With the Bulldog hockey season set to start in early October, the new Ferris State hockey team is looking forward to the upcoming season.
One significant change is the hiring of former Long Island University head coach Brett Riley on March 28, who will take over behind the bench after 33-year head coach Bob Daniels retired following the 2024-25 season.
Last season at LIU, the Sharks posted a 20-12-2 record, with Riley taking home the NCAA’s Independent Coach of the Year award.
The coaching change isn’t the only new thing with Bulldog hockey. The transfer portal saw 12 new players join the team, five of whom came with Riley from Long Island. Other transfers include Ohio State forward Caden Brown, Colgate defenseman Nic Belpedio, and North Dakota goaltender Hobie Hendquist. Ferris also landed forward Adyn Merrick from the Sioux City Stampede of the USHL (6-5–11).
Riley wants to ensure that the entire team is in sync before the season begins.
“Right now, the top priority is building one unified team—regardless of whether you’re a returner, newcomer, veteran or first-year,” Riley said. “Our culture and cohesion come first, and everyone plays a role in setting the standard and buying into what we’re building. At this point in the year, team building is more important than anything we do on the ice. The weight room with Colton and his staff will be a huge part of this process. Their impact will help expedite our growth, as we push through hard things together, build trust, and become one team.”
One of the newcomers that followed Coach Riley from Long Island to Big Rapids is sophomore forward Carter Rapalje, who led the Sharks in goals and points last season (17-13–30). Rapalje is looking forward to continue playing for Coach Riley at Ferris State in front of the Bulldog faithful.
“I’m very excited for the season and grateful for the opportunity to play for Brett Riley again,” Rapalje said. “After I entered the portal and heard from Coach, I jumped at the chance to join the Bulldogs. I can’t wait to play in front of the amazing Bulldog fans and the Dawg Pound. I’ve heard nothing but great things about the atmosphere of the games at Ewigleben Arena and how great of a community this is to be a part of. I know that this county loves their school, and I can’t wait to play in front of them and give it my all.”
With a new head coach and a dozen new players, the team is excited for the upcoming season. One of those is returning Bulldog, junior defenseman Trevor Taulien.
“I’m very excited for this year and what we will accomplish,” Taulien said. “ We have a great group of guys that have connected very well since we have gotten back to Ferris. We are all working hard and are excited as a group to win a championship.”
The new season kicks off Friday, Oct. 4, at 7:07 p.m. and Saturday, Oct. 5, at 6:07 p.m., with away games at Miami of Ohio. Ferris State’s home opener will be Friday, October 10, at 7:07 p.m. against the Western Michigan Broncos, following an away game against the Broncos the day before.