Red Berenson Former Canadian professional ice hockey player and current head coach of the Michigan Wolverines Date of Birth: 08.12.1939 Country: Canada

Biography of Red Berenson

Gordon Arthur 'Red Baron' Berenson was born on December 8, 1939, in Regina, Saskatchewan. He played in the junior league with the Regina Pats and participated in two Memorial Cups in 1956 and 1958. In 1959, Red had the opportunity to play with the world champions, the Belleville McFarlands hockey club.

After attending and graduating from the University of Michigan Business School, Berenson played for the University of Michigan hockey team during his college years. In his final year of study, he became one of the leading players in the National Collegiate Athletic Association, scoring 43 goals.

Red then signed a contract with the Montreal Canadiens and was part of the team that won the Stanley Cup in 1965. He was later traded to the New York Rangers, where he spent two seasons without much success. On the seventh week of the 1967-1968 season, the St. Louis Blues acquired Red and another player from the New York Rangers. In his new team, Berenson became one of the first new stars of the Western Division, helping the club reach the Stanley Cup Finals three times and earning the title of 'team MVP' three consecutive times.

One of the most memorable games in which he participated was against the Philadelphia Flyers on November 7, 1968, when Berenson scored six goals, achieving a double hat-trick. Although the Canadian pro was named captain of the team in 1970, the St. Louis Blues management felt that the 31-year-old player's performance was declining, and he ended up with the Detroit Red Wings. He retired after the 1977-1978 season.

Berenson was part of the legendary eight-game Summit Series between Canada and the USSR/Russia in 1972. He also played in the Canada Cup rematch in 1987 and six NHL All-Star Games. In the National Hockey League, he played 17 seasons, scoring 261 goals, and making 397 assists in 987 games.

After his playing career, Red Berenson faced charges of driving under the influence and public urination. The charges were later reduced to driving under the influence only, and he was allowed to continue as the head coach of the Michigan Wolverines hockey club.

Throughout his coaching career with the Wolverines, Berenson achieved a record of 696-327-68, currently ranking him sixth on the list of the best coaches in the history of the National Collegiate Athletic Association.