Different roads, same ice.
Freshman goaltender Martin Lundberg, a recruit from Norway, is embracing every opportunity to learn from his teammates, determined to sharpen his skills and compete for the starting role.
Over the ocean, graduate goaltender Noah West sits alongside him, snatched from the University of Michigan this past offseason, turned starting netminder. West is focused on staying healthy and finishing his final season strong, hoping to parlay his experience into a pro deal on the East Coast.
Though at contrasting stages of their careers, Lundberg and West push each other to be better, strengthening Ferris State’s goaltending. One is eager to prove himself, the other is looking to leave his mark before moving on.
“I have to show that I want to be here, on the ice, I have to do the work,” Lundberg said. The freshman goalie from Norway, has had to adapt to a faster, more physical style of play.
Lundberg has appeared in two games for the Bulldogs this season, making a combined 47 saves in nearly 100 minutes of action between the pipes.
Back home, Lundberg was used to the wider ice rink, where the game relied more on technical skill and tactical movement. Now, on the smaller rink, everything happens quicker—shots come faster, players crash the net harder, and the physicality is relentless.
The reduced space leaves less time to react, forcing Lundberg to sharpen his positioning and decision-making under pressure. While the transition hasn’t been easy, he’s embracing the challenge and learning to match the intensity of his teammates and opponents.
“The speed is the biggest difference to me,” Lundberg said. “But the boys on the team take really good care of us, like Noah will give me advice.”
It’s not always easy to hear criticism, but knowing it comes from a place of support makes all the difference. Whether you take it or leave it, is up to the player.
It’s never just about what happens on the ice, being a good teammate goes beyond honing skills and making saves.
Whether it’s offering advice on positioning in the net, giving a teammate a ride to the store, or being there to talk through the ups and downs of the season, West wants to assist however he can.
“Sometimes it’s right, sometimes it’s wrong, but they’ll figure it out,” West said.
West has been a workhorse for the Bulldogs this season, starting 26 games while sporting a 3.1 goals-against average and a .906 save percentage.
The mentality extends across the locker room, where small acts of support, helping a teammate study for an exam, grabbing an extra tape roll before practice, or just checking in after a tough game, build the foundation of a strong team. In a sport as demanding as hockey, individual success depends on collective strength.
“We took them under our wing and showed them the ropes,” West said. “It’s been a cool experience forming the relationship we have.”
West takes pride in being part of that collective strength, knowing that his impact extends beyond the crease. He wants to leave Ferris State’s goaltending in good hands, helping his successors grow into the best versions of themselves, both as athletes and as people.
This includes freshman goalie Connor McDonough, who entered the Bulldog locker room aside Lundberg this offseason.
However, as much as West focuses on helping others, he also understands that his own success this season hasn’t come by chance. Staying healthy has been key to maintaining his high level of play.
Years of experience has taught West that talent alone isn’t enough, you have to put in the work off the ice, fuel your body and stay disciplined so you can go all in.
“I know I’m not getting any younger,” West said.
As his final season winds down, West isn’t just chasing wins; he’s making sure that when he steps away, he’s left behind a culture of hard work and resilience. Looking forward to watching his teammates succeed in their athletic careers.
As the season progresses, the relationship between Lundberg and West continues to highlight the unique bond that forms between teammates, especially in a position as demanding as goaltending.
For Lundberg, having a veteran like West to learn from is an invaluable opportunity as he works toward his goal of becoming the team’s next starting goalie.
For West, passing on his knowledge while finishing his own collegiate career on a high note is just as rewarding.
Beyond the competition, their connection represents something bigger. The privilege of playing alongside international teammates and forming friendships that transcend borders.
Athletics has a way of bringing people together who might never have crossed paths otherwise.