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Artful Rivermen

Enforcer Benson well decorated

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By Marc Strauss

Story Published: Sep 26, 2007 at 8:05 PM CDT

Story Updated: Sep 26, 2007 at 8:34 PM CDT

Rivermen coach Dave Bassegio will tell you Hans Benson brings a certain energy to the Rivermen.

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"Hans is a character, but one of the most positive people I've ever been around. He walks into a room and his positive energy makes everybody feel better."

But this season Benson brings more than energy. He's bigger and stronger. Through intense off–season workouts Benson has added muscle to his 250 pound frame. And he's decorated it with a pair of unique tattoos.

"I think I had a picture in my head of something I wanted. My friend did them free hand with no stensil. He just picked up a pen and did them. They came out well."

A friend of Hans, whom he calls Pelo, did his tattoos back home in California. Benson says he picked each design for a reason.

"I'm from California near the water. I like Japanese art as well, so I got the waves. And I'm kind of a beast, so I got the lion."

Bassegio doesn't mind Benson expressing himself, but he's not a big fan of body art.

"I try to avoid looking at his tattoos. I'm not a tattoo guy. Its his body and he can do what he wants."