Bertrand began his college career as a player for Cornell in 1966, however was unable to suit up for the Big Red squad that would win the National Championship that season due to the NCAA's regulations forbidding freshmen from participating.
[1] Bertrand officially hit the ice the following campaign and was part of a powerhouse Cornell squad that would only lose 4 games over the next three seasons.
After the team's second national title in 4 years[2] head coach Ned Harkness left to take charge of the Detroit Red Wings.
Bertrand remained with the team until 1982 when he resigned after his only losing season in Ithaca[4] to take the top job at Ferris State.
While the fourth season brought a moderate amount of success Bertrand resigned after an 11-10-1 start, turning the team over to Peter Esdale and ending his collegiate career.