FERRIS STATE’S MACINTYRE LISTED AMONG TOP FRESHMEN GOALTENDERS

Ferris State University freshman goaltender Derek MacIntyre (Stanwood) has been selected the fifth-best incoming freshman netminder in the nation for the 2004-05 season by Inside College Hockey (INCH).

Freshman Derek MacIntyre is regarded as the nation's fifth-best incoming goaltender by Inside College Hockey in its 2004-05 recruiting rankings.

MacIntyre was among 10 incoming goaltenders and 45 individuals overall to be named among INCH’s three teams for the top newcomers nationally. INCH, an on-line publication, ranked the nation’s top 20 incoming freshmen forwards, the top 15 incoming defensemen and the top 10 frosh goaltenders. The rankings were compiled with extensive input from college and junior coaches, as well as professional scouts.

An eighth-round (234th overall) pick by the San Jose Sharks in the 2004 National Hockey League (NHL) Entry Draft, MacIntyre played the 2003-04 campaign with the Soo (Mich.) Kewadin Indians of the North American Hockey League (NAHL).

The 6-2, 204-pound netminder led the Indians to the NAHL’s North Division Regular-Season title this last season with a 1.77 goals against average (65 goals allowed) and a .924 saves percentage (786 saves) to go along with four shutouts in 39 appearances. MacIntyre registered a 31-3-2 record in net for the Indians to finish second among the league’s goaltenders in victories. He finished in a fourth-place tie in save percentage as the Indians paced the NAHL in least amount of goals against.

A 2003-04 All-NAHL Second-Team selection, MacIntyre was the only NAHL player to receive both league all-star and all-rookie team kudos. He was listed 21st among North American goaltenders in the final 2004 NHL Central Scouting rankings prior to the draft. With his NHL Draft selection, MacIntyre became the second Soo Indians skater to be drafted directly from the team after completing a NAHL season, joining former Indians’ netminder and Michigan State All-America netminder Ryan Miller, who was drafted in 1999 by the Buffalo Sabres for which he’s a currently a member of.

Players from 24 schools were recognized in the INCH rankings with Minnesota, New Hampshire and North Dakota tying for the most representatives on the list with four each. Representing the Central Collegiate Hockey Association (CCHA) besides Ferris State were Bowling Green State (two selections), Michigan (two), Ohio State (two), Miami (one), and Michigan State (one).

Ferris State will officially open its 2004-05 season on Oct. 8-9 with a non-league home series against the Colgate Red Raiders at FSU’s Ewigleben Ice Arena in Big Rapids, Mich. A 7:35 p.m. (EDT) opening faceoff is scheduled for Friday’s (Oct. 8) series opener with Saturday’s (Oct. 9) rematch to start at 7:05 p.m. (EDT). Tickets are available by contacting the FSU Athletics Ticket Office at (231) 591-2888.

The Bulldogs will take part in their annual Crimson and Gold Intrasquad Game Saturday, Oct. 2, with the puck dropping at 3 p.m. (EDT). The contest will be conducted at the Ewigleben Ice Arena on the FSU campus.

2004-05 Inside College Hockey’s (INCH) Top 10 Incoming Goaltenders
1. Cory Schneider, Boston College (Phillips Andover)

2. Kevin Regan, New Hampshire (USHL–Waterloo)

3. Philippe Lamoreaux, North Dakota (USHL–Lincoln)

4. Peter Mannino, Denver (USHL–Tri-City)

5. Derek MacIntyre, Ferris State (NAHL–Soo Kewadin)

6. Peter Vetri, Massachusetts-Lowell (BCHL–Williams Lake)

7. Tyler Sims, Providence (NAHL–Youngstown)

8. Matt Lundin, Maine (Apple Valley High School)

9. Justin Mrazek, Union (BCHL-Estevan)

10. Matt Climie, Bemidji State (MJAHL–Truro)