In Behind the Bench, College Hockey, Inc. will introduce college hockey head coaches from around the country and provide some insight into their approach, their program and their background, in their own words.

Our fifth subject is Union's Rick Bennett, who takes over the top job in 2011-12 after assisting Nate Leaman with the Dutchmen.

WHAT IS ...

The best way to describe your coaching style?

Tough but fair.

Your favorite part of coaching?

The practices

Your least favorite part of coaching?

Paperwork

The most important thing your assistant coaches do for you?

Recruit

Your favorite thing about college hockey?

The players' love for the game.

Your favorite place on campus outside the rink?

Starbucks

Something unique or noteworthy about your school?

Nott Memorial - 16 sided building

The best advice you could give a young player hoping to make Division I?

Work harder than your teammates.

The best advice you would give parents of a young hockey player?

Honesty

The best advice you ever got?

Play hard and keep your head up.

The most important trait you look for in a player?

Character

A game you look forward to each year?

RPI

WHO IS?

Your biggest coaching influence?

Mike McShane

An NHL coach you admire?

Mike Babcock

A coach you admire outside of hockey?

Terry Francona

A former player you're particularly proud of?

Jeff Serowik

An unsung hero in your program (on or off the ice)?

Brock Matheson

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ?

Author

Steve Jamison

Book

Wooden - A Lifetime of Observations and Reflections On and Off the Court

TV show

Miami Vice

Movie

Jaws

Web site

USCHO.com

Vacation spot

Myrtle Beach

Pro team

Dallas Cowboys

Sport besides hockey

Football

Time of year

Summer

Quote

"There is a choice you have to make, in everything you do. And you must always keep in mind the choice you make, makes you."