BLOG 36: Vermont tournament the start of an important stretch for Ferris

By Sandy Gholston

Ferris State’s Blair Riley tries to win a faceoff during a home game against Alabama-Huntsville (Photo/Sandy Gholston)

BIG RAPIDS – Ferris State University’s ice hockey team is in Vermont hoping to set the table for what it hopes will be a successful second half of the season.

The Bulldogs compete in the 13th annual Sheraton/TD Banknorth Catamount Cup hosted by the Vermont. Ferris ended the first half of its season (the last series prior to winter break) with a pair of non-conference home victories over Alabama-Huntsville in Ewigleben Ice Arena. In Vermont, however, Ferris begins strong competition with a contest against St. Lawrence at 4:05 p.m. (Jan. 2) and then plays in either the consolation game or championship game on Saturday (Jan. 3) against Vermont or Colgate.

Ferris, under the direction of head coach Bob Daniels, enters this non-conference tournament 9-8-3, St. Lawrence is 7-8-1, Colgate 5-7-4 and Vermont 9-4-2. The Bulldogs need a fast start to take control early against St. Lawrence to hopefully set the stage for a championship-round game. It will not be easy. St. Lawrence is a solid squad that already has earned a 4-3 win against nationally-ranked Vermont this season (Dec. 13).

As one would expect for this kind of tournament, the home team plays what is perceived as the fourth-best team in the opening round while the next two best teams play the other semifinal game for a shot at the championship contest.

For more on the 13th annual Sheraton/TD Banknorth Catamount Cup:
http://www.ferris.edu/sports/hockey/0809news/0809release12-30.htm

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