BLOG 1: Ferris names captains as excitement builds for season to start

By Sandy Gholston

Big Rapids native Cody Chupp will serve as FSU's captain this season (FSU Photographic Services)

BIG RAPIDS – The buzz in the community is already going as Ferris State University fans are getting increasingly excited about the start of another season of Division I ice hockey.

Recently, Ferris hockey coach Bob Daniels named his trio of captains for the upcoming season as the captain’s “C” goes to junior right wing Cody Chupp. The assistant captains will be right wing Blair Riley, also a junior, and defenseman Zach Redmond, a sophomore.

These captains will serve the Bulldogs well in the upcoming season as they are not only leaders off the ice, but on the ice as well – offensively and defensively. Chupp, Riley and Redmond are well-respected players who will command a level of respect from opposing coaches and players on the ice.

Chupp, a local product who played at Big Rapids High School, has emerged as one of the top-flight players in the Central Collegiate Hockey Association. Riley has made strong improvement during his years in Ferris’ crimson and gold colors and Redmond was a 2008 National hockey League Entry Draft choice of the Atlanta Thrashers (184th overall) after being named a CCHA 2007-08 All-Rookie Team Honorable Mention choice and Ferris’ Rookie of the Year.

Ferris finished 18-16-5 overall last season and earned a fifth-place finish in the CCHA standings with a record of 12-12-4 for 28 points.

The Bulldogs’ season begins with an exhibition contest at home in the newly-renovated Ewigleben Ice Arena on Sunday Oct. 5 against Windsor (Ontario) starting at 2 p.m.

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