Ferris State's Cooper Zech Signs Pro Contract With AHL's Providence Bruins

Big Rapids, Mich. – Ferris State University men's ice hockey freshman defenseman Cooper Zech (South Lyon) has signed a professional contract to join the American Hockey League's (AHL) Providence Bruins, the top affiliate of the National Hockey League's (NHL) Boston Bruins.

Zech, a native of South Lyon, became the first Bulldog freshman to lead Ferris State in point scoring since 1987-88 when John DePourcq finished with 53 points in 40 games. Zech led all Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA) freshmen in point-scoring as well with eight goals and 20 assists for 28 points.

He was tabbed the WCHA Preseason Rookie of the Year and is in the running for WCHA Rookie of the Year. If he completes the feat, he would join Corey Mackin as the second Bulldog to win the preseason and overall rookie of the year awards. Mackin and Zech are the only Bulldogs in school history to have been tabbed preseason conference rookies of the year.

His 0.78 points per game were the most by a freshman blueliner in NCAA Division I Men's Ice Hockey in 2018-19. Zech and partner and junior defenseman Nate Kallen were one of the most offensively productive defensive pairings in the WCHA this season.

When Zech hits the ice for the Bulldogs, he will become the fourth Ferris State player from the 2018-19 squad to play professional hockey this season, joining Corey Mackin, Ryker Killins and Craig Pefley. He will also become the 28th active professional former Bulldog, and join Gerald Mayhew, Brandon Anselmini, Jared VanWormer, Charles Williams, CJ Motte along with Zach Redmond as Bulldogs who have dressed in AHL games this season.

Ferris State has some history with the Providence Bruins as alums Dwight Parrish, Cory Kane, John Gruden and Mark Bomersback all saw time with the P-Bruins following their Bulldog careers.

Zech will join a Providence Bruins team in the hunt for a playoff spot. The Bruins are currently in fourth place in the Atlantic Division and seventh in the Eastern Confence, one point back of the Hershey Bears for third in the division and sixth in the East.