BLOG 44: Couturier hoping to end career on a high note

By Sandy Gholston

Ferris’ Corey Couturier is in his final season as a Bulldog (Photo/Sandy Gholston)

BIG RAPIDS – Corey Couturier knows a college athletic career – regardless of sport – has no shortage of high points and low points.

But, if at all possible, the Traverse City native would love nothing more than to see his Ferris hockey career end with at least one opportunity to play on that famed sheet of ice inside the walls of that most hallowed of hockey venues in the state and the nation: Joe Louis Arena. Joe Louis Arena is home to the famed Detroit Red Wings. It also serves as home to the Central Collegiate Hockey Association championships.

Couturier, 23, is hopeful he and his teammates will have an opportunity to return Ferris to Detroit – as a team – for the first time since 2003.

“It’s my last year and I definitely want to go to the Joe and make the most of this season with a big finish,” said Couturier, who is in the midst of a bye week after the Bulldogs lost and tied in a two-game home series against nationally-ranked Ohio State last weekend. “Being the oldest guy on the team, I know I’m one of the guys who must set a good example and be a good leader.”

Being a good leader means doing a lot of the little things. Couturier, a 6-foot senior forward, has always been a player willing to do the dirty work – whatever it takes to make a success of things on the ice for the Bulldogs. Such characteristics (willingness to do the dirty work, relentless drive and a sense of selflessness) make him a guy just about any coach wants on the ice as a penalty killer.

“It’s a matter of all of us being willing to do the little things like blocking shots,” said Couturier, a hard-working forward known for his defensive prowess – even from an offensive position on the ice. “We have to play with a high level of consistency out there and if we can do that we’re going to be in good shape as we continue to move forward.”

Ferris returns to the ice (Jan. 30-31) against Nebraska-Omaha for a two-game series in Ewigleben Ice Arena. Both start times (on Friday and Saturday night) are scheduled for 7:05 p.m.

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