BLOG 45: Redmond - - Bulldogs have to get tougher in front of the net

By Sandy Gholston

Ferris State University hockey defenseman Zach Redmond works to get control of the puck before carrying it up the ice (Photo/Sandy Gholston)

BIG RAPIDS – Ferris State University is coming off a bye week, and should be fully rested, but this week it’s back to work for standout defenseman Zach Redmond and the hockey squad.

Redmond and his teammates are home in Ewigleben Ice Arena hosting the University of Nebraska-Omaha in a two-game series. The Bulldogs and Mavericks battle Friday (Jan. 30) at 7:05 p.m. and then will finish their series on Saturday evening (Jan. 31) at 7:05 p.m. The bye week was, to some extent, a week of reflection for the Bulldogs after a 6-2 loss and a 2-2 tie (with a 1-0 loss in the shootout) against Ohio State in Big Rapids.

One point of emphasis, coming into this weekend’s series, is play in front of the net. Ferris wants to have a much stronger presence in front of the net to help goaltenders Pat Nagle and Taylor Nelson have better opportunities to be successful.

“That is definitely something we talked about wanting to get stronger at … especially after the first game (of the Ohio State series),” said Redmond, who is an assistant captain. “We know we have to work harder in front of our net and do a better job keeping guys (off of our goaltenders).”

Indeed, (particularly in the first game of the series) the Buckeyes would put the puck on the net and then crash hard against Nagle and Nelson – getting second and third chances to bang away at the puck. In game two, against OSU, Ferris did a better job controlling play in front of its own net and limiting Ohio State’s opportunities.

“In the games where we’ve been successful, during this season, we’ve been good in front of the net,” said the 6-foot-1 and 195-pound native of Traverse City, who was a seventh round (184th overall) pick of the Atlanta Thrashers in the 2008 National Hockey League Entry Draft. “If we can become stronger there we’ll be OK.”

Ferris head coach Bob Daniels agreed with that assessment, but also emphasized he would like to see his goaltenders do a better job controlling rebounds. Daniels is of the belief that better control of rebounds combined with more physical and hard-nosed play in front of the net will help fortify Ferris’ defensive strength in the weeks to come.

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