HOCKEY: Ferris Has Another Competitive Schedule

BIG RAPIDS - Ferris State University faces another challenging schedule ahead of it as the Bulldogs prepare to hit the ice later this calendar year.

As the Bulldogs announced their schedule, one highlight that probably brought a smile to the faces of a lot of Ferris hockey fans is a trip back to Wisconsin (Jan. 2-3) to take part in the Wisconsin Badger Holiday Showdown Tournament (an event that his been good for the Bulldogs over the years). Without a doubt, that is one of the highlights of a schedule that includes not only good competition but a good number of home games as long-time head coach Bob Daniels, who is entering his 18th season, will have opportunities to try different combinations on the ice as he prepares his team for Central Collegiate Hockey Association action.

Said Daniels:

"This season's schedule features a number of quality opponents. I'm excited to begin the season with six non-conference games which allows us opportunities to get considerable ice time for a lot of different players and also experiment with various line combinations.

"We're also thrilled to be invited back to the Wisconsin Badger Hockey Showdown Tournament and hope to win their tournament title for the third straight time," he added.

Most fans generally want to know when Ferris is playing some of its usual marquee competition (like Michigan, Michigan State and Notre Dame).

The Bulldogs, who will be led by team captain Cody Chupp (pictured), play Michigan in a home-and-home series Jan. 22 and Jan. 23. The teams play in Ann Arbor on Jan. 22 and travel to Big Rapids to face the Wolverines on Jan. 23.

Ferris takes on the Spartans in a home-and-home series Feb. 19 and Feb. 20. The Bulldogs host the Spartans on the 19th and then travel to East Lansing to conclude the series on Feb. 20.

The Bulldogs are at Notre Dame Jan. 9 and 10.

Ferris will be sponsoring a lot of promotions this season as a way of getting fans more involved at the games and to expand the fan base that is friendly to Bulldog hockey.

For more on the schedule and the promotions the Ferris Athletics Department has in store, visit: http://www.ferris.edu/sports/hockey/0910news/0910schedule.htm

Check out the 2009-10 schedule: http://www.ferris.edu/sports/hockey/icesked0910.htm