The man who mastered both the NHL and the collegiate game
In short: From scoring six goals in a single road game to coaching for over three decades, Red Berenson defined excellence. He is one of the rare figures to achieve elite success as both a Stanley Cup champion and a legendary collegiate head coach, leaving a permanent mark on the history of ice hockey.
Red Berenson's professional career was defined by explosive scoring and remarkable resilience. After winning a Stanley Cup with the Montreal Canadiens in 1965, he became a superstar for the St. Louis Blues. His most historic feat occurred on November 7, 1968, against the Philadelphia Flyers, when he became the first player to record a double hat trick in a road game, scoring six goals in a single match. He also represented Canada during the historic 1972 Summit Series. Additionally, he participated in a Canada Cup rematch in 1987.
His impact on the NHL was significant, spanning 17 seasons and 987 games. During his tenure, he was recognized as the best player in the Western Division by his peers in The Sporting News' annual poll for three consecutive years. Even after a trade to the Detroit Red Wings and a subsequent return to the Blues, Berenson remained an effective force until his retirement following the 1977–1978 campaign. His career statistics include 261 goals and 397 assists. He also played in six NHL All-Star Games.
However, it was his transition to coaching that cemented his legacy. Returning to his alma mater, the University of Michigan, in 1984, Berenson led the Wolverines for 33 seasons. His tenure was marked by unprecedented consistency, including a 22-season streak of NCAA tournament qualifications from 1991 to 2012—the longest such streak in college hockey history. By the time he retired in 2017, he had amassed 848 wins, making him only the fourth Division I men's hockey coach to reach the 800-win milestone. During his coaching tenure, he secured two NCAA championships. His teams also won 11 regular-season CCHA titles.
Opens the Intellect+ feed with this card first. Swipe up for the next one.
Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Red Berenson
- Also: Wikidata — Red Berenson · CC0
To cite this card, link to https://intellectplus.co.uk/app/sport-red-berenson.
How we source, check and correct cards: Editorial standards.
General information, not professional advice. Spotted an error? Flag the card or see corrections and complaints.
Intellect Plus is a visual educational discovery platform for exploring fascinating facts and ideas. Brain Food, Not Brain Rot. What is Intellect Plus?
Related
More in Ice hockey · More in Sport & Games · Latest · A–Z · All topics
