The Sharks are dead. The Hawks will win the Stanley if Chi Goaltending stays hot and the asshole who wears the war bonnet and the Atlanta Braves Shirt will get to celebrate in CHI.  I am getting ready to suffer through the 43rd season with no Preston Trophy. Philly is my only and not too digestible choice. Maybe Ill go into hibernation until Sept. Will drop by Bobbies when I get near. I didnt know what I was getting into in 1967.. If the tape of the Nov. 7th 1968 game was still in existence I could play it again and again. Red Berenson Forever. Hoozis

I was in a tavern on Morganford Rd. in South St. Louis. I was 19 years old and was too young to drink so I had a Coke. My Dad and Uncle were having an afterwork beer and were playing shuffleboard.

At about 6 PM I remembered that The St. Louis Blues had an out of town game with the Philadelphia Flyers that night. I was the only Hockey Fan in the house. When the patrons were polled as to whether they wanted to watch my Dad and Uncle didnt care one way or the other. Two couples sitting at a table were getting a buzz on and also didnt care. Ed was sitting at the bar and stated "I watch the Cards, Cardinals and Hawks. I dont understand that shit from Canada and would like to watch anything else."

The Bartender said "come on Ed let the Kid watch his game."

I remember hoping that the game would be good or I might have to look for a TV elsewhere. The game began and if my memory is sound Red Berenson scored 2 goals in the first period. Defenseman Ed Van Impe and Goalie Doug Favell were having their pockets picked big time. Ed started watching and asked what icing and offside were. I drew diagrams on Bar napkins.

As the second period began Berenson went on the attack and soon had a hat trick. I had to explain that also. When Berenson scored his 4th goal everyone in the place started to watch. Other patrons had filtered in in the meantime and about 15 viewers were present. In the 3rd period Berenson scored a 5th goal and rang the goalpost on 2 other occasions. When he scored the 6th goal all present were "celebrating."

Ed became a Hockey fan that night and I never again had to beg to watch Hockey in that establishment. Yes Red Berenson did have a big part in making the Blues a success and dont let those who never saw the 6 goal game tell you the opposite. Samuel M. Smith aka the Berenson Geezer.

Dear reader this is the first installment of the Hockey Collectors Corner. If you find this presentation is helpful please send verbal flowers and if not send verbal bricks. Sincerely the Berenson Geezer.
 How to Build an Historically Correct Blues Jersey.

 For the first 20 years of the Blues the proper uniform consisted of civilian clothing. Since that time the team Jersey has become far more common. This has resulted in few older Jerseys being for sale or available as hand me downs. The fix for this situation is to buy a game worn Jersey or construct a Jersey from available parts.

 The gameworn route is is time consuming and can be expensive. The dealers in Gameworn Jerseys include GamewornJerseys.com, meigraygroup.com, NHLGameworn.com, Byronshockeyland, The Detroit Hockey Co., HockeyGamers.com, The Spirit of the Game, The Hockey Gallery,  West Coast Hockey Jersey Exchange, Pats Pro Jerseys, Drop the Gloves, J&J Distributing, The Neutral Zone and Net Collectibles. If time and money are not big concerns then this is the was to go. Many Gameworn Jerseys are sold off after vthe death of the player concerned. Prices can go anywhere from a Christian Backman Gameworn for $400 to a Henri Richard  for $17,900 . A gameworn Jersey from the early years of the Blues will bring $1000 to $3000 depending on the Player. A Red Berenson practice jersey recently sold for $1700.

 If the game worn route is to rich for your blood  then you can construct a Jersey for $50 to 150$. The trick is to know where to find the partsand how to assemble them. The first step is to get a closeup photo of your hero wearing the Jersey you want to recreate. Next go to The Hockey Jersey Database at NHLUniforms.com.This data base will give you the exact configuration of the Jersey in question. Please note that nameplates appeared on Blues home Jerseys in the 1974-1975 season and on road Jerseys in 1977-1978. As to finding the Jersey you need the first place to look is Ebay. With persistance the Jersey you want will appear and at a great price. If possible get a Jersey with a Bluenote crest because the NHL will no longer authorize Crests to be sold separately (dont ask why I am not a Lawyer). If time is not on your side check the Amazon.com  Marketplace and Ebay sellers Stadiumstyle1, hockey-jerseys-direct.com, OldJerseys.com, UltimaHockey Shop  or  RetroSportsDreams (RetroSportsDreams has a beautiful 1953 replica St. Louis Flyers replica Jersey for you Super Geezers like me).If you are forced to buy a totally blank Jersey then Bluenote Crests are available on Ebay sellers Thugmins, Orion31, ejunbo and Vintage Classics. Have fun and reply below or I can be reached at ssmithdmdp@frontier.com

A great night

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They would not be the Blues if they didnt make you cry. They have made me cry 42 times but I am FAR to totally addicted to quit now. I pray that another team economic meltdown does not lead to the dumping of team stars as has happened in the past. In the first few seasons of the second six there were the original six the Blues and the next 5. I was sure that a parade down Oakland Ave. was soon to take place. Didnt know that I would be 61 years old and be suffering from lack of Stanley of Preston. WAIT until next season. Red Berenson forever. Down with Redwings I hate them more than I ever hated the Habs.

Another great thing about this year. I saw the 1st Blues goal scored by Keenan ( Larry not Mike) in 67 and I saw Berglund get 10,000 this season.  I probably wont see 20,000 so I better enjoy this one. I missed a lot in the middle due to the US Navy. For years I had to catch the road Blues when I could and where I could in places like NY, LA and Chi. They just would not station me at the Mart Building. Hockey fan since the St. Louis Flyers.  Hardhat.

Jackman spends a whole lotta time out of position but he gets away with it since he is colorful and St. Louie is short of good defensemen.  How many millions of $$$ is he really worth ?  If the defense improves how long till we trade him ? Or will he look better if he is surrounded by better talent and can "stay at home"  more ? Lack of Stanley of Preston since 1967.  May W 16 come soon in the playoffs ! Hardhat Berenson