The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/666058
INSIDE MICHIGAN ATHLETICS RED BERENSON ANNOUNCES HIS RETURN FOR 33RD SEASON Michigan hockey coach Red Berenson will be back behind the bench for his 33rd season in 2016-17, he announced at the Wolverines' end-of-the-year banquet April 3. Berenson had been contem- plating retirement, with sources telling The Wolverine for much of the season that they expected this to be his last year. However, in recent weeks, the tone inside Yost Ice Arena and around the program had changed signifi- cantly, with Berenson leaning towards returning. "I'm excited about the direc- tion of the program and the challenge of working with our student-athletes to improve on a daily basis and achieve our goal of winning championships," Berenson said. "This season has been inspiring for our team, our staff and the fans. Our success has been the motivation to re- turn to help the program take another step forward. "I feel fortunate to be at Michi- gan and appreciate the support from our new athletic director." A two-time national champion (1996 and 1998), with 11 Frozen Four ap- pearances during his career, Berenson was the 2016 Big Ten Coach of the Year, leading the Wolverines to their first Big Ten Tournament title and the NCAA Tournament for the 23rd time in his coaching career, snapping a three-year skid without an NCAA appearance. U-M finished the season 25-8-5 (12-5-3-2 Big Ten), advancing to the NCAA Midwest Regional final March 26 before falling to North Dakota. Berenson is 835-407-89 (.661) at Michigan, which ranks him fourth all time in wins among college hockey coaches. Berenson is 835-407-89 (.661) in 32 years at Michigan, which ranks him fourth all time in wins among college hockey coaches. PHOTO BY ERIC BRONSON