, not a star.

Of course, there’s practicality behind the setup too. During the season, Berard rents a place in Hartford where he splits time with the AHL’s Wolf Pack. By staying in Darien for the summer, he cuts down on living costs and has a comfortable home base while training nearby. It’s not about luxury — it’s about balance. He trains hard, rehabs even harder, and comes home to a house where he’s not alone.

And that training isn’t just casual skating. This offseason, Berard is going full steam, preparing for a major push in his development. He’s working out alongside other Rangers players and NHL pros, getting stronger, faster, and sharper in hopes of securing a full-time role with the big club. Last season, he appeared in 35 games for the Rangers, scoring six goals and four assists — not bad for a first-year guy still finding his place.

Berard isn’t coasting. He’s grinding. And the Fioritas are helping provide the environment for that growth. There’s something about walking into a house and being greeted by a family dog or sitting down to a regular dinner that helps ground a young player in the midst of intense pressure. That kind of normalcy is rare for professional athletes — and Berard knows how lucky he is to have it.

It helps that the Fioritas are more than just landlords. They’re full-on Rangers fans. The walls are filled with team memorabilia, game nights are often watched together, and they’ve followed Brett’s progress with the wide-eyed pride of people who’ve known him longer than they actually have. What started as a housing arrangement quickly turned into something deeper — a bond. Not for clout or money, but for connection.

And Berard brings just as much to the table as he gets. He’s not the quiet roommate who hides away downstairs. He’s engaged. Present. Whether he’s talking hockey with the kids, helping walk the dog, or joining a backyard hangout, he’s woven himself into the fabric of their everyday life. It’s that give-and-take that makes it more than just a quirky living situation — it makes it family.

There’s a broader charm to the whole thing too. In a sports world obsessed with image, endorsement deals, and curated social media presence, Brett Berard is doing something incredibly rare: being normal. Not flashy-normal, not PR-normal — genuinely normal. A 22-year-old guy who works hard at his job, crashes in a basement, laughs with a family over card games, and feels lucky just to be part of something simple.

The NHL world is watching him closely this year. With a new coaching staff in New York and a roster filled with young talent fighting for ice time, Berard knows this is his moment to make a mark. He’s hungry, healthy, and ready. But no matter what happens when the puck drops, he’s got something pretty special waiting for him in the offseason — a basement room with a bed, a couch, and a family that cheers for him whether he scores or not.

It’s easy to assume that all pro athletes are living some version of a movie star lifestyle. But every now and then, a story like Brett Berard’s reminds us that behind the helmets and the highlight reels are real people — people who appreciate warmth, comfort, and a second family in a quiet Connecticut home. No paparazzi. No press. Just peace.

So while his teammates might be vacationing in Europe or training on private rinks in remote mountain towns, Berard’s found his offseason sweet spot in the most unexpected place — the basement of a house filled with love, laughter, and loyalty. It may not be glamorous, but it’s gold. And honestly, it sounds like he wouldn’t trade it for anything.