Michigan Tech

Junior Season (2016-17): Skated in 42 games, scoring two goals and adding seven assists … Scored the game-winning goal in the GLI Semifinal against Michigan (Dec. 29) and vs. Minnesota State in the WCHA Semifinals … Added an assist in both games for two of three multipoint games on the season … Had pair of assists vs. Minnesota Duluth (Oct. 2) … Was second amongst Tech defensemen with a plus 12 rating and also blocked 43 shots …Attended the Pittsburgh Penguins Development Camp in June.

Sophomore Season (2015-16): Appeared in 31 games on the blue line … Assisted on a goal at Ferris State (Oct. 16), vs. FSU at home (Oct. 30), and vs. Lake Superior State (Feb. 5) … Blocked 29 shots and was plus 5 with 16 penalty minutes … Attended the Pittsburgh Penguins Development Camp in June.

Freshman Season (2014-15): Didn't appear in any games … Attended the Pittsburgh Penguins Development Camp.

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: Shoots right … Son of Bill Birks and Cori Post … Born Dane Riley Birks on August 29, 1995, in Merritt, British Columbia … Has one brother and one sister … Enjoys ranching … Grandfather played for the Chicago Cubs … Majoring in sports and fitness management.