Seven games into the season, injury has struck several key players on the Ferris State hockey team.
The Bulldogs have battled through several injuries to start the season, including senior forward Gerald Mayhew and junior defenseman Andrew Dorantes. Dorantes, who has been battling an undisclosed injury, made his return to the ice in Friday’s 6-4 loss to Northern Michigan. Mayhew, on the other hand, is expected to be out two to four weeks after suffering a high ankle sprain.
“The nature of Gerald’s injury is frustrating,” said head coach Bob Daniels. “It’s difficult to see him walk around just fine but not be able to skate because of the twisting that is required of his ankle. It’s going to take a little while to heal but we’re hoping to get him back on the ice as soon as possible.”
After a stellar 2015 season that saw Mayhew lead his team in goals, the Bulldogs will need to find a way to score without their star forward.
Expect to see various players step up in Mayhew’s absence, including sophomore forward Corey Mackin.
Mackin is looking to improve on a breakout freshman season in 2015 that saw him rack up 10 goals and 15 assists.
At this point in the season, Mackin leads the Bulldogs in shots on goal with 33, as well as two goals, helping the Bulldogs to put together a little offense.
“I’m not worried about what the team has been doing so far,” Daniels said. “Our defense is solid and as long as that continues, the offensive numbers will start to show up.”
Because the Dawgs’ latest game ended in a shootout, it will officially go in the books as a tie. However, Ferris will receive two points in the conference standings. The team still has a lot of ground to gain if they want to improve off a 2015- 2016 season that saw their season end one game outside of the Frozen Four.
The Bulldogs will continue their season as they take on Minnesota State 8:07 p.m. Friday, Oct. 28, at Verizon Wireless Center in Mankato, Minnesota.