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 13th subject is Michigan's Red Berenson, who will enter his 28th season with the Wolverines in 2011-12.

WHAT IS?

The best way to describe your coaching style?

Serious, positive, high-expectations set for the team and players. It's all about the team, improvement, getting better, individually and collectively. It's about winning but it's also about school. Even though I'm a coach, the players realize they have to be students. It isn't just hockey. Our team style is run and gun. We try to be a team that is an up-beat, offensive-minded, puck-control team and that's coming from me. On the flip side, we want to be an honest team defensively. In our best year, we would lead the country in goals for and lead country in goals against.

Your favorite part of coaching?

My favorite part is watching players and teams improve, get confidence and start reaching their goals.

Your least favorite part of coaching?

My least favorite part of coaching is having to deal with players who don't care as much about the team or about the school as they should. You're trying to convince them that school is important and hockey is important. You shouldn't come to Michigan unless school and hockey are important.

The most important thing your assistant coaches do for you?

I try to groom our assistant coaches to be head coaches so they do everything I do. They are involved in all of our decision making, lineup changes, our system, and I give them a lot of responsibility and authority in coaching our team. We divide the different roles among our assistants. If you are an assistant coach at Michigan, you'll get a lot of responsibility, authority, and you'll be involved.

Your favorite thing about college hockey?

I like the fact that you can live your dream if you want to be an NHL player and yet if things don't work out, you can have a just as important career outside the NHL in the real world and you're not left hanging like a lot of players without an education. I think it's really important that people go out and have a dignified career once hockey is over.

Your favorite place on campus outside the rink?

My favorite place is probably the Law Quad. I really enjoy anytime I'm in the Law Quad, to just go inside and look around. I would say the Law Library is one favorite place.

Something unique or noteworthy about your school?

I think the thing about Michigan is when people walk around here and look at buildings and facilities; you can be blown away by the history of Michigan. But what Michigan comes down to are the people who have been here not the buildings that are still standing. It's the people who have been here and who are here now. They are the people who make Michigan. Whether it's the professors or the expectations, all over campus is filled with leaders and accomplished people. It's all full of future leaders and that's the special part of Michigan.

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

He should make it a serious commitment that he wants to do it and not just talk about. Whether it's doing something extra away from the rink or academically, making sure he will be an eligible and capable player. It's not as much about talent as character and work ethic.

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

Parents should get out of the way. I know they all want to protect their kids but give the kid an opportunity to play in a competitive environment and then stand back and be a good parent. Stand back and support the coaches, support the system. There's no rush. We all seem to be in a rush, to rush are kids through the system, rush to get to Division I and then we find that we're not ready for it. Let the kid enjoy hockey. If he's not having fun or not learning anything then he probably shouldn't be playing where he is. But if he is, then let him develop. Keep reminding him what his goals are and that's the most important thing. Kids should have goals like older players do and those that do usually accomplish them.

The best advice you ever got?

Go to school and if you're going to make it to the NHL, you'll make it no matter what you do. That was the best advice I got and I took it and I'm still giving it.

The most important trait you look for in a player?

Given the fact that a lot of players are similar in skill level, size, and ability, it's the character of the kid. It's his work ethic, commitment, integer, coach ability. It really comes down to character and attitude.

The biggest win of your career?

Hard to say. The first year we won the national championship in 1996 was a big monkey off the program's back because Michigan hadn't won a national championship since 1964 and we'd been in the Frozen Four a number of years. That's a game I'll never forget.

A game you look forward to each year?

Last year it was the Big Chill at the Big House. I think every year there is one on the schedule that jumps out at you. Looking ahead to this year's schedule, I can't tell you what game that will be but I think the first time we play Michigan State with their new coach will be something I'll look forward to.

WHO IS?

Your biggest coaching influence?

Mike Babcock has been a big influence on me every single year.

A coach you admire outside of hockey?

Scotty Bowman. Obviously he was a hockey coach, but he's one I really admired.

A former player you're particularly proud of?

There are a lot of players that I'm proud of and there are some that are still playing. Brendan Morrison, is a player who was a great college player and a great tribute to Michigan and still is. On the flip side, Chris Fox is noted neurosurgeon who is working for the military right now. Chris is accomplished in his own way as well.

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

Well I'd have to go with Luke Glendening. Luke is our captain who was an unsung hero for the last three years. Just the way he works and competes and supported his teammates and has accepted any role he had. And now he's emerged as our captain.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE?

Author

James Michener

Book

Covenant

TV Network

CNBC

Movie

Forever Strong

Web site

MGoBlue.com

Vacation spot

Alaska

Pro team

Detroit Red Wings

Sport besides hockey

College football

Time of year

Fall

Quote

Just do it.