The Central District Coordinator of Player Development, Norm Speigel, and USA
Hockey have selected Sean Berens (Chicago) to represent the Midwest in St. Cloud,
MN this year at the Select 15 Festival. Along with his coaching duties in Minnesota,
Berens will be evaluating local and central district players throughout the
USA Development Program. "Sean is the type of person USA Hockey is happy to
have involved. His knowledge of the game and ability to relate to players are
what set him apart from other coaches," says Speigel.

Sean, a Chicago born player, grew up competing in the USA Development Program,
twice being selected for the final team; first playing in Switzerland, followed by
Japan the next season. Berens recalls the emotional memories from the USA Program,
"I can remember sitting with all these players from across America waiting to hear
my name called for the final team. For those 120 seconds, every bad pass I made
during the camp went through my head! When I heard my name, all I could think about
was my Mom and Dad because I had called them before the meeting and told them I
didn't make it." Berens hopes through his personal experience he will provide
an outlet for participants in the same situation. "It's probably one of the
most difficult playing environments for a young athlete to compete in. I've
been there, and I'll give every player my own personal methods of dealing with
the stress… if that helps any," Berens jokes.

Retired from a seven year professional career, Berens has played across the United
States and Europe, learning the international game. "Sean can bring a new perspective
into USA Hockey. We feel with his knowledge of the European style, he will be a great
asset for us," says Speigel.