"This is a good group of student-athletes who will fit well into our program," said Daniels. "They all skate well and are at a high skill level just like last year's freshmen class."
Gossett is a 6-0, 165-pound defenseman who spent last season playing for the Danville (Ill.) Wings of the North American Hockey League (NAHL). In 50 contests, the left-handed defender posted 25 points with eight goals and 17 assists.
"Matt is highly-skilled defenseman who moves the puck well," Daniels said. "He's not overly flashy, but has great skills offensively and defensively. Matt can play in all situations and shows great poise with the puck."
A 6-1, 175-pound forward, Large joins the Bulldogs after playing last season with the Brampton (Ont.) Capitals of the Provincial Junior A League in which the right-handed shooter tallied 49 goals and 39 assists for a team-best 88 points in 49 games. He along with teammate Simon Mangos helped guide the Capitals to the 1999-2000 Provincial Junior "A" Hockey League Championship title.
"Trevor's goal-scoring abilities obviously is what attracted us," said Daniels. "He possesses an NHL-type shot along with good speed and hands. With added strength, I believe he can become an impact player for us."
Lieckfield, a 5-11, 180-pound forward, was a member of the NAHL's Texas Tornado this past season. He registered 55 points with 19 goals and 36 assists in 55 games for the NAHL regular-season champions and was an NAHL All-Star Game representative. The left-handed Lieckfield spent the 1998-99 season with the Lincoln (Neb.) Stars of the U.S. Hockey League.
"Chris is an exceptional skater who has tremendous speed," said Daniels. "He continues our strong tradition of recruiting the top Michigan prospects."
Like Large, Mangos was also a member of the Brampton (Ont.) Capitals this past season. The 5-10, 182-pound defenseman totaled 54 points with 11 goals and 43 assists in 43 games. Mangos, a converted forward, is a right-handed shooter and ranked third in team scoring for the 1999-2000 season.
"Simon is a dynamic skater who plays solid defense," stated Daniels. "His skill level is high and he has the ability to make players around him better. Simon also has the instincts to rush the puck and jump into the attack at the most opportune time."
The 5-9, 185-pound Patrick competed for the Texas Tornado last winter and joined his teammate Lieckfield as an NAHL All-Star Game participant. Patrick was traded to Texas in December after beginning the season with the Rochester (N.Y.) Jr. Americans. He finished last season with 64 points on 27 goals and 37 assists in 53 games, including 35 points (14G/21A) in 29 games with the Tornado. Patrick and Lieckfield helped Texas tie the NAHL single-season record for most victories (42) in its inaugural season.
"Don is a talented offensive player who can score goals," Daniels said. "We're going to play him at center this season and that should give us more speed in our lineup. Don reminds me of Brian McCullough (former FSU standout) because he's small and quick with excellent vision on the ice."
Smith, a 5-9, 165-pound left-handed forward, was the third highest scorer in the Mid-Western Ontario Junior B Hockey League this past season with 78 points in 46 games. A member of the Guelph (Ont.) Dominators, Smith tallied 43 goals and had 35 assists for Guelph.
"Brett shows tremendous energy on the ice and has proven he can score goals at the junior level," said Daniels. "He's a tenacious player who comes to play everyday. Brett is also an excellent skater and has tremendous speed."
This past season, Ferris State finished with a 21-16-2 overall record, which represented its best mark since 1990-91 (23-14-5 overall). For the second straight season, the Bulldogs placed sixth in the final CCHA standings with a 13-13-2 mark and participated in the CCHA Tournament for the 19th time in the program's 21-year NCAA Division I history.
Trevor Large, Right Wing, Brampton, Ontario
6-1, 175 lbs., Shoots: Right, Date of Birth: 6/28/80
1999-00 team: Brampton Capitals, Provincial Junior Hockey League
Statistics: 49 GP, 49 Goals, 39 Assists, 88 Points
Chris Lieckfield, Left Wing-Center, Brighton, Michigan
5-11, 180 lbs., Shoots: Left, Date of Birth: 1/28/80
1999-00 team: Texas Tornado, North American Hockey League
Statistics: 53 GP, 19 Goals, 36 Assists, 55 Points
Simon Mangos, Defenseman, Caledon, Ontario
5-10, 182 lbs., Shoots: Right, Date of Birth: 2/15/80
1999-00 team: Brampton Capitals, Provincial Junior A Hockey League
Statistics: 43 GP, 11 Goals, 43 Assists, 54 Points
Don Patrick, Center, Fulton, New York
5-9, 175 lbs., Shoots: Left, Date of Birth: 11/27/79
1999-00 team: Texas Tornado, North American Hockey League
Statistics: 53 GP, 27 Goals, 37 Assists, 64 Points
Brett Smith, Left Wing-Center, Guelph, Ontario
5-9, 165 lbs., Shoots: Left, Date of Birth: 8/31/81
1999-00 team: Guelph Dominators, Mid-western Ontario Junior B Hockey League
Statistics: 46 GP, 43 Goals, 35 Assists, 78 Points