The Ferris State Bulldogs men's ice hockey team is an NCAA Division I college ice hockey program that represents Ferris State University. The Bulldogs are a member of the Central Collegiate Hockey Association (CCHA). They play at Ewigleben Arena in Big Rapids, Michigan.[2]
| Ferris State Bulldogs men's ice hockey | |
|---|---|
 Current season | |
 | |
| University | Ferris State University |
| Conference | CCHA Division I Division |
| First season | 1975–76 |
| Head coach | Bob Daniels 32nd season, 487–581–112 (.460) |
| Assistant coaches |
|
| Arena | Ewigleben Arena Big Rapids, Michigan |
| Colors | Crimson and gold[1] |
| NCAA Tournament Runner-up | |
| 2012 | |
| NCAA Tournament Frozen Four | |
| 2012 | |
| NCAA Tournament appearances | |
| 2003, 2012, 2014, 2016 | |
| Conference Tournament championships | |
| 2016 | |
| Conference regular season championships | |
| 2002–03, 2011–12, 2013–14 | |
| Current uniform | |
 | |
History edit
Ferris State's ice hockey program began in 1975 as a member of the NAIA and joined the CCHA as an affiliate member.[3] In the program's four seasons in the NAIA the team compiled an overall record of 58-40-1-.591, including three seasons above .700 winning percentage and a program best winning percentage of .795 in the 1976–77 season.[4] The program moved up to NCAA Division I status and became a full member of the CCHA in 1979. They joined the WCHA in 2013[4] before returning to the CCHA prior to the 2021–22 season.[5]
Ferris State turned in its best season performance ever in the program's NCAA Division I history for the 2002-03 campaign with a school-best 31-10-1 overall record. The Ferris Bulldogs also claimed their first-ever CCHA Regular-Season Championship title with a first-place 22-5-1 league mark. Ferris State received an at-large bid to the 2003 NCAA Tournament and beat North Dakota 5-2 and advanced to the West Regional title game in their initial NCAA Tourney appearance, before losing a high scoring game to Minnesota 4–7.[6][7] FSU also earned the distinction of being the nation's first team to reach the 30-win plateau in 2002-03 and also competed in the CCHA Super Six Championship Tourney for the first time since 1993.[8]
The 2011–12 season was historic for the Ferris State ice hockey program. The Bulldogs began the season on a six-game win streak, their best start to a season since 1979-80 when The Bulldogs recorded an eight-game streak.[9] The team ended the regular season with their first CCHA Regular Season Championship since the program's first in 2002–03. The season was highlighted by a 14-game unbeaten streak from January 6, 2012, to February 25 in which the team recorded 11 wins and 4 ties.[10] The Bulldogs were also ranked first in the NCAA men's ice hockey poll for a two-week period in the season for the first time in school history.[11] After the team finished with the top record in the CCHA, the Bulldogs received a first round bye for the 2012 CCHA Tournament. Ferris State played Bowling Green in the second round, after the Falcons upset Northern Michigan. In the best-of-three series, the Falcons picked up a win in overtime in the opening game followed by goal outburst in the second game that saw Ferris State even the series with a 7–4 win.[12] In the final game of the series, Ferris State was unable to hold on to a three-goal lead as BGSU rallied back to force overtime. The Falcons scored in the extra period to win the CCHA quarterfinal series.[13] Despite the loss in the CCHA playoffs, the Bulldogs received an at-large bid to the 2012 NCAA Tournament. Ferris State defeated Denver and Cornell in the first two rounds of the tournament with a pair of 2-1 games.[14] In the program's first appearance in the Frozen Four, the Bulldogs defeated Union 3-1 and advanced to the championship game against Boston College.[15] Ferris State was unable to stop the Eagles' offense en route to BC's third title in five seasons. The team finished with a record of 26-12-5.[16]
Season-by-season results edit
Source:[17]
Coaches edit
The team has been coached by Bob Daniels since 1992. Daniels is a two-time recipient of the Spencer Penrose Award, awarded by the American Hockey Coaches Association to the NCAA men's ice hockey coach of the year, having won the award in 2003 and 2012.[18] In 2012, he was also named the Central Collegiate Hockey Association coach of the year after he led the Bulldogs to their first appearance in the Frozen Four and NCAA championship game.[19] Daniels is the longest tenured coach of the Bulldogs and is the only coach in program history to record over 300 wins.[20]
As of completion of 2022–23 season[4][8]
| Tenure | Coach | Years | Record | Pct. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1992–present | Bob Daniels | 31 | 487–581–112 | .460 |
| 1990–1991 | Bob Mancini | 2 | 36–32–12 | .525 |
| 1986–1990 | John Perpich | 4 | 54–92–17 | .383 |
| 1986 | Peter Esdale† | 1† | 6–9–1 | .406 |
| 1982–1986 | Dick Bertrand | 4 | 56–74–9 | .435 |
| 1975–1982 | Rick Duffett | 7 | 119–83–7 | .586 |
| Totals | 6 coaches | 48 seasons | 758–871–158 | .468 |
† Esdale replaced Bertrand in January 1986.
Awards and honors edit
NCAA edit
|
- 1993-94: John Gruden, D
- 2002-03: Mike Brown, G; Chris Kunitz, F
- 2010-11: Pat Nagle, G
- 2011-12: Taylor Nelson, G
AHCA Second Team All-Americans
- 1995-96: Andy Roach, D
- 1996-97: Andy Roach, D
- 2001-02: Rob Collins, F
- 2010-11: Zach Redmond, D
- 2011-12: Chad Billins, D
WCHA edit
Individual awards edit
|
|
|
|
All-WCHA edit
- 2013–14: C. J. Motte, G
- 2016–17: Gerald Mayhew, F
- 2018–19: Cooper Zech, D
- 2013–14: Scott Czarnowczan, D; Garrett Thompson, F
- 2015–16: Gerald Mayhew, F
- 2013–14: Jason Binkley, D
- 2014–15: C. J. Motte, G
- 2015–16: Brandon Anselmini, D
- 2016–17: Justin Kapelmaster, G
- 2017–18: Ryker Killins, D
- 2013–14: Kyle Schempp, F
- 2015–16: Corey Mackin, F
- 2018–19: Cooper Zech, D
- 2019–20: Jake Willets, D
CCHA edit
Individual awards edit
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
All-CCHA edit
- 1979–80: Jim Baker, F
- 1979–80: Jim File, D; George Harrison, D
- 1981–82: Jim File, D
- 1993–94: John Gruden, D
- 1995–96: Andy Roach, D
- 1996–97: Andy Roach, D
- 1998–99: Paul Comrie, F
- 2001–02: Chris Kunitz, F; Rob Collins, F
- 2002–03: Mike Brown, G; Chris Kunitz, F
- 2010–11: Pat Nagle, G; Zach Redmond, D
- 2011–12: Taylor Nelson, G; Chad Billins, D
- 1979–80: Paul Pickard, D
- 1983–84: Jim File, D; Randy Merrifield, F
- 1990–91: Rod Taylor, F
- 1994–95: Andy Roach, D
- 1997–98: Brett Colborne, D
- 1999–00: Brian McCullough, F
- 2000–01: Phil Osaer, G
- 2002–03: Simon Mangos, D; Troy Milam, D; Jeff Legue, F
- 2009–10: Zach Redmond, D
- 2011–12: Jordie Johnston, F
- 2012–13: Juho Olkinuora, G; Joey LaLeggia, D
- 1990–91: Pat Mazzoli, G
- 1993–94: Andy Roach, D
- 1994–95: Jason Blake, F
- 1997–98: Kevin Swider, F
- 2001–02: Mike Brown, G; Matt York, D
- 2005–06: Dan Riedel, F
- 2021–22: Bradley Marek, F
- 2023–24: Luigi Benincasa, F
Olympians edit
Source:[21]
This is a list of Ferris State alumni who played on an Olympic team.
| Name | Position | Ferris State Tenure | Team | Year | Finish |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bob Nardella | Defense | 1988–1991 |  Italy | 1998, 2006 | 12th, 11th |
| Norm Krumpschmid | Center | 1988–1992 |  Austria | 1998 | 14th |
| Jason Blake | Center | 1994–1995 |  USA | 2006 | 8th |
| Chris Kunitz | Left wing | 1999–2003 |  Canada | 2014 |  Gold |
| Chad Billins | Defenseman | 2008–2012 | USA | 2018 | 7th |
| Pat Nagle | Goaltender | 2007–2011 | USA | 2022 | 5th |
Statistical leaders edit
Career points leaders edit
Source:[22]
| Player | Years | GP | G | A | Pts | PIM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paul Lowden | 1983–1987 | 158 | 101 | 107 | 208 | |
| Jim Baker | 1978–1982 | 137 | 82 | 123 | 205 | |
| John DePourcq | 1987–1991 | 145 | 73 | 130 | 203 | |
| Peter Lowden | 1983–1987 | 158 | 74 | 125 | 199 | |
| Rod Schluter | 1984–1989 | 164 | 93 | 96 | 189 | |
| Paul Cook | 1979–1983 | 139 | 76 | 99 | 175 | |
| Chris Kunitz | 1999–2003 | 152 | 99 | 76 | 175 | |
| Perry Zoldak | 1976–1981 | 124 | 60 | 112 | 172 | |
| Jeff Legue | 2001–2005 | 152 | 67 | 90 | 157 | |
| Randy Strong | 1978–1982 | 136 | 69 | 83 | 152 |
Career goaltending leaders edit
Source:[23]GP = Games played; Min = Minutes played; W = Wins; L = Losses; T = Ties; GA = Goals against; SO = Shutouts; SV% = Save percentage; GAA = Goals against average
Minimum 30 games
| Player | Years | GP | Min | W | L | T | GA | SO | SV% | GAA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C. J. Motte | 2011–2015 | 127 | 7679 | 66 | 49 | 12 | 272 | 15 | .926 | 2.13 |
| Phil Osaer | 1998–2001 | 59 | 3198 | 24 | 22 | 6 | 116 | 2 | .916 | 2.18 |
| Pat Nagle | 2007–2011 | 101 | 5801 | 45 | 42 | 11 | 224 | 5 | .916 | 2.32 |
| Taylor Nelson | 2008–2012 | 70 | 4031 | 35 | 20 | 10 | 157 | 4 | .917 | 2.34 |
| Mitch O'Keefe | 2005–2008 | 86 | 5074 | 31 | 39 | 15 | 227 | 6 | .903 | 2.68 |
Statistics current through the start of the 2018–19 season.
Ferris State Athletic Hall of Fame edit
The following is a list of people associated with the Ferris State men's ice hockey program who were elected into the Ferris State Athletic Hall of Fame (induction date in parentheses).[24]
- Jim Baker (2002)
- John DePourcq (2002)
- Paul Lowden (2003)
- Jim File (2004)
- Peter Lowden (2004)
- Randy Merrifield (2005)
- John Gruden (2007)
- Andy Roach (2009)
Current roster edit
As of September 18, 2023.[25]
| No. | S/P/C | Player | Class | Pos | Height | Weight | DoB | Hometown | Previous team | NHL rights |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  | Logan Stein | Senior | G | 6' 2" (1.88 m) | 212 lb (96 kg) | 2001-04-26 | Suwanee, Georgia | Waterloo (USHL) | — |
| 2 |  | Travis Shoudy | Sophomore | D | 5' 9" (1.75 m) | 173 lb (78 kg) | 2002-03-15 | Marysville, Michigan | Cedar Rapids (USHL) | — |
| 3 |  | Ben Schultheis | Junior | D | 6' 3" (1.91 m) | 207 lb (94 kg) | 2000-02-17 | Mount Juliet, Tennessee | Dubuque (USHL) | — |
| 4 | | Drew Cooper | Senior | D | 6' 1" (1.85 m) | 193 lb (88 kg) | 2000-08-28 | Ann Arbor, Michigan | Coquitlam (BCHL) | — |
| 6 |  | Nico DeVita | Junior | D | 6' 2" (1.88 m) | 202 lb (92 kg) | 2001-05-24 | Bellevue, Washington | New Hampshire (HEA) | — |
| 6 | | Jack Mesic | Freshman | D | 5' 9" (1.75 m) | 176 lb (80 kg) | 2002-10-18 | Plymouth, Michigan | North Iowa (NAHL) | — |
| 7 |  | Connor McGrath | Sophomore | F | 5' 9" (1.75 m) | 184 lb (83 kg) | 2003-09-04 | Leroy, Saskatchewan | Humboldt (SJHL) | — |
| 8 | | Austin McCarthy | Senior | F | 6' 0" (1.83 m) | 185 lb (84 kg) | 1999-03-01 | Ludington, Michigan | Topeka (NAHL) | — |
| 9 | | Nick Nardecchia | Junior | F | 5' 9" (1.75 m) | 177 lb (80 kg) | 2001-01-01 | Macomb, Michigan | Lincoln (USHL) | — |
| 10 | | Holden Doell | Freshman | F | 5' 11" (1.8 m) | 185 lb (84 kg) | 2003-12-01 | Martensville, Saskatchewan | Battlefords (SJHL) | — |
| 11 |  | Jacob Dirks | Senior | F | 6' 1" (1.85 m) | 190 lb (86 kg) | 1999-09-15 | Mindoro, Wisconsin | Chippewa (NAHL) | — |
| 12 |  | Luigi Benincasa | Freshman | F | 5' 7" (1.7 m) | 159 lb (72 kg) | 2002-10-07 | Edmonton, Alberta | Spruce Grove (AJHL) | — |
| 15 |  | Tyler Schleppe | Sophomore | F | 6' 4" (1.93 m) | 220 lb (100 kg) | 2001-11-11 | Vancouver, British Columbia | Langley (BCHL) | — |
| 16 |  | Caiden Gault | Sophomore | F | 6' 1" (1.85 m) | 190 lb (86 kg) | 2002-04-16 | Oakbank, Manitoba | Spruce Grove (AJHL) | — |
| 18 | | Kaleb Ergang | Junior | F | 5' 10" (1.78 m) | 165 lb (75 kg) | 2000-12-31 | Spruce Grove, Alberta | Whitecourt (AJHL) | — |
| 19 |  | Štěpán Pokorný | Senior | F | 6' 0" (1.83 m) | 196 lb (89 kg) | 2000-06-08 | Kolín, Czech Republic | Madison (USHL) | — |
| 20 |  | Andrew Noel | Sophomore | D | 6' 1" (1.85 m) | 200 lb (91 kg) | 2001-01-02 | Maynard, Massachusetts | Nanaimo (BCHL) | — |
| 21 | | Jason Brancheau | Graduate | F | 5' 8" (1.73 m) | 175 lb (79 kg) | 1999-08-15 | Brownstown, Michigan | Amarillo (NAHL) | — |
| 22 |  | Nick Hale | Senior | D | 5' 8" (1.73 m) | 168 lb (76 kg) | 1999-05-07 | Raleigh, North Carolina | Holy Cross (AHA) | — |
| 23 | | Antonio Venuto | Senior | F | 6' 3" (1.91 m) | 215 lb (98 kg) | 2000-02-26 | Whitmore Lake, Michigan | Dubuque (USHL) | — |
| 24 | | Brenden MacLaren | Graduate | F | 5' 11" (1.8 m) | 196 lb (89 kg) | 1998-11-30 | Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan | Fairbanks (NAHL) | — |
| 25 | | Zach Faremouth | Junior | F | 6' 3" (1.91 m) | 210 lb (95 kg) | 2000-01-04 | Jackson, Michigan | Des Moines (USHL) | — |
| 26 | | Jacob Badal | Sophomore | F | 6' 0" (1.83 m) | 205 lb (93 kg) | 2001-10-05 | Flushing, Michigan | Johnstown (NAHL) | — |
| 27 |  | Emerson Goode | Freshman | F | 5' 9" (1.75 m) | 180 lb (82 kg) | 2002-10-16 | Anaheim, California | Odessa Jackalopes (NAHL) | — |
| 28 |  | Trevor Taulien | Freshman | D | 6' 4" (1.93 m) | 217 lb (98 kg) | 2003-04-14 | Crystal Lake, Illinois | Odessa Jackalopes (NAHL) | — |
| 30 | | Joey Henson | Sophomore | G | 5' 11" (1.8 m) | 196 lb (89 kg) | 2001-08-15 | Troy, Michigan | Philadelphia Little Flyers (EHL) | — |
| 31 | | Noah Giesbrecht | Junior | G | 6' 4" (1.93 m) | 205 lb (93 kg) | 1999-04-18 | White Rock, British Columbia | Windsor (OUA) | — |
| 34 | | Nick Grimaldi | Junior | F | 5' 7" (1.7 m) | 140 lb (64 kg) | 1999-06-26 | Plymouth, Michigan | Odessa (NAHL) | — |
Bulldogs in the NHL edit
As of July 1, 2023.
| = NHL All-Star team | = NHL All-Star[26] | = NHL All-Star[26] and NHL All-Star team |
Source:[27] References editExternal links edit
|
.jpg)
