The Bulldogs know they are solid between the pipes with Pat Nagle, a junior, and
Taylor Nelson, a sophomore, handling the bulk of those responsibilities. But, the guys who will work to take the pressure off of those backstops will be the blueliners (as well as Ferris’ forwards who also have significant defensive responsibility for the Bulldogs). Primarily, however, Ferris will be looking for big seasons from a group of experienced defensemen.Zach Redmond, one of the better defensemen in the Central Collegiate Hockey Association, leads an experienced group Ferris sends to the ice. A year ago, Redmond was named Ferris’ Most Valuable Player. He finished with three goals and 21 assists for 24 points. Other returning veterans include senior defenders Matt Case, junior Scott Wietecha and sophomore Chad Billins, who recorded the team’s lone goal in its 3-1 exhibition loss at home in Ewigleben Ice Arena to Wilfrid Laurier.
“We have all veteran defensemen and, on paper, defense will be the strength of our team. It will be difficult for me to choose six to play on a given night,” said FSU head coach Bob Daniels, who has a career record of 269-321-63 in 17 seasons. “We have two veteran goaltenders returning in Nelson and Nagle. If both play great that’s terrific and we will split them, but we are committed to playing with one goaltender that gives us the best chance to win.
A year ago, Redmond finished with three goals and 21 assists for 24 points as a significant factor in Ferris’ offensive effort. Case (winner of the FSU Blueline Competitive Award) had one goal and 11 assists for 12 points while Billins added 11 points on two goals with nine helpers.
As a defense, Ferris ranked 26th in the nation in scoring (2.76), 21st in penalty killing percentage (.854), but first in penalty minutes (22.4).
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