Record Number Of Former Players Expected Back As Ferris State Hockey Golf Outing Events Unfold

Big Rapids, Mich. - A record number of nearly 70 former players are expected back as the Ferris State University men's ice hockey program hosts its 36th annual Bulldog Hockey Classic-Alumni Golf Outing on Saturday (Aug. 6) at FSU's Katke Golf Course.

The outing, which serves as a fundraiser for the Bulldog Hockey program, takes place on Katke Golf Course's 21-hole championship course at FSU. This year marked the ninth-straight "early sellout" for the event and was the earliest ever as it was sold out more than three weeks ago. It comes on the heels of record-breaking years for much of the past decade, featuring 40+ teams and roughly 170 total golfers.

This year's nearly 70 alumni players are believed to be the most in the event's history.

"This outing has become such a popular and enjoyable event for our faithful alumni, outstanding supporters of the program and friends," said FSU head coach Bob Daniels. "We certainly thank everyone for their continued support and we are looking forward to welcoming back our former players along with having an opportunity to spend the day with so many great people."

This year's field is slated to feature current Tampa Bay Lightning video coordinator Brian Garlock, longtime professional players such as Kyle Schempp and Pat Nagle, former NHL forward Greg Rallo and nearly the entire senior class along with many other members of the Bulldogs' historic 2012 NCAA Frozen Four team, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year.

Along with the golf outing, the events will include a morning reception for former players and coaches along with lunch at the course prior to the 18 holes of golf. A dinner and awards ceremony will follow the afternoon round of golf. The Bulldog Hockey Classic-Alumni Golf Outing regularly draws former and notable Bulldog Hockey players and supporters.

This year, the events unfold on Friday evening with many of the early Bulldog hockey players taking part in a special reception hosted by former head coach and FSU administrator Rick Duffet followed by the traditional Blueline Club reception in downtown Big Rapids at Shooters, which begins at 8 p.m. (ET). Saturday includes a locker room get-together for former players before registration gets underway at 11 a.m. (ET) and the outing begins with a shotgun start at noon. The evening dinner is slated for approximately 6 p.m. (ET) following the round of golf.

The Bulldogs, who have reached the NCAA Final Eight three times since 2012, will embark on their 48th campaign this coming fall and the second season of the rebirth of the Central Collegiate Hockey Association (CCHA).

Since 2012, the Bulldogs have made three NCAA Tournament appearances and advanced to the NCAA Final Eight all three times. FSU has also won two conference regular-season championships along with capturing the WCHA's Broadmoor Trophy once as the league's Final Five Champion. Along with a Frozen Four berth and national title game showing in 2012, FSU also reached the regional final and the final eight of the NCAA Tournament in both 2014 and 2016.

Below is a complete schedule of weekend events:

Friday
5:00 pm - Reception at Dr. Duffetts (for players from his era)
8:00 pm - Shooters reception-sponsored by The Blue Line Club

Saturday
10:00 am - Hockey Locker room open to all former players
11:00 am - Registration (on practice range) / lunch (under the big tent) at Katke Golf Course
12:00 pm - Shotgun Start
6:00pm - Dinner/Awards/Prizes