Arthur Berman writes... >But I doubt Red Beronson is overly concerned about >whether NHL bound players get a degree. He cares >so little about his player's development he whines >whenever onE goes to the World Junior tournament, as >discussed on this list during that tournament. So, Arthur, when is the last time you've spoken with Coach Berenson regarding this? Obviously you know him very well, to be able to cast such a big stone. It appears that Coach Berenson feels that if you commit to Michigan, you should play for Michigan during the season and not hop around to various international events. While I don't fully agree with this philosophy, I hardly see the correlation with his so called lack of concern for the development and education of his players. I didn't see Arthur in the audience this past Monday when Coach Berenson awarded Brian Deasley his 'M' ring. At Michigan, GRADUATING players receive an engraved ring. Deasley played for Michigan in the mid to late 1980s, and turned pro following his sophomore season. Although Berenson, as well as many others, was disappointed with Deasley's decision to leave (a first round draft pick, his NHL career never did materialize), he was pleased to see Brian return to earn his degree. In fact, Coach Berenson mentioned that he now only has one ring remaining in his possession...for Denny Felsner, who has not finished his degree since joining the St Louis Blues at the end of his senior season. He asked everyone in attendance to mention this to Denny the next time we see him. Doesn't sound like someone that could care less about Denny's education. Coach Berenson also awarded rings the Al Loges and Ron Sacka, the two outgoing seniors that are graduating this semester. The remainder of the senior class (Tim Hogan, Mike Knuble, Alan Sinclair and Rick Willis) are all scheduled to graduate in June, following the Spring semester. They will get their rings then. As for Knuble's pro signing, I'm not sure what immediate impact it will have on his coursework, but his contract DOES have an educational clause in it allowing him to complete his degree. Coach Berenson is also very upfront about players leaving school early for the professional ranks. He doesn't like it, but he will say if he feels it's in the players best interest or not. Among the recent trio that departed, Berenson seemed to feel that Cam Stewart was ready for the pros and received a very good contract but that Ryan Sittler and Aaron Ward would have been better served by another season (or two, in Sittler's case) at Michigan. I wish Cam had stayed, but I agree with the Coach. Ward in particular. With defensemen David Harlock, Pat Neaton and Chris Tamer all graduating, Ward would have been THE MAN in his senior season. Coach Berenson felt that this was in his best interest, a season where he was the dominant player in his position at Michigan, possibly the dominant D in the CCHA. He choose a minor league contract to play with Adirondack instead. Again, I tend to agree with Berenson. And, look at Berenson himself. Not only did he receive a BBA from Michigan, but he returned to UM and earned his MBA during his pro career. He is a VERY education minded coach. As for player development, I cite the examples above and will also mention the well documented case of David Oliver, a rookie with the Edmonton Oilers. Coach Berenson felt that a dominant senior season (1993-94) at Michigan was the best thing for David. Oliver may have been leaning toward international competition instead, namely the Olympics, but he stayed in Ann Arbor, was a Hobey Baker finalist and is now enjoying a fantastic rookie season in the NHL. Ollie still calls Coach Berenson and relies on him for advice even though he's now in the NHL. It doesn't sound like someone not concerned about the development of his players. (Ollie credits Berenson with helping him become a complete player, something he wasn't as late as the summer between his junior and senior season. His defensive skills, work ethic and passing ability certainly showed noticeable improvements in his senior season. He could always put the puck in the net.) Again, even though I think some things are to be gained by having players participate in international competitions during the season, one also has to remember that Coach Berenson has a commitment to the University of Michigan as well as his players. He may "whine" about them going to the WJC, but he hasn't flat out stopped them from participating, has he? In the 1990s, Jason Botterill, David Harlock, Kevin Hilton, Patrick Neaton and Aaron Ward come to mind as UM players that have left the team during the CCHA/NCAA season to participate in international competitions. Brendan Morrison would have been gone as well, but he was cut from Team Canada's 1994 WJC team. Every person has faults, and Coach Berenson and I don't share the same philosophy on several topics, but I would certainly never accuse him of what Arthur has. But, obviously Arthur knows Coach B much better than I do. John Haeussler Univ of Michigan [log in to unmask]