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.