BLOG 22: Bulldogs prepare to face No. 8 Miami

By Sandy Gholston

Ferris State’s Justin Menke tries to push his opponent off the puck after a faceoff earlier in the season against Canisius (Photo/Sandy Gholston)

BIG RAPIDS – In many ways, Ferris State University’s hockey team is preparing to embark on a long journey that will take it through the next two weekends.

The Bulldogs are in Oxford, Ohio this weekend to challenge Miami University in a pair of games that have obviously significant Central Collegiate Hockey Association implications. Coverage this weekend includes being broadcasted on television, in the United States, thanks in no small part to the National Hockey League Network. For those who do not have NHLN, there are other ways to check out the game either on radio, television or the Internet by visiting Ferris State University’s Web site under hockey.

The RedHawks are ranked eighth nationally so the Bulldogs will, in that sense, be bidding for an upset as they head to Steve Cady Arena for a two-game series. The teams compete Friday and Saturday evenings beginning at 7:05 p.m. The Bulldogs enter the series with a record of 3-3-2 overall and 2-1-1-0 in the CCHA this season. Ferris split its last two-game series with Lake Superior State. The RedHawks are 4-2-2 overall and 4-1-1-0 in the CCHA after splitting at home last weekend against Alaska.

Ferris head coach Bob Daniels and other members of his staff have indicated over and over again that there are no easy contests in the CCHA. The Bulldogs understand that firsthand after a pair of grueling two-game sets against Western Michigan and Lake Superior to open the league portion of its schedule this season. This upcoming series will be no different. Although Miami’s roster was gutted by massive graduations, expect the RedHawks to have a reloaded roster (led by Carter Camper who already has 12 points on five goals and seven assists and Pat Cannone who has 12 points on four goals with eight assists) with talented guys ready to carry on that strong tradition of men’s ice hockey.

As part of some potential success this weekend, Ferris will hope Aaron Lewicki can stay hot as he has been thus far. Lewicki is tied for team-best honors with four goals in seven games. He already has tied his 2007-08 goal total.

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