April 11, 2008
by Adam Wodon/Managing Editor
Red Berenson has won two national titles as coach.
DENVER — Red Berenson has been through plenty in his career.
First, as a player at Michigan, falling short of a national title his senior year when he was expected to lead Michigan to one.
That was soon forgotten because, as the first college player to go directly to the NHL, he established himself as a star, scoring six goals in a game once.
His coaching career began in the NHL, where he won a Coach of the Year award with the St. Louis Blues.
But his true calling was to come back to his alma mater and resurrect a flailing program, which he did to the tune of two national championships — in 1996 and 1998.
But at 69 years old, and in the twilight of his legendary career, Berenson — though stoic as ever within a few minutes afterward — seemed particularly stung by the 5-4 overtime loss to Notre Dame in Thursday's NCAA semifinal.
"(Kevin) Porter and (Chad) Kolarik have run out of time, and I am too obviously," said Berenson, the oldest coach in Division I men's hockey.
This was a year where it all came together. The team hadn't been to the Frozen Four since 2003, and was picked to finish fourth in the preseason. But this team's blend of experience and youth, talent and tenacity, came together as well as any team in recent memory. The Wolverines won everything there was to win this season, until it got to Denver. They had a probable Hobey Baker Award winner, with a linemate who almost matched him goal for goal, in Porter and Kolarik. He had a goalie, still just 20 years old, come into his own during his junior season and play legitimately well.
And then it fell apart in 20 minutes.
Billy Sauer picked the worst time to resurrect his performance from last year's NCAA regional, allowing one bad goal, and two very bad goals. Berenson faced an agonizing decision — keep in his goalie who was having a devastatingly bad game, or turn to a little-used freshmen backup, Bryan Hogan, who may not do any better.
He went to Hogan, and it nearly worked. But Michigan allowed Notre Dame too much room to do its thing, and Hogan wasn't good enough to be the hero.
"It's just one of those nights," Berenson said. "Some of the best goalies in the NHL have a bad period. He wasn't sharp. Two of the goals were goals he usually stops. In fact, all three. ... I had to change the momentum."
Berenson looked shell-shocked as the Irish celebrated.
"It's not about me, but it's about the team," Berenson said. He did acknowledge, however, "I don't like to lose. It's a tough way to end your season, one shot when your team is so good.
"Am I disappointed? Absolutely. I give this team everything I've got, and they give me everything they've got. I feel like a player."
So Berenson was left to ruminate about his future, a future that seems to include one more season, but in all probability, not one beyond that.
"I have one more year on my contract," Berenson said. "Obviously I will fulfill that and we'll go from there."
Good Luck to Red. he has run a class program and is a credit to college hockey. we need to keep more like him in the game. Tough loss for him and his team, would to see him get one more before he retires.
Apr 11 2008, 8:40 am by jb st. paul
Amazing I'd be sympathic when Michigan loses, but this article nails the bittersweet "twilight of the Gods" aspect of this year. I have good memory of Berenson pulling up the Michigan program from the ground in the 1980s and restoring glory in short order. He's done the school, the league, and all of college hockey proud. Despite the sour end, Wolverine fans have much to be proud of this past season.
Apr 11 2008, 10:02 am by Gijs Voortvlek, WCHA Epicenter
Red's career is amazing, but he was unbeatable in his earlier days.
In the twilight of his career, they cannot win the big one. It is time to pass the torch to Mel Pearson. I predict he will win more than 2 titles with the stacked UM team year after year.
Apr 12 2008, 9:26 am by JB, Houghton
I have always liked watching the Gophers play Michigan. Red has always been a class act and his teams reflect that.
Apr 25 2008, 4:35 pm by MK St. Paul
Any truth to the rumor that he's considering taking the head coaching job at Appalachian State?
May 23 2008, 11:25 am by Rodger, Columbus OH
