BLOG 16: No need for motivation playing Western

By Sandy Gholston

Ferris State’s Chad Billins (4) tries to regain his balance to go after the puck during this home game against Canisius (Photo/Sandy Gholston)

BIG RAPIDS – It’s the battle of U.S. 131 and, thus, there will be no need for pep talks to get Ferris State and Western Michigan excited for this renewal of their Central Collegiate Hockey Association rivalry.

The Bulldogs and Broncos begin a home-and-home series this weekend with Ferris making the trip to Lawson Ice Arena in Kalamazoo for Friday’s contest before the teams return to Ewigleben Ice Arena in Big Rapids, Saturday, to finish the series. Traditionally, Ferris and Western have been middle-of-the-pack-type teams in the CCHA, but the intensity of this – at times – has not had to take a backseat to many others in the conference.

The Ferris-Western series always is a fun one as Lawson and Ewigleben are two of the toughest venues for opposing teams to play in (the third would be the University of Michigan’s Yost Ice Arena). That generally is the case because of two of the best student sections in the CCHA.

Beginning CCHA competition, head coach Bob Daniels’ Bulldogs would love to get off to a nice start in the conference race, but the hockey campaign is a long season that will have a ton of highs and lows before it’s finished.

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