Hockey Preview - Week 4 - Bulldogs Prep To Meet Tommies For First Time In School History

Welcome to Gameday Central for Ferris State Hockey - this page will include line charts, game notes, streaming links, ticket and game information all season long. This page will be updated throughout each weekend all season long.

Ferris State opens week four with its first-ever road visit to Mendota Heights to take on the St. Thomas Tommies, Division I's newest men's team and new Central Collegiate Hockey Association (CCHA) foe. The two games represent the Bulldogs' first matchups in the new CCHA.

Ferris State vs. St. Thomas: Weekend Preview

The Bulldogs narrowly missed taking out long-time rival Western Michigan at home two weeks ago when the Broncos scored twice late, and since have had nothing but time to find the answers during a scheduled off week. The good news for the Bulldogs, the offensive numbers are on average ahead of last season's and their penalty kill made leaps and bounds against the Broncos, holding a power play that clicked over 30 percent a year ago (with virtually zero offseason departures) 0-5 Saturday and 2-11 on the weekend. 

For two weeks the Bulldogs have had their attention on Division I's newest member, the St. Thomas Tommies. Despite a slow start in the win-loss column, have been comptetitive in most of their outings. A two goal loss to the defending national runners-up (St. Cloud State), taking defending league tournament runner-up Northern Michigan to the third period tied at 3-3 (Northern Michigan), and the defending league tournament champion to the third period tied at 1-1 (Lake Superior State), the Tommies are far from the look of a "New" Division I team. Under the direction of experienced Division I Head Coach Enrico Blasi, the Tommies are building quickly.

Look out for Kyler Grundy (3 goals) who leads the Tommies in goal scoring, as well as Grant Loven, a Northern Michigan transfer (2-1-3). Joey Sofo, Kimball Johnson and Trevor Zins all have three points as well for the Tommies, while Zins leads the squad with 16 blocks. In goal, Peter Thome has done most of the work with an .847 save percentage but  avery high volume of work. The key for the Bulldogs will be to use their power plays when awarded, the Tommies are struggling in the category, killing off 52.5% thus far.

Looking at the early season team-metrics, the Bulldogs have been narrowly out-shot (113-107) with one crooked number against them in four games. 

Bulldogs to Watch

Senior forward Jake Transit and junior forward Dallas Tulik each lead the way with four points (point-per-game). Three Bulldogs have multiple goals (Ethan Stewart, Marshall Moise, Antonio Venuto) and nine have multiple points on the year. In terms of shot margin. Look out for Stepan Pokorny who is well ahead of his nine-point-pace from a year ago (1-2-3 in four games) and Antonio Venuto who is well ahead of his three-goal freshman campaign pace (two goals in four games). Freshman forward Bradley Marek has impressed early, standing as the Bulldog's top face-off man. Marek has two points in four games (1-1-2) including a goal that forced overtime (where the Bulldogs later won).

Bulldogs with several key metrics in their favor to open season

The Bulldogs have been greatly improved in Fenwick For % (Unblocked Shots taken vs. Opponent) at 52.9% through four games against teams that finished higher than them in the NCAA a year ago.Ferris State ranks 21 out of 53 in the NCAA (only 53 teams have played a game so far this season). Ferris State also ranks 21 of 53 in Corsi For % (Shot attempts vs. opponent).

This Week in Bulldog History

Oct. 22, 2010 - Ferris State beats Ohio State 2-1 at home. Nate Hennig and Kyle Bonis score for the Dawgs, Hennig registers two points and earns first star honors with his brother Dominic Hennig calling the game. Bulldogs move to 4-1-0.

Oct. 23, 1999 - Phil Osaer stifles Notre Dame with a 30 save, one goal-allowed performance in a 4-1 home win over the Fighting Irish. Brent Wishart nets the game-winning goal.

Renovations Near Complete On Bulldog Dressing Room

Dimensional Designs began their work on the Bulldog Dressing Room on Monday (Oct. 18) and at furious pace, are already nearing the end of their work. The new room is designed for a contemperary look with an LED ceiling logo, LED light fixtures above the locker stalls, new art work, and more. Amongst the overall team-complex renovations, the months-long project will touch all parts of the team complex to upgrade all assets of the player experience.