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“Michigan is the worst.” Lombardi added. “For hockey people, if you’ve got a choice between a kid—all things being equal—one’s going to Michigan and one’s going to Boston University, you all want your player [going to Boston University]. Michigan’s players—[head coach] Red [Berenson] doesn’t coach. It’s ‘do what you want.’ He gets the best players in the country.”

Pretty dumb thing for a GM to say about one of the greatest college coaches to ever walk the bench. Not to mention he throws one of his players under the bus at the same time.

Needless to say the Ann Arbor faithful are supporting their Coach and Berenson refused comment.

I don't know how a GM could say something like that about one of his players. Especially a guy that he gave up a decent amount in a trade to get before the kid even played in the NHL, assuming Lombardi was the one that made that trade.

Johnson hasn't exactly lived up to expectations in the NHL though. A lot of people were saying he was the best American D-man since Chris Chelios when he was drafted and played at Michigan. I think I heard he's among the worst in the NHL in plus/minus this year as well despite playing on a pretty strong Kings team. He also hasn't come close to living up to expectations in terms of his offensive numbers. You kind of have to assume something was missing when he jumped from college to the NHL. Then again, he did get named to the US Olympic team. So I guess he's impressing somebody.

Lombardi also talked about how Johnson didn't take criticism well, which I can definitely believe. The whole "JMFJ" thing went to his head a little I think. Apparently some TV station in Los Angeles did some special on him called Before the Bigs where they profiled his minor and college hockey career too, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fICWjRSbGq4" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; . Pretty ridiculous hype.

BGDrew wrote:Pretty dumb thing for a GM to say about one of the greatest college coaches to ever walk the bench.

WTF??? Red????

Weren't the comments supposed to be "off the record" FWIW?

Redwingtom wrote:

BGDrew wrote:Pretty dumb thing for a GM to say about one of the greatest college coaches to ever walk the bench.

WTF??? Red????

Weren't the comments supposed to be "off the record" FWIW?

Red Berenson is one of the greatest coaches to ever step foot in the NCAA. There is absolutely no arguing that. His numbers speak for themselves.

Just stupid comments, that is all that can be said.

He was a head coach in the NHL within two years after retiring as a player. If you win nearly 700 games in the CCHA, I think you might know how to coach just a little.