After 33 years as head coach of Ferris Hockey, Bob Daniels’ final home series of his career is steadily approaching.
Following their split in Houghton against Michigan Tech last weekend, the Bulldogs return home for their last series of the regular season against the Northern Michigan Wildcats.
One could expect after an over-three-decade career, there would be strong emotions heading into the last stretch in front of the home crowd. For Daniels, he’s laser-focused on the team, where they’ll end up in the standings and who they’ll face in the first round of the CCHA playoffs.
“Maybe it’s bad or short-sighted on my part, but I haven’t thought about it at all,” Daniels said. “We’re trying to place as high in the standings as we can. I still have high hopes for our team this year. I like where we’re at and how we’re playing. We’re winning games now, so my attention is really on that.”
The university is honoring its long-time coach by dubbing the final weekend “Bob Daniels Weekend.” Saturday night will feature a ceremony to honor Daniels alongside assistant coaches Mark Kaufman, Drew Famulak and Dave Cencer.
Saturday night’s celebration also includes the program’s senior night for the team’s seven seniors, which Daniels wishes to be a focus too.
“Over the years, it’s been fun to watch the guys get on the ice with their parents and siblings and girlfriends and have that moment before the game,” Daniels said. “I see how important it is to those families. I just think anybody would say ‘Maybe we’ll all share that together in that last game.’ Me as well as them. I just want to make sure that’s highlighted as well.”
Daniels recorded a milestone marker earlier this season, collecting his 500th career win. The Bulldogs’ bench boss has accumulated 509 wins so far, ranking him 16th overall in wins throughout NCAA history.
The Bulldogs season doesn’t end after their series with the Wildcats, as they will play an undecided opponent in the first round of the CCHA playoffs. More than likely, Ferris will go on the road for that best-of-three series.
Daniels, who is excited about retirement, thinks any sort of reflection on this season or his career won’t come until after the final game.
“I don’t think the magnitude or the realization will hit me until after the playoffs. Like when the season’s completely done. And then, I don’t know. I’ll hit the golf course,” Daniels joked.