BLOG 7: Ferris hopes young defense is up to the challenge

By Sandy Gholston

Ferris State hockey head coach Bob Daniels instructs his team during a home game last season at Ewigleben Ice Arena in Big Rapids (FSU Photographic Services)

GRAND RAPIDS – Last season, talented freshman goaltender Pat Nagle shared backstop duties with veteran netminder Mitch O’Keefe.

This season, Nagle is likely to see his playing time dramatically increase between the pipes as Ferris’ last line of defense. The sophomore will have help. In front of him, the Bulldogs will be young with a group of blueliners led by second-year players Scott Wietecha and Zach Redmond – both of whom, along with Nagle, garnered major playing time last season in spite of youth.

“Pat, shared the goaltending with Mitch O’Keefe last season, but he played in 40 percent of our games last season and finished the year with a winning record and a saves percentage of 90 percent for us,” Daniels said. “In front of him, we’re only going to have only four returning defensemen with Wietecha and Redmond leading the way. They logged a lot of minutes as freshmen and that has helped give them the experience to be ready for this season.”

Nagle was 10-8-5 as a rookie in the crease. The defensemen in front of him, policing the area in front of Nagle, were led by 19 points on six goals with 13 assists from Redmond and four goals with 11 assists for 15 points from Wietecha. Those defensemen are capable of contributing offensively, too. In June, Redmond was selected by the Atlanta Thrashers in the seventh round of the 2008 National Hockey League Entry Draft with the 184th pick. He also was an honorable mention 2008-09 CCHA Preseason All-Conference Team selection.

“Overall, expectations are going to be high for us this season,” Daniels added.

If you have any questions, ideas or comments feel free to contact Sandy Gholston at sgholston2@netzero.com