5 Shocking Changes And Key Players Driving The New Era Of Ferris State University Hockey
The Ferris State University Bulldogs men’s ice hockey program is undergoing a massive transformation, signaling a fresh start and a renewed commitment to competing for the Central Collegiate Hockey Association (CCHA) title. As of the current date, December 22, 2025, the biggest news revolves around the appointment of a new head coach and a significant roster infusion, setting the stage for an exciting, albeit challenging, 2024-2025 season and a promising future.
Following a 13-20-3 record in the previous season, the Bulldogs are turning the page with a focus on a high-energy, development-focused culture. The new leadership is already making waves, not just in Big Rapids, Michigan, but across the entire college hockey landscape, with aggressive recruiting and a defined system aimed at elevating the program back to its former glory.
The New Era: Head Coach Brett Riley and the 2024-2025 Roster Breakdown
The most impactful change for the Ferris State Bulldogs is the arrival of first-year head coach Brett Riley. Riley is a third-generation hockey coach, bringing a deep pedigree and a proven track record of developing young talent to the program. His appointment marks a significant cultural shift for Ferris State University Hockey.
Head Coach Profile: Brett Riley
- Full Name: Brett Riley
- Role: Head Coach, Ferris State University Men's Ice Hockey
- Coaching Generation: Third-generation hockey coach
- Previous Experience: Prior to Ferris State, Riley was a successful head coach at other collegiate programs.
- Coaching Philosophy: Known for leadership and a passion for developing young talent.
- Coaching Staff: Riley has finalized his staff, which includes Associate Coach Zack Cisek and Assistant Coach Justin DeMartino.
Riley’s immediate impact has been felt in recruiting. The program has announced the addition of a significant number of new players, including a highly-touted transfer, for the upcoming 2025-2026 season, demonstrating an aggressive strategy to rebuild the roster quickly. This focus on new blood is crucial for long-term success in the competitive CCHA.
Key Roster Entities for the 2024-2025 Campaign
The current roster features a mix of returning veterans and promising newcomers tasked with executing Coach Riley’s new system. The Bulldogs will rely heavily on their core group to navigate the demanding CCHA schedule.
- Forwards: The offense will be spearheaded by players like Cole Burtch, who was a top scorer with 19 points in 35 games last season, and Kaleb Ergang, who contributed 15 points. Caiden Gault (10 points) and Gavin Best (9 points) will also be crucial in generating scoring opportunities.
- Defensemen: The defensive corps is anchored by experienced blue-liners such as Travis Shoudy (36 games played), Logan Heroux, Christopher Lie, and Nico DeVita. The defense will need to be solid to improve the team's overall record.
- Other Key Names: Keep an eye on players like Xavier Jean-Louis, Connor McGrath, and Austin McCarthy as they look to make a bigger impact under the new coaching staff.
The CCHA Challenge: Recent Performance and The Road Ahead
The Ferris State Bulldogs compete in the Central Collegiate Hockey Association (CCHA), a highly competitive league that demands consistency every weekend. The team's early 2024-2025 results have shown flashes of potential but also the challenges of a transition year.
The Bulldogs’ season started with an early tie (4-4) against Miami (OH) and a couple of tough losses (1-4, 1-5) against Western Michigan University. However, the team has shown resilience, particularly in close games. A key statistic from the previous season highlights their need for a strong start: they held a solid 9-5-1 record when scoring first, but a difficult 4-15-2 record when the opponent scored first. This demonstrates the importance of offensive urgency and defensive structure in the early stages of a game.
The road ahead is focused on building momentum and consistency under Coach Riley. The goal is to climb the CCHA standings and secure a favorable playoff position. The energy from the 13 new recruits joining the program for the 2025-2026 season, including a top transfer, suggests that the team is not just focused on the present, but is aggressively building a foundation for sustained success in the near future. This aggressive recruiting strategy is a clear sign that the program intends to be a CCHA powerhouse again.
A Legacy of Bulldogs: Ferris State's NHL Alumni and History
Ferris State University Hockey has a rich history that extends well beyond the current roster, with a strong tradition of producing professional hockey talent. This legacy provides a powerful recruiting tool and a source of pride for the Big Rapids community.
Notable Alumni Who Reached the NHL and Professional Ranks
The program has seen several players move on to successful professional careers, with a number of Bulldogs debuting in the NHL. This long-standing connection to the professional game solidifies the program's topical authority in college hockey.
- Jeff Blashill: Perhaps the most famous name in recent history, Blashill played for Ferris State from 1994-1998 before going on to coach in the NHL, notably as the Head Coach of the Detroit Red Wings. His success at the highest level of the sport is a testament to the program's development capabilities.
- Gerald Mayhew: Mayhew became the 12th former Bulldog to debut in the NHL, showcasing the program's ability to transition players to the professional ranks.
- Pioneers and Key Players: The list of players who have turned pro is extensive and includes significant names like Dean Clark, Mike Colman, Dave Karpa, John Gruden, Jason Blake, and Andy Roach.
- Hall of Fame Inductees: The Ferris State Athletic Hall of Fame includes hockey greats such as Jim Baker (2002), John DePourcq (2002), Paul Lowden (2003), Jim File (2004), Peter Lowden (2004), and Randy Merrifield (2005).
These alumni not only represent the program's past success but also serve as inspiration for the current Bulldogs. The path from the Ewigleben Ice Arena in Big Rapids to the professional leagues is a well-worn one, and the new coaching staff under Brett Riley is committed to continuing that tradition.
The Future is Bright: Aggressive Recruiting and Program Outlook
The buzz surrounding Ferris State University Hockey right now is overwhelmingly positive, driven by the new coaching staff's aggressive approach to recruiting. By securing a large class of 13 new players for the 2025-2026 season, including a top transfer, the Bulldogs are clearly signaling their intent to move up the CCHA standings and compete for a national championship appearance, a feat they last accomplished in 2012.
The combination of a proven, development-focused coach in Brett Riley, a core group of returning offensive threats like Cole Burtch and Kaleb Ergang, and a strong pipeline of new talent ensures that the Bulldogs are one of the most intriguing teams to watch in college hockey. Fans can expect a higher-paced, more structured game as the team settles into the new system, making the Ferris State University Hockey program a must-follow story in the collegiate sports world.
Detail Author:
- Name : Mr. Holden Mayer Jr.
- Username : zbednar
- Email : dante95@maggio.org
- Birthdate : 2001-11-02
- Address : 4493 Cleora Rest Alysafurt, WY 66923-9049
- Phone : 1-972-485-6220
- Company : Friesen-Runolfsson
- Job : Forester
- Bio : Natus aliquam quia quis sint. Voluptas voluptate hic fuga temporibus ad. Nemo et voluptatem ducimus incidunt id.
Socials
instagram:
- url : https://instagram.com/terrywaelchi
- username : terrywaelchi
- bio : Tenetur in unde aut reprehenderit voluptas. Rerum quo et repellat aut porro. Dolorem vel et enim.
- followers : 3914
- following : 1417
tiktok:
- url : https://tiktok.com/@waelchi2009
- username : waelchi2009
- bio : At blanditiis sit recusandae. Alias laudantium laborum fugiat.
- followers : 4497
- following : 639
