A Legacy on Ice: The History of Ferris State University Hockey

The Ferris State Bulldogs men's ice hockey team represents Ferris State University at the NCAA Division I level. As a member of the Central Collegiate Hockey Association (CCHA), the program boasts a history that began in 1975 and has seen its share of milestones, conference championships, and even a national championship appearance.

Early Years and Transition to Division I

Ferris State's ice hockey program started in 1975, competing in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). Even in these early years, the team showed promise. Over four seasons in the NAIA, the Bulldogs compiled a record of 58-40-1, a .591 winning percentage. Three of those seasons saw the team achieve a winning percentage above .700. The 1976-77 season was particularly impressive, with the team achieving a program-best .795 winning percentage.

In 1979, the program transitioned to NCAA Division I status and became a full member of the CCHA. This move marked a significant step forward for the Ferris State hockey program, setting the stage for future success on a larger stage.

The 2002-03 Season: A Landmark Achievement

The 2002-03 campaign stands out as the program's best performance in its NCAA Division I history. The Ferris State team achieved a school-best 31-10-1 overall record. During this memorable season, the Bulldogs also captured their first-ever CCHA Regular-Season Championship title with a 22-5-1 league record.

The Historic 2011-12 Season

The 2011-12 season was a season of milestones for the Ferris State ice hockey program. The Bulldogs started the season strong, recording a six-game win streak, which was their best start since the 1979-80 season when they had an eight-game streak.

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The team finished the regular season by winning their first CCHA Regular Season Championship since their first in 2002-03. A 14-game unbeaten streak from January 6, 2012, to February 25, which included 11 wins and 4 ties, highlighted the season. The Bulldogs achieved another program first when they were ranked number one in the NCAA men's ice hockey poll for two weeks during the season.

After finishing with the best record in the CCHA, the Bulldogs earned a first-round bye in the 2012 CCHA Tournament. In the second round, Ferris State faced Bowling Green, who had upset Northern Michigan. Bowling Green won the opening game in overtime, but Ferris State responded with a 7-4 victory to even the series. However, in the deciding game, Ferris State was unable to maintain a three-goal lead, and Bowling Green rallied to win in overtime, taking the CCHA quarterfinal series.

Despite the CCHA playoff loss, the Bulldogs received an at-large bid to the 2012 NCAA Tournament. They went on to defeat Denver and Cornell in the first two rounds, both by a score of 2-1.

Frozen Four and National Championship Appearance

The 2012 NCAA Tournament marked the program's first appearance in the Frozen Four. The Bulldogs defeated Union 3-1, earning a spot in the championship game against Boston College. Ultimately, Ferris State could not overcome the Eagles' offense, and Boston College won its third title in five seasons.

Coaching and Leadership

Bob Daniels has been the head coach of the team since 1992.

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From Club Sport to Division I

While the modern era of Ferris State hockey began in the mid-1970s, the seeds of the program were planted much earlier. In the early days of Ferris Institute, athletics were not a high priority. Founder W.N. Ferris, focused on physical fitness but didn't have time for games as a boy. Despite this, athletics gradually took hold.

Early athletic competition at Ferris centered on football. While Mr. Ferris himself had an aversion to football, he would "look the other way, and pretend he didn't notice" when students organized teams. The earliest records indicate that in 1906, two games were played against Alma College. Football continued to be a part of Ferris in one form or another, although some years teams existed while other years they did not.

The construction of stands in the 1930s under the Work Progress Administration marked a turning point. By 1931, football was gaining momentum, and in 1947, the athletic programs began to expand.

A Broader Athletic Landscape

While ice hockey is a relatively recent addition to Ferris State's athletic offerings, the university has a long history of intercollegiate competition. In addition to football, Ferris has fielded baseball, basketball, track, and tennis teams. The annual Field Day was a major event, and Ferris athletes participated in inter-scholastic meets at Michigan State College.

The university also boasts a rich history of female athletes. By 1911, W.C. Taggart had organized a girls' basketball team.

Facilities and Support

The development of athletic facilities has been crucial to the growth of Ferris State's programs. A space next to Big Rapids' City Hall served as the school gym in the early days. Plans for a large gymnasium (the Alumni Building) were underway by 1928.

The golf course was made possible by a gift from Mr. and Mrs. Marvin L. Katke, providing a location for varsity golf matches that had previously been held at a private club.

All-Americans and National Recognition

From 1963 to 1980, Ferris Bulldog teams produced 26 All-Americans. Athletes like Phil Blades in wrestling, Dave Netzley in cross country and track, and Corey Bouyer in track, were two-time winners. In 1976, Larry Sanders was ranked third in the nation in rushing. Bouyer was the 1970 NAIA national champion in the 440-yard intermediate hurdles.

Ice hockey elevated Ferris into national prominence during the 1979-80 season, and the program has continued to build on that foundation.

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