The Wolverine

2012-13 HOCKEY PREVIEW MICHIGAN HOCKEY Red Berenson's Extension Applauded By Wolverines J unior defenseman Mac Bennett knew that head coach Red Beren- son was signed to only one more sea- son as Michigan's boss, and though remote, there was a possibility that he could play his senior year without the coach he dreamed of playing for. Bennett, like many of his team- mates, was relieved and excited when he heard Berenson had re- upped for three additional seasons, taking him through the 2015-16 cam- paign, when he will be 76 years old and have coached at his alma mater for 32 years. plishments of the Michigan hockey graduates that laced up their skates for a final time wearing the maize and blue. He's proud of his NHL alumni, but equally proud of those men that have become lawyers, doc- tors, engineers and more. "It was definitely a huge relief that he would be sticking through my last two years," said Bennett, who mar- vels at his coach's vigor. "He could go until he's 100 years old. He's su- per sharp, knows the game … one of the greatest coaches of all time, the best I've ever had. Berenson is he cares more about you as a person than as a hockey player," junior defenseman Jon Merrill said. "He wants to see you be the best you can be as a hockey player, and real- ize your goals, whether that's to be a pro or not. "The amazing thing about Coach "I would not be surprised if in four years from now he signed another contract extension, and threw all of you a curveball." NHL players during his 29-year ca- reer, Berenson often lauds the accom- Though he has helped produce 41 were a walk-on that never played or the best player on the team, he cares about every guy equally and will be there for you and guide you to be the best you can be." Berenson has refrained from talk- ing on the record about potential re- placements, likely too loyal to long- time assistants Mel Pearson (now in his second year as head coach at Michigan Tech) and Billy Powers (en- tering his 20th year), and relatively new assistant Brian Wiseman (sec- ond season) to pick a favorite. "It wouldn't matter to him if you HOCKEY NOTEBOOK TROUBLE AT PENN STATE • When the NCAA sanctioned the Penn State football program with a $60 million fine, scholarship reductions and a postsea- son ban, there were some concerns it might affect the PSU hockey team, which launches this season and joins the Big Ten in 2013-14. However, U-M head coach Red Berenson was not one of the worried. "My bigger concern is it's a black eye for the entire Penn State school and for the Big Ten, but I don't think it will affect the future of the hockey program," he said. "If that would have hap- pened here, it definitely would have affected us and how we're viewed — we'd feel tainted. " UNDER NEW LEADERSHIP • Michigan's three captains this season — captain A.J. Treais, and alternates Lee Moffie and Mac Bennett — are all new to the posts, having never even worn an 'A' before. A senior, Treais has spoken at length to previous captains to get a feel for his responsibilities. "I've talked to Luke Glendening [2009-12] a lot, played with him last year, and he's been a teacher to me. Ev- eryone is a different leader, but he always said the right thing when we needed. He led by example, and that's what I am. I'm not the most vocal guy. "I was captain on my teams growing up, but this is a whole different level. There will be a time where I have to step up and I will. " SOPHOMORE SLUMP • Sophomore forwards Alex Guptill and Phil Di Giuseppe were two of Michigan's top goal scorers a year ago, two of just six Wolverines to score 10 or more markers with their 16 and 11, respectively. Now, they must avoid the sophomore slump that can affect even the most talented skater. However, there is a positive trend developing for U-M second- Berenson's contract has been extended for three additional seasons, taking him through the 2015-16 campaign. PHOTO BY LON HORWEDEL ing responsibility to our assistants throughout my career," Berenson said. "They get every opportunity to be hands-on with our team in terms of running practice and running this. Wise has the power play, Billy has the penalty kill. Billy has the defense, Wise has the forwards. So they have all kinds of opportunity and they get as much input as any assistant coaches in the country. "I have delegated a lot of coach- year forwards — of the last 10 rookies to score in double digits, six increased their goal scoring as sophomores, including Louie Caporusso (2008 to 2009) and Andrew Cogliano (2006 to 2007), who each doubled their production from 12 to 24 goals. Of the four Wolverines that suffered a setback, the average " he said. "I decrease in goal scoring was four goals, while for those that fared better, the average increase was 6.8 tallies. "If they come back with the right attitude, they could have really good years," Berenson said. OCTOBER 2012 THE WOLVERINE 59

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