Red Berenson is a former professional ice hockey player and coach who had a successful career in the National Hockey League (NHL) and the World Hockey Association (WHA). Berenson was born in 1939 in Canada and began playing hockey at a young age. He played for the University of Michigan Wolverines from 1958 to 1962, where he was a standout player and earned All-American honors.
After college, Berenson signed with the Montreal Canadiens and played for their minor league team, the Houston Apollos. He made his NHL debut with the Canadiens in 1962 and played for them for three seasons before being traded to the New York Rangers. Berenson played for the Rangers for two seasons before being traded to the St. Louis Blues in 1967.
Berenson had his best years as a player with the Blues, where he played for 11 seasons and was a key member of the team that reached the Stanley Cup Finals in three consecutive seasons from 1968 to 1970. Berenson was a skilled center who was known for his playmaking ability and his ability to score goals. He was also a strong defensive player and was often used on the penalty kill.
In addition to his success in the NHL, Berenson also played in the WHA for the Winnipeg Jets in 1978-79. He played in 80 games for the Jets and scored 22 goals and 44 assists.
After retiring as a player in 1978, Berenson became a coach and had a successful career behind the bench. He began his coaching career with the Buffalo Sabres in 1980 and coached them for two seasons before returning to his alma mater, the University of Michigan, to coach the Wolverines.
Berenson coached the Wolverines for 33 seasons and led them to two national championships in 1996 and 1998. He also coached the United States men's hockey team at the 1981 Canada Cup and was an assistant coach for the 1998 U.S. Olympic team.
Berenson was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1986 and the University of Michigan Athletic Hall of Honor in 1987. He is considered one of the greatest players and coaches in the history of Michigan hockey and is widely respected throughout the hockey world for his contributions to the sport.
🏒