Ferris State Bulldogs men's ice hockey

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Ferris State Bulldogs men's ice hockey
Hockey current event.svg Current season
Ferris state athletics mark.png
University Ferris State University
Conference CCHA
Division I Division
First season 1975–76
Head coach Brett Riley
1st season
Assistant coaches
  • Zack Cisek
  • Justin DeMartino
  • Gehrig Sarosy
Arena Ewigleben Arena
Big Rapids, Michigan
ColorsCrimson and gold [1]
   
NCAA tournament runner-up
2012
NCAA tournament Frozen Four
2012
NCAA tournament appearances
2003, 2012, 2014, 2016
Conference tournament champions
WCHA: 2016
Conference regular season champions
CCHA: 2003, 2012
WCHA: 2014
Current uniform
WCHA-Uniform-FSU.png

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]

Contents

History

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]

Ferris State's starting lineup for a 2009-10 game against Michigan 2009-10 Ferris State Bulldogs hockey team starting lineup.JPG
Ferris State's starting lineup for a 2009–10 game against Michigan
Ferris State's Ewigleben Arena, June 2015 Ferris State Hockey Arena.jpg
Ferris State's Ewigleben Arena, June 2015

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

Source: [17]

Coaches

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 2024–25 season [4] [8]

TenureCoachYearsRecordPct.
1975–1982 Rick Duffett 7119–83–7.586
1982–1986 Dick Bertrand 456–74–9.435
1986 Peter Esdale1†6–9–1.406
1986–1990 John Perpich 454–92–17.383
1990–1991 Bob Mancini 236–32–12.525
1992–2025 Bob Daniels 33510–625–117.454
Totals6 coaches50 seasons781–915–163.464

† Esdale replaced Bertrand in January 1986.

Awards and honors

NCAA

AHCA First Team All-Americans

AHCA Second Team All-Americans

WCHA

Individual awards

All-WCHA

First Team All-WCHA

Second team all-wcha

Third Team All-WCHA

WCHA All-Rookie Team

CCHA

Individual awards

All-CCHA

First Team All-CCHA

Second team all-ccha

CCHA All-Rookie Team

Olympians

Source: [21]

This is a list of Ferris State alumni who played on an Olympic team.

NamePositionFerris State TenureTeamYearFinish
Bob Nardella Defense1988–1991 Flag of Italy.svg Italy 1998, 2006 12th, 11th
Norm Krumpschmid Center1988–1992 Flag of Austria.svg Austria 1998 14th
Jason Blake Center1994–1995 Flag of the United States.svg USA 2006 8th
Chris Kunitz Left wing1999–2003 Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Canada 2014 Gold medal icon.svg Gold
Chad Billins Defenseman2008–2012 Flag of the United States.svg USA 2018 7th
Pat Nagle Goaltender2007–2011 Flag of the United States.svg USA 2022 5th

Statistical leaders

Career points leaders

Source: [22]

PlayerYearsGPGAPtsPIM
Paul Lowden 1983–198715810110720876
Jim Baker 1978–198213782123205132
John DePourcq 1987–19911457313020352
Peter Lowden 1983–19871587412519981
Rod Schluter 1984–19891649396189251
Paul Cook 1979–19831397699175105
Chris Kunitz 1999–20031529976175275
Perry Zoldak 1976–198112460112172105
Jeff Legue 2001–20051526790157147
Randy Strong 1978–19821366983152276

Career goaltending leaders

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

PlayerYearsGPMinWLTGASOSV%GAA
C. J. Motte 2011–2015127767966491227215.9262.13
Phil Osaer 1998–2001593198242261162.9162.18
Pat Nagle 2007–201110158014542112245.9162.32
Taylor Nelson 2008–20127040313520101574.9172.34
Mitch O'Keefe 2005–20088650743139152276.9032.68

Statistics current through the end of the 2023–24 season.

Ferris State Athletic Hall of Fame

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]

Current roster

As of August 30, 2025. [25]

No. Nat.PlayerClassPosHeightWeightDoBHometownPrevious teamNHL rights
1 Flag of the United States.svg Mason WestFreshman (RS) G 6' 1" (1.85 m)170 lb (77 kg)2004-10-18 Traverse City, Michigan Peoria Mustangs  ( NA3HL )
2 Flag of the United States.svg Kade TurnerSophomore F 6' 0" (1.83 m)185 lb (84 kg)2003-02-04 Calgary, Alberta Okotoks Oilers  ( BCHL )
3 Flag of the United States.svg Logan HerouxSophomore D 6' 1" (1.85 m)190 lb (86 kg)2003-05-30 Middletown, New Jersey Shreveport Mudbugs  ( NAHL )
4 Flag of Norway.svg Christopher LieSophomore D 5' 10" (1.78 m)163 lb (74 kg)2005-07-27 Hamar, Norway Malmö Redhawks J20  ( J20 Nationell )
5 Flag of Finland.svg Valtteri PiironenSenior D 6' 4" (1.93 m)201 lb (91 kg)2001-09-11 Joensuu, Finland Long Island  ( NCAA )
6 Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Xavier Jean-LouisSenior D 6' 5" (1.96 m)205 lb (93 kg)2001-06-25 Montreal, Quebec Alaska  ( NCAA )
7 Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Connor McGrathSenior F 5' 9" (1.75 m)184 lb (83 kg)2003-09-04 Leroy, Saskatchewan Humboldt Broncos  ( SJHL )
8 Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Tyler SchleppeSenior F 6' 4" (1.93 m)220 lb (100 kg)2001-11-11 Vancouver, British Columbia Langley Rivermen  ( BCHL )
9 Flag of the United States.svg Nic BelpedioGraduate D 5' 10" (1.78 m)194 lb (88 kg)2001-10-09 Skokie, Illinois Colgate  ( ECAC )
10 Flag of the United States.svg Jack MesicJunior D 5' 9" (1.75 m)176 lb (80 kg)2002-10-18 Plymouth, Michigan Western Michigan  ( NCHC )
11 Flag of the United States.svg Brian MorseFreshman (RS) D 6' 1" (1.85 m)165 lb (75 kg)2003-02-06 Fresno, California Maine  ( HEA )
12 Flag of the United States.svg Caden BrownSenior (RS) D 5' 11" (1.8 m)185 lb (84 kg)2003-06-22 St. Louis, Missouri Ohio State  ( Big Ten )
13 Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Josh ZarySenior F 6' 0" (1.83 m)190 lb (86 kg)2001-10-15 Nanaimo, British Columbia Long Island  ( NCAA )
15 Flag of the United States.svg Jack SilichSophomore F 5' 10" (1.78 m)179 lb (81 kg)2003-06-20 Long Grove, Illinois Cranbrook Bucks  ( BCHL )
16 Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Holden DoellJunior F 5' 11" (1.8 m)185 lb (84 kg)2003-12-01 Martensville, Saskatchewan Battlefords North Stars  ( SJHL )
17 Flag of the United States.svg Luke LiskoSophomore F 6' 1" (1.85 m)181 lb (82 kg)2004-05-24 Marine City, Michigan Sherwood Park Crusaders  ( BCHL )
18 Flag of the United States.svg Max DukovacJunior F 6' 2" (1.88 m)182 lb (83 kg)2002-02-19 Aurora, Illinois Miami  ( NCHC )
19 Flag of the United States.svg Max ItagakiSenior F 5' 5" (1.65 m)155 lb (70 kg)2002-06-18 Glenview, Illinois Army  ( AHA )
20 Flag of the United States.svg Andrew NoelJunior D 6' 1" (1.85 m)200 lb (91 kg)2001-01-02 Maynard, Massachusetts Nanaimo Clippers  ( BCHL )
21 Flag of the United States.svg Tanner RoweJunior F 6' 1" (1.85 m)179 lb (81 kg)2002-08-26 Calumet, Michigan Michigan  ( Big Ten )
22 Flag of the United States.svg Emerson GoodeJunior F 5' 9" (1.75 m)180 lb (82 kg)2002-10-16 Anaheim, California Odessa Jackalopes  ( NAHL )
23 Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Riley WallackSenior F 6' 5" (1.96 m)225 lb (102 kg)2001-04-05 South Surrey, British Columbia Long Island  ( NCAA )
24 Flag of the United States.svg Conner BrownSophomore D 6' 0" (1.83 m)190 lb (86 kg)2003-12-23 Maplewood, Minnesota Janesville Jets  ( NAHL )
26 Flag of the United States.svg Jacob BadalSenior F 6' 0" (1.83 m)205 lb (93 kg)2001-10-05 Flushing, Michigan Johnstown Tomahawks  ( NAHL )
27 Flag of the United States.svg Gavin BestSenior F 6' 2" (1.88 m)190 lb (86 kg)2001-08-24 Richfield, Minnesota Michigan State  ( Big Ten )
28 Flag of the United States.svg Trevor TaulienJunior D 6' 4" (1.93 m)225 lb (102 kg)2003-04-14 Crystal Lake, Illinois Odessa Jackalopes  ( NAHL )
30 Flag of the United States.svg Hobie HedquistJunior G 6' 2" (1.88 m)192 lb (87 kg)2003-02-14 Heron Lake, Minnesota North Dakota  ( NCHC )
31 Flag of the United States.svg Noah RupprechtJunior G 5' 11" (1.8 m)180 lb (82 kg)2002-06-15 Thief River Falls, Minnesota Long Island  ( NCAA )
34 Flag of the United States.svg Carter RapaljeJunior (RS) F 5' 10" (1.78 m)170 lb (77 kg)2001-08-10 Colorado Springs, Colorado Long Island  ( NCAA )
55 Flag of Norway.svg Martin LundbergSophomore G 6' 1" (1.85 m)172 lb (78 kg)2005-02-04 Furuberget, Norway Mora IK J20  ( J20 Nationell )

Bulldogs in the NHL

As of July 1, 2025. [26]

= NHL All-Star team = NHL All-Star [27] = NHL All-Star [27] and NHL All-Star team
PlayerPositionTeam(s)YearsGames Stanley Cups
Chad Billins Defenseman CGY 2013–2014100
Jason Blake Right wing LAK, NYI, TOR, ANA 1998–20128710
Dean Clark Left wing EDM 1983–198410
Rob Collins Right wing NYI 2005–200680
Mike Colman Defenseman SJS 1991–1992150
John Gruden Defenseman BOS, OTT, WAS 1993–2004920
Dave Karpa Defenseman QUE, ANA, CAR, NYR 1991–20035570
Chris Kunitz Left wing ANA , ATL, PIT , TBL, CHI 2003–20191,0224
Gerald Mayhew Right wing MIN, PHI, ANA 2019–2022570
Greg Rallo Center FLA 2011–2013110
Zach Redmond Defenseman WPG, COL, MTL, BUF 2012–20181330
Andy Roach Defenseman STL 2005–200650

References

  1. "Colors – Ferris State University" . Retrieved October 4, 2018.
  2. Gholston, Sandy (February 8, 2010). "Ferris Captain Cody Chupp Believes Bulldogs Are Still A Confident Team". mlive.com . Retrieved November 10, 2010.
  3. "Moments In CCHA History". CCHA . 2009. Archived from the original on December 25, 2010. Retrieved November 9, 2010.
  4. 1 2 3 "Ferris State Men's Hockey Team History". U.S. College Hockey Online. 1996–2010. Retrieved November 9, 2010.
  5. "New Men's Hockey League To Be Re-Established and Branded As The CCHA". ccha.com. Retrieved December 23, 2021.
  6. Myers, Jess (March 29, 2003). "NCAA West Regional, Gophers Earn Their (Buffalo) Wings". InsideCollegeHockey.com. Archived from the original on November 24, 2010. Retrieved November 9, 2010.
  7. "Great Games of Bulldog Hockey". Ferris State University . 2010. Retrieved November 9, 2010.
  8. 1 2 "Head Coach Bob Daniels". Ferris State University . Archived from the original on September 24, 2015. Retrieved November 9, 2010.
  9. "Ferris State sweeps Miami (Ohio)". Inside College Hockey. October 26, 2011. Retrieved April 28, 2012.
  10. Weston, Paula C. (February 22, 2012). "Ferris State plans to enjoy CCHA title, but celebration is on hold for now". U.S. College Hockey Online. Retrieved April 28, 2012.
  11. Staff (February 13, 2012). "Ferris State climbs to No. 1 in men's poll for first time in school history". U.S. College Hockey Online. Retrieved April 28, 2012.
  12. Denny, John (March 10, 2012). "Bonis, Graham lead Ferris State over Bowling Green to force game three". U.S. College Hockey Online. Retrieved April 28, 2012.
  13. Denny, John (March 11, 2012). "DeSalvo's three goals help Bowling Green upset Ferris State". U.S. College Hockey Online. Retrieved April 28, 2012.
  14. Karnosky, Daver. "Ferris State earns first trip to Frozen Four after defeating Cornell". U.S. College Hockey Online. Retrieved April 28, 2012.
  15. AP Staff (April 7, 2012). "Ferris State hopes first time's a charm". Lansing State Journal . Retrieved April 29, 2012.[ permanent dead link ]
  16. AP Staff (April 7, 2012). "Boston College Wins NCAA Hockey Title". The Wall Street Journal . Retrieved April 29, 2012.
  17. "Year-By-Year Record" (PDF). Ferris State Bulldogs. Retrieved November 15, 2018.
  18. Kornacki, Steve (April 4, 2012). "Frozen Four notebook: Ferris State's Bob Daniels named coach of the year". Detroit Free Press . Retrieved April 29, 2012.
  19. Staff (April 4, 2012). "Ferris State's Daniels named Division I men's coach of the year". U.S. College Hockey Online. Retrieved April 29, 2012.
  20. Gholston, Sandy (January 12, 2011). "Daniels earns 300th career victory in Bulldog hockey career". MLive. Retrieved April 29, 2012.
  21. "Former Ferris State Standout Billins Named to U.S. Olympic Team". MI Sports Now. January 2, 2018. Retrieved November 17, 2018.
  22. "Career/Season Leaders" (PDF). Ferris State Bulldogs. Retrieved November 17, 2018.
  23. "Goaltending Records" (PDF). Ferris State Bulldogs. Retrieved November 17, 2018.
  24. "Ferris State Bulldog Athletics Hall of Fame". Ferris State Bulldogs. Retrieved November 15, 2018.
  25. "2024-25 Ferris State Hockey Roster". Ferris State Bulldogs. Retrieved August 30, 2025.
  26. "Alumni report for Ferris State University". Hockey DB. Retrieved November 17, 2018.
  27. 1 2 Players are identified as an All-Star if they were selected for the All-Star game at any time in their career.