Ferris State Hockey Announces Signing Class For Fall of 2020

Big Rapids, Mich. – The Ferris State University men's ice hockey team has announced the signing of their impressive incoming class of nine newcomers for the 2020-21 season.

 The class consists of five forwards, three defensemen and a goaltender. 

Forwards: Jacob Dirks, Mitchel Deelstra, Antonio Venuto, Stepan Pokorny, and Austin McCarthy. Defensemen: Ben Schultheis, Sam Skinner and Drew Cooper. Goaltender: Logan Stein

"We are excited to welcome the class of 2024 to the Ferris State University Hockey program," Associate Head Coach Drew Famulak said. "This is a very talented group both offensively and defensively, and we see this class contributing immediately. We have continued to secure top level talent from the state of Michigan and have expanded our recruiting footprint both nationally and internationally to find players that fit the characteristics to make them successful both on the ice and in the classroom."

The class includes seven American born players, four from Michigan, and one each from Wisconsin, Tennessee and Georgia, one from Ontario, Canada, and one from the Czech Republic.

Jacob Dirks 6'1" - 190 - Forward, Right Shot, Mindoro, Wisconsin

"Jacob is a an extremely fast skater that can play in all situations. His speed is his best skill and he uses that to create offense all over the ice as well as create space for himself and his teammates. His speed is what will translate well to the collegiate level but also his leadership. He leads by example, works hard and his teammates respect him, which will allow him to get acclimated to the next level."

Carter Foguth, Head Coach, Chippewa Steel (NAHL)

So far, Dirks has 28 points on 14 goals and 14 assists through 31 games for the Steel this season with a +11 rating, three power play tallies and two shorthanded goals. Last season, Dirks picked up 40 points with 24 goals and 16 assists in 60 games for the Steel. Dirks wears a "C" for the Chippewa Steel.

Mitchel Deelstra - 6'0" - 185 - Forward, Left Shot, Gowanstown, Ontario

"Mitch is a competitor; plays the game hard and fast. Likes to shoot the puck a lot and does that very well. I see his game translating well at Ferris, the Bulldogs in NCAA are well coached who play the game similarly to us. Like all players from our program he'll be ready to pay his dues but will challenge veterans for ice time." 

-Joe Martin, Head Coach, Alberni Valley Bulldogs (BCHL)

Deelstra is currently the second leading scorer for the Alberni Valley Bulldogs with 37 points on 19 goals and 18 assists in 41 games in the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL). Deelstra has already surpassed his 35 point season from a year ago with the Bulldogs. Deelstra wears a "C" for the Alberni Valley Bulldogs.

Austin McCarthy - 6'1" - 195 - Right Shot - Ludington, Michigan

"Austin is an honest, hard working hockey player with a team-first mentality.  He has deceptive speed, great hands and an incredibly accurate shot that has some heat on it.  Austin has really rounded out his game this season for the Pilots and is looking to continue to push his game to the next level before the start of his freshman year at Ferris State University"

-Simon Watson, Head Coach and General Manager, Topeka Pilots (NAHL)

McCarthy currently leads the North American Hockey League's (NAHL) Topeka Pilots in scoring with 12 goals and 20 assists for 32 points with a +9 rating this season in just 36 games. Last season McCarthy had 37 points on 12 goals and 24 assists in 60 games. In Topeka, McCarthy plays for Watson, as well as Associate Head Coach and Ferris State Alum Justin DeMartino. McCarthy also played for Team NAHL at the 2019 Sirius Ice Hockey World Cup.

Stepan Pokorny 5'11" - 192 - Left Shot - Kolin, Czech Republic

"Stepan is a great teammate, exactly the type of player a coach wants to have on his team, he works hard, does whatever is asked of him and has the skill set to have a major impact at both ends of the ice on any game he's playing in. Offensively he's a very talented player, he has a great shot, good hands and the ability to play physical with & without the puck. He consistently wins him 1-on-1 battles all over the ice, this allows him more time with the puck and the ability to not only create scoring opportunities for himself at the same time drawing the attention of his opponents to open up his line mates and create scoring chances for them as well. The more impressive part of his game for me has been his play in the defensive zone as our low forward. He's learned and worked at it the entire year, when he was moved to center he continued to work at it and has become one of our most consistent and reliable centers. Because he is a 200 feet player who has learned to be defensively responsible and work from the defensive zone out, I think he can be contributor and have a positive impact at Ferris as a freshman."

-Garrett Suter, Head Coach and General Manager, Madison Capitols (USHL)

Pokorny represents the first ever Czech born player to sign with Ferris State University. Pokorny has eight goals and seven assists in 26 games for the Madison Capitols of the United States Hockey League (USHL). Last season, Pokorny picked up 25 goals and 29 assists for 54 points in 59 games for the Aberdeen Wings in the North American Hockey League (NAHL).

Antonio Venuto 6'2" - 198 - Forward - Left Shot - Whitmore Lake, Michigan 

"Antonio brings a reliability to a team. He enjoys playing hockey, works at it in training and consistently turns in productive performances. He shows up every day, doesn't do anything casually and has earned the trust and respect of his teammates and coaches during the early stages of the season. I'm sure he will do the same at Ferris." 

-Oliver David, Head Coach, Dubuque Fighting Saints (USHL)

Venuto, currently of the United States Hockey League's (USHL) Dubuque Fighting Saints, has nine goals and three assists in 29 games played for 12 points this season. Venuto previously spent time with Compuware in Plymouth, Michigan. Venuto is teammates with fellow Bulldog commit, defenseman Ben Schultheis.

Ben Schultheis 6'3" - 205 - Defenseman - Right Shot - Mount Juliet, Tennessee

"Ben has shown great development in his time with us. He takes pride in all areas of the game and his willingness to learn and desire to compete will translate well to his college career at Ferris."

-Oliver David, Head Coach, Dubuque Fighting Saints (USHL)

Schultheis brings size and skill to the Bulldog blue line. Schultheis, currently of the United States Hockey League's (USHL) Dubuque Fighting Saints, is second amongst Dubuque defensemen in goal-scoring. Schultheis also spent time with the USHL's Green Bay Gamblers last season, as well as the Minnesota Magicians over the past two seasons in the North American Hockey League (NAHL). Schultheis also saw time with the USA NTDP Under 17 Squad in 2016-17. He played his youth hockey for TPH Thunder and the Detroit based Honeybaked programs.

Sam Skinner - 5'9" - 172 - Defenseman - Right Shot - Schoolcraft, Michigan

"Sam has really come into his own this year.  He has established himself as a high end defenseman at our level and has been very consistent since game 1.  We use Sam in all situations, and he gets the tap on the shoulder whether it be protecting a lead or pushing for an equalizer."

-Marty Murray, Head Coach and General Manager, Minot Minotauros (NAHL)

 Skinner leads the Minot Minotaurs of the North American Hockey League (NAHL) in defenseman point scoring with 23 points on six goals and 17 assists in 32 games. Skinner played in 33 contests with three goals and 11 assists last season with Minot. Recently, Skinner had nine points in a seven game point streak from Dec. 7-Jan. 3 for the Minotauros.

Drew Cooper - 6'1" - Defenseman - Left shot - Ann Arbor, Michigan

"Drew Cooper is our team captain and a tremendous team first player. He has outstanding personal qualities and is loved by his teammates. His on ice abilities are what gets him noticed but it is his off-ice demeanor and humble character traits that have been impressive. He is a hard working strong defensive player who has a good mix of physicality, skating, stick positioning and competitive drive to defend his net. He has offensive tools and makes smart plays with the puck to help make strong Dzone exits and allow for multiple offensive sequences inside the offensive zone. His hockey IQ has been a strong point to his game and he is a player that is very attentive to instruction.  I believe that in College, Drew will impress Ferris State Staff, Players and Fans with his work ethic and solid 2 way play. He is going to be a guy you can depend on to defend hard and make good breakouts via passing or skating. He can jump in the rush and add offense on the rush. He has an excellent shot and walks the blueline well."

-Jason Fortier, General Manager and Head Coach - Coquitlam Express (BCHL)

Cooper is second on the Coquitlam Express in defenseman point scoring with seven goals and 19 assists for 26 points in 43 games. Cooper also has four power play goals. Last season, Cooper finished with five goals and 10 assists for the Express in 46 games. Cooper wears the "C" for the Express.

Logan Stein - 6'2" - 209 - Goaltender - Catches Left - Suwanee, Georgia 

"Logan's experience last year has really helped him in the first half of this season.  It got him to the U.S. Team [U.S. Junior Select Team] where he did very well.  We're hopeful that he continues to excel for us.  When you look at a goalie from the perspective of higher levels, you ask, 'Can he win?  And does he put himself and his team in a position to win?'  Those are the type of things that you're judged on long term, and I think Logan has done a pretty good job in a young career to do that.  It's a great story, from Georgia, to do that at the pinnacle of junior hockey.  His numbers are good; I think his numbers can be even better.  I think he would agree with that, and with the numbers come wins, and I think those things are within his capabilities.  I think he wants it, and that's a good recipe."

-PK O'Handley, General Manager and Head Coach – Waterloo Blackhawks (USHL)

"Stein was great in the net.  I think he did everything he could to give us a chance in every game he played, and as a goaltender that's the only thing you can ask for."

-Anthony Noreen – Head Coach – US Junior Select Team

Stein is having a breakout season in the United States Hockey League (USHL) with the Waterloo Blackhawks, the same club that produced the goaltender that set nearly every major career and single-season record in Ferris State history, CJ Motte. The Waterloo Blackhawks also produced former Bulldog star goaltender and St. Louis Blues Draft Choice Phil Osaer. In 15 games for Waterloo, Stein leads the USHL in save percentage at .928, goals against average at 1.94, and shutouts with four. Stein was the USHL's goalie of the week for 10/15/19, and was named to the US Junior Select Team for the World Junior A Challenge back in November. Stein is also an Oakland Junior Grizzlies alum, the same program that produced current Bulldogs Coale Norris, Jake Transit, Marshall Moise, Brenden Rons, and Justin Michaelian. NHL Central Scouting currently has Stein ranked 29th amongst goaltenders for the upcoming National Hockey League Draft in Montreal this coming June.

Credit For Photos: Logan Stein – (Stephanie Lyn Photography), Drew Cooper – (Garrett James Photography), Mitchel Deelstra – (Darren Chaisson Photography)