This may be rock bottom for Bulldogs hockey.
Ending the season at 7-22-2, Ferris closed out the worst record in their team’s history with a pair of losses to Lake Superior State. First, they lost in shutout fashion to the Lakers, falling 5-0, before losing 4-2 on the second game of the weekend.
Ferris State was officially eliminated from conference tournament contention after being shutout 5-0 in the first game of the weekend. They came into the weekend down four points to Alaska-Anchorage for the final spot in the conference tournament.
“It hasn’t set in yet. I don’t want to be elusive on that, the game ended five minutes ago. It hasn’t hit home yet, my minds still on tonight’s game. I’m sure when I’m able to step away for a few minutes and start looking at tomorrow, my initial thought for tomorrow is that we’ve got to eliminate those turnovers tonight.” Daniels said.
Game one was a chippy game that saw 18 penalties called against both teams including three 10-minute majors going to players on both squads for a scuffle that broke out near the end of the game.
Sophomore goaltender Roni Salmenkangas started at goaltender for Ferris. He earned the loss after allowing five goals while making 20 saves.
With conference standing positions locked in for both teams heading into the second game of the weekend, there was less meaning for both teams. The main focus was the seniors, as it was senior night for the Bulldogs.
The contest was a lot closer as the Bulldogs avoided the shutout by scoring twice. Once in the first period and again in the second. Still, the defense faltered, and the Lakers were able to score in every period, including two power play goals to win 4-2.
The seniors that were honored were forwards Jason Tackett, Dominic Lutz, Clarke, defensemen Nate Kallen, Joe Rutkowski, Zach Yoder and goaltender Austin Shaw. Coach Bob Daniels reflected on the outgoing class of seniors.
“It’s just interesting to watch just how mature they are. If you look at the group three of them are taking graduate classes. Austin Shaw, Dominic Lutz and Zach Yoder are all in the MBA program, and you’ve got Joe Rutkowski in pre-med, so you have four men doing very well academically. All seven are above a 3.5 GPA, so when you have guys taking MBA classes and medical students you know it’s a very mature group. They lead on the ice and off of it.” Daniels said.
Austin Shaw got the start in his final outing, making 20 saves while allowing four goals, getting the loss on the night.
With that, the hockey season draws to a close. Be sure to stay tuned as the scheduled has yet to be released, but the Bulldogs will return in late fall with many returning faces along with many new recruits joining the stable.