The summer of 2013 was a big one for former Ferris State Bulldogs who have made it in the big leagues.
Winnipeg Jets’ forward Zach Redmond, who missed much of last season with a gruesome leg injury, still managed to land a one-year deal worth $715,000 at the NHL level.
Calder Cup Champion defenseman Chad Billins, who was with the Detroit Red Wings organization in 2012, will make $832,500 at the NHL level. Unfortunately for Billins’ following it will not be for the Red Wings.
Billins will join the Calgary Flames this fall and will most likely begin with their minor league team. Billins was one of the top defensemen in the American Hockey League in 2012, and he was even an All-Star for the Grand Rapids Griffins.
Captaining the 2012-13 squad, Kyle Bonis led the Bulldogs in their final CCHA Campaign. Bonis is now with the Norfolk Admirals, who are affiliated with the Anaheim Ducks on an Amateur Tryout Contract.
Former Ferris defensive end Jordan Morgan earned a rookie tryout with the New York Giants, and was the first Bulldog since Angelo Williams in 2010 to receive a shot in the NFL.
For a university whose athletics are Division II outside of hockey, it was a wildly successful summer.