Ferris State's Cooper Zech Earns All-WCHA Honors and 15 Bulldogs Claim All-Academic Laurels

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Big Rapids, Mich. - Ferris State University freshman defenseman Cooper Zech (South Lyon) was tabbed as one of the league's best performers and the Bulldogs had a total of 15 academic all-conference selections as the Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA) announced its postseason recipients on Thursday.

Zech, who inked a pro contract earlier this week with the American Hockey League's (AHL) Providence Bruins, was one of six individuals named to the All-WCHA First Team. In addition, he was among seven honorees on the WCHA All-Rookie Team.

Zech recorded 24 points in his rookie season, with six goals and 18 assists, to lead all WCHA freshmen in scoring in league play. Zech's 18 assists also topped all newcomers in the WCHA.

Along with the all-conference squads, the Bulldogs also had 15 student-athletes earn WCHA All-Academic Team accolades including:

Oskar Andren (Sr., F, Stockholm, Sweden); Cullen Barber (So., G, Livonia, Mich.); Cameron Clarke (Jr., D, Tecumseh, Mich.); Jasen Fernsler (Jr., F, Charlotte, Mich.); Jacob Hetz (Sr., F, Glenshaw, Pa.); Ryker Killins (Sr., D, Wawa, Ontario); Dominic Lutz (Jr., F, Livonia, Mich.); Liam MacDougall (So., F, Windsor, Ontario); Coale Norris (So., F, Oxford, Mich.); Craig Pefley (Jr., F, St. Clair, Mich.); Trevor Recktenwald (Sr., F, Venetia, Pa.); Joe Rutkowski (Jr., D, Crystal Lake, Ill.); Jason Tackett (Jr., F, West Chester, Ohio); Zac Tierney (Sr., D, London, Ontario); Zach Yoder (Jr., D, Woodstock, Ga.)

"We've had another exciting season in the WCHA and our student-athletes have once again shown that the talent and skill level of the WCHA is second to none in college hockey," WCHA President and Men's Commissioner Bill Robertson said. "With eight schools represented on our All-WCHA teams and all 10 institutions well-represented on the All-Academic Team, today again demonstrates the commitment to excellence on the ice and in the classroom that is one of the hallmarks of our league and our member institutions. I'm proud to congratulate all of our All-WCHA honorees for their success as students and athletes this season."