BLOG 33: Fighting Irish icers prove to be a top-notch national team

By Sandy Gholston

Ferris State University goaltender Taylor Nelson (29) keeps his eye on the loose puck during a home game earlier this season. (Photo/Sandy Gholston)

BIG RAPIDS – Ferris State University expected to have its hands full over the weekend with top-ranked University of Notre Dame coming to Big Rapids and Ewigleben Ice Arena for a pair of Central Collegiate Hockey Association games.

In the end, the Fighting Irish proved worthy of such a high ranking with two strong wins over the Bulldogs by scores of 3-1, on Friday, and 1-0, on Saturday. It was a tough way for Ferris to go into a pair of non-conference home games this coming weekend against Alabama-Huntsville on Friday and Saturday, both games scheduled to begin at 7:05 p.m.

It’s tough because these are the kinds of games (against programs like Notre Dame) that toughen the Bulldogs up for later in the season. Unfortunately that falls somewhat in the category of “moral victory” and that is something Ferris is simply no longer into these days. The Bulldogs have earned the right to feel competitive against upper-echelon teams in the CCHA.

Notre Dame, in the simplest of terms, is a good college ice hockey team that has been under the direction of the legendary Jeff Jackson, who is a long time competitor of and a long-time good friend of Ferris head coach Bob Daniels. Jackson has brought energy, intensity and credibility to Notre Dame’s hockey program.

The Bulldogs have to focus on reestablishing dominance in its own rink and take care of business against Alabama-Huntsville (the last action before winter break) before the trip out east to Burlington, Vt. to take part in the Sheraton/TD Banknorth Catamount Cup to face St. Lawrence (Jan. 2) and then either Colgate or Vermont (Jan. 3).

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