Kornacki: Berenson Got the Rink Named for Him and a Whole Team of No. 9s
1/5/2018 11:58:00 PM | Ice Hockey, Features
By Steve Kornacki
ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- The entire Michigan hockey team circled the ice during pregame warm-ups wearing white jerseys with the retired No. 9 and the name "BERENSON" emblazoned above it. The captain's "C" that Red Berenson wore as a Wolverine All-American in 1962 was stitched near their hearts on the front, above the Block M.
That scene caught Berenson by surprise Friday night (Jan. 5), when they dedicated the Red Berenson Rink at Yost Ice Arena prior to the game won, 2-1, by No. 2-ranked Notre Dame.
"The first guy I noticed was Cutler Martin," Berenson said with a smile. "I thought, 'Geez, Cutler's wearing the 'C' tonight.' Then, I saw they were all wearing the 'C's'. "
Berenson loved the commemorative jerseys -- initiated by Brian Wiseman and Bill Muckalt, current assistant coaches who played on Berenson's teams in the 1990's -- but noted that players did not have their names on the back of their sweaters in his day. And the fabric they were made of was a concession to staying warm at the old Coliseum on the corner of Fifth and Hill.
"Our jerseys were wool," Berenson said. "They were to keep us warm because the temperature inside that rink was near what it is outside today (barely over zero)."
Berenson, 78, retired after last season, having spent 33 seasons behind the bench for his alma mater. Only three college coaches won more than his 848 games. His teams won two NCAA championships (1968, 1996) and made it to the Frozen Four 11 times in 23 NCAA Tournament berths.
He has remained as an advisor to Wolverines athletic director Warde Manuel, who was the department administrator for hockey beginning 20 years ago.
Berenson is working to complete the endowment of the hockey program's scholarships, and the Berenson jerseys the players wore in warm-ups will soon be auctioned at MGoBlue.com with proceeds going to the scholarship fund.
The Michigan Board of Regents voted in October to name the rink for the hockey coach who established a consistent standard of excellence.
"The president (Mark Schlissel) told me about a month ago that this was going to happen," Berenson said of the dedication. "So, it's not like it's a surprise now. It was a surprise then. But I've had time to think about it because I was out public skating (at Yost), and it's different.
"You know, I don't get carried away with these things. But I really appreciate the gesture from the athletic department, and I thank all the good players and good teams that we've had at Michigan in my time. And good coaches. You don't do this by yourself. I was lucky I was at a school like Michigan. So, good things happen at Michigan and this was one of them."
Berenson first noticed his enlarged signature at both ends of the ice between the blue lines and faceoff circles while circling the rink during public skating times.
"That was a good likeness (to my signature)," Berenson said. "I don't know where they got it, but I hope they don't put it on a check. If they did this for a week or a month, I'd be happy. I wasn't expecting anything, but this is pretty neat."
New Wolverines coach Mel Pearson and his players were glad to see Berenson back on the ice and in their locker room.
A banner of Red Berenson was unfurled by the Children of Yost student section during the game Friday night.
"It was a great night for Red," said Pearson, who was his longtime assistant before leaving to become the head coach at Michigan Tech. "He's been a great ambassador for the University of Michigan, our hockey program and for college hockey. We can't honor or thank a man like him enough.
"It was a nice way to do that for a very classy man and a classy move by Warde Manuel and our athletic department, naming that rink after him. It's going to be a pleasure coming here every day, knowing that name is on the rink. He's done a lot for our program and so our players should know we have high expectations."
Senior defenseman Sam Piazza said, "It's really just a phenomenal honor for him and well deserved. It as an awesome experience before the game today."
Senior forward and captain Tony Calderone, who scored his team-high 15th goal Friday night, was part of the ceremonial pregame puck drop by Berenson that included Notre Dame's Jake Evans.
"He was just taking it all in," Calderone said of his former coach. "We had a great three years together. I learned a lot from him and he really progressed me as a player. It was awesome seeing him out there tonight, and he got what he deserves."
Berenson was asked what message he would have shared with the team between the first and second periods, when they were down by one goal.
"I would just remind them of the great opportunity that they have to play at Michigan," he said, "and to bring what they can bring to Michigan. It's not what Michigan is going to do for you. What are you going to do for Michigan? We brought you here for this, this and this -- and are you doing that? Are you living up to that, and are you getting better? And are you making the team better? Are you making the people around you proud?
"They have to be reminded every so often. Coming down here and going to school becomes a job, but you've got to love it or you wouldn't do it. And if you're going to do it, do it well."
The Yost faithful also showered Berenson with affection.
"The fans have been terrific to me," he said. "I can't tell you it's a love affair, but I can tell you our program and our team and our coaches really appreciate what our fans bring to this building. And I've tried to let our fans know how much we care about them, and in return they care about us."
 The Children of Yost student section unfurled a Berenson banner with his likeness.
"I didn't see that," Berenson said, "but they are great. They come up with more stuff."
The smile on Berenson's face and the ease in his manner told you that he's completely enjoying retirement from coaching.
"It's been good -- real good," he said. "I don't lose any sleep if our power play's not working or if our goalie doesn't play well, whatever. It's like I told Mel, 'You've got the keys to the car. Go for it. I'll be here when you need me.' But I'm happy with my decision and I'm happy with the decision to bring in Mel Pearson.
"You're totally invested in your team and the game, and now I'm not. But I've had my time."
Now, Berenson's time is spent doing things that are important to him and things he enjoys.
He joined his NHL brethren at the 45th anniversary celebration of the Summit Series between Canada and the Soviet Union in September in Moscow, where he had dinner with Russian president Vladimir Putin. He's gone hunting, fishing and canoeing. He's joined his wife, children and grandchildren in activities.
Hockey also is part of his time well spent. He watches tons of it on TV, but now more NHL than college. Berenson either attends or watches every Michigan game. And he is playing hockey, too.
"I was playing three times a week until I dinged my elbow," Berenson said. "But I'll be back. I'm enjoying it. I'm playing with guys my own age. It's curved sticks, and so I need the practice. Then I'll come out on Tuesday nights with our alumni."
How much older is Red than the next oldest alumni league member?
"Forty years," Berenson said with a smile.
Keeping up with a legend is never easy. And now he also has the naming rights to the rink he plays at.
Life is good for Gordon Arthur Berenson.
