from George Sipple of the Detroit Free Press,
Michigan hockey coach Red Berenson returned to his alma mater in 1984 to revitalize a once-proud program. He admits he has stayed on longer than he ever anticipated.
Berenson, 76, is in the final year of his contact. Multiple times, he has given a slight smile when asked about his future and acknowledged he can’t coach forever — without revealing his plans.
“You like the game, and you like the kids,” Berenson told the Free Press. “I believe in what we’re doing. I like the fact that they’re going to school. It’s nice to see the guys live their dream that go on to play in the NHL. That’s a great thing for our program.”
Just as important to Berenson are the players who go on to do something meaningful besides hockey because of the education they received.
The Wolverines host Penn State on Friday and Saturday in their final home series. Rumors of Berenson’s retirement have been greatly exaggerated for years. He might return for a 33rd season. But it’s possible this could be the last chance to see him behind the bench at Yost Ice Arena.
“I’m going to get to the end of this probably sooner than later,” Berenson said.
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