September 29, 2025

Ferris State hockey team celebrating 20 years of support for Special Olympics with Oct.1 Poly Hockey game

The Ferris State University men’s hockey team is celebrating 20 years of supporting area Special Olympians with a fun and spirited scrimmage for the annual Poly Hockey game on Wednesday, Oct. 1.

The event, which is free and open to the public, is planned for 7 p.m. at Ferris State’s Wink Arena in the R.L. Ewigleben Sports Complex, 210 Sports Drive.

The event is organized by the Sports Professionals Association and the Special Olympics College Club.  

The event includes a bake sale and a “miracle minute” fundraiser, with all proceeds going to Area Five Special Olympics. 

Special Olympics Michigan provides year-round sports training and athletic competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities.

The organization’s Area 5 includes participants from Mecosta, Osceola, Oceana, and Newaygo counties.

Athletes develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage and experience joy while participating in the sharing of gifts, skills and friendship among their families, Special Olympics athletes and the community.

The athletes achieve their dreams with the support of caring volunteers, coaches, family members and staff.

Along with the annual Poly Olympics game, the Bulldogs also annual host the Special Olympics Basketball game in the spring, which also supports the organization.

The Ferris State hockey team will start the season with a new head coach for the first time in more than 30 years. Brett Riley served as the head coach at NCAA Division I Long Island University starting in 2020. He earned NCAA Independent Hockey Coach of the Year after leading the Sharks to their winningest season in program history this previous season, with a 20-12-2 record.