Bio

Prior to Michigan Tech: Played two seasons for his hometown Merritt Centennials of the BCHL … Posted 4-17=21 in 50 games in 2013-14 after 5-15=20 in 52 games during the 2012-13 season … Was Merritt's Rookie of the Year in 2012-13 and its Defenseman of the Year in 2013-14 … Was drafted in the sixth round by the NHL's Pittsburgh Penguins in 2013 … Helped Canada West to a bronze medal at the Junior A Championships in fall 2013.

Personal: Son of Bill Birks and Cori Post … Born Dane Riley Birks on Aug. 29, 1995, in Merritt, B.C. … Has one brother and one sister … Enjoys ranching … Grandfather played for the Chicago Cubs … Majoring in sports and fitness management.