Along the front line

The Ferris State Hockey team’s offensive lines are making adjustments for this coming season.

The Bulldogs lost their top two scoring forwards in Travis Ouellete and Kyle Bonis, which allows for a lot of playing time for the team’s younger group.

The forwards feel their Junior Hockey experience really helped prepare them for what the collegiate league brings.

“My Juniors experience really helped prepare me for my college years,” Ferris sophomore forward Dakota Klecha said. “It helped with getting me ready for the speed, intensity of the game, and the workouts that we do this year.”

Sophomore Matt Robertson plays left wing for the Bulldogs. Robertson agreed that his Junior Hockey League experience in Smith Falls, Ontario was beneficial in his development for his collegiate career.

With their first Western Collegiate Hockey Associate season under way, the players are very excited to compete against a new pool of talent. The wild west brings a new brand of hockey to the table in terms of offensive play.

“I’m excited to play any of the teams, especially since it’s a new conference,” said sophomore Kenny Babinski, center for the Bulldogs. “But the Christmas Tournament is great because we fly and play a lot of no-name teams.”

The top lines have been mixed drastically from this year. Junior Justin Buzzeo has found himself on a top line with senior Garrett Thompson, where he is off to a hot start with three goals in his first five games.

The new offense will be on feature at Ewigleben in their next home game Nov. 8 against Bemidji State at 7 p.m.