Ferris State University Hockey 2011-2012 - A New Lease On Life

[Hammer]

Re: Ferris State University Hockey 2011-2012 - A New Lease On Life

Well, then.

The #1 ranking was fun while it lasted. That's fine. We've got bigger fish to fry now. Get to the tournament, get a decent seeding in the tournament, and go from there.

Keep the eyes on the prize, boys.

 

[bronconick]

Re: Ferris State University Hockey 2011-2012 - A New Lease On Life

I was kind of saying that tongue-in-cheek about playing in the Van Andel. But, it would be nice if more than 2500+/- were able to attend Ferris' next game(s).

What I would like to see is something like WMU and FSU matching up for a Home and Home and Neutral Site (at the Van Andel) series once they are in separate leagues in 2013. I think that would be worth the "money grab" and could draw a pretty good crowd at the Van Andel from WMU and FSU alums and hockey enthusiasts in West Michigan and Michigan in general. And it would or could be a good way of showcasing the two "West Michigan" college hockey teams. Just a thought....

They had a holiday tournament at Van Andel with the two schools 15 years ago or so. It was a disaster. Grand Rapids doesn't have college hockey fans.

 

[UMICH]

Re: Ferris State University Hockey 2011-2012 - A New Lease On Life

They had a holiday tournament at Van Andel with the two schools 15 years ago or so. It was a disaster. Grand Rapids doesn't have college hockey fans.

Is it GR or the fact the Ferris and Western COMBINED can't draw? Seriously though, if that was tried 15 years ago, maybe it's time to try again?

 

[bueller]

Re: Ferris State University Hockey 2011-2012 - A New Lease On Life

Is it GR or the fact the Ferris and Western COMBINED can't draw? Seriously though, if that was tried 15 years ago, maybe it's time to try again?

It's Grand Rapids. Even Michigan State and Notre Dame couldn't fill that place for the Midwest regional a couple years back.

Edit: They drew ~4,800 for a regional championship game that featured big name schools that are both less than a two-hour drive away.

 

[SerenFSU]

Re: Ferris State University Hockey 2011-2012 - A New Lease On Life

The fancy ranking was nice but this team has bigger goals to chase now. I had some friends/family at the game and everyone I've talked to said it wasn't like we played poorly. We had some good opportunities. Having Kirzinger out for yesterdays penalty (Aaron just adores us) and two others (can't remember who) sit out for injuries didn't help. Nelson didn't play either, more than likely to rest.

I think that having the first round off to rest and refocus is exactly what the team needs to get ready for a solid playoff run.

 

[Hammer]

Re: Ferris State University Hockey 2011-2012 - A New Lease On Life

As for Kirzinger, he was eligible to dress for tonight's game. He was given a game misconduct, not a disqualification. His scratch tonight was at Daniels' discretion.

Regarding Nelson, I would have played him tonight. It was his senior night, too, and his last regular season home game. He's got two weeks to rest and get ready now.

About the CCHA officials, they're all just a joy to watch work, aren't they? They sent a crew to work the Adrian womens' playoff game and ensuing minigame this afternoon, and they butchered enough to bankrupt a meat market.

 

[bigmrg74]

Re: Ferris State University Hockey 2011-2012 - A New Lease On Life

It's Grand Rapids. Even Michigan State and Notre Dame couldn't fill that place for the Midwest regional a couple years back.

Edit: They drew ~4,800 for a regional championship game that featured big name schools that are both less than a two-hour drive away.

I seem to remember a large number of Irish faithful going "Who or what is a Bemidji, and why is that team whipping us?" in the 2009 Midwest regional at the Van Andel. There were a few empty seats there, given that it was Cornell, Northeastern and BSU, not a huge surprise, but they had most of the west side of the arena filled.


Something at the Van Andel could work if they promote it right, and not try to charge an arm and a leg to get inside to see it. Heck, if they really want to make this an annual even, I would be a little more worried about putting fannies in the seats there than raw ticket sales for it.

 

[UMICH]

Re: Ferris State University Hockey 2011-2012 - A New Lease On Life

It's Grand Rapids. Even Michigan State and Notre Dame couldn't fill that place for the Midwest regional a couple years back.

Edit: They drew ~4,800 for a regional championship game that featured big name schools that are both less than a two-hour drive away.

I seem to remember back in 2005 when Michigan, Colorado College, Wisconsin, and some team that I can't even remember filled that place...

 

[bronconick]

Re: Ferris State University Hockey 2011-2012 - A New Lease On Life

I seem to remember back in 2005 when Michigan, Colorado College, Wisconsin, and some team that I can't even remember filled that place...

6,312 and 6,871 isn't filling a 10,834 seat arena.

All that means is that a few thousand Michigan fans are willing to drive over especially since they weren't being hosed into playing in Denver or Mariucci. I've been to all but one regional there. There is very little local presence or even acknowledgement that the tournament is occurring in town.

 

[J.D.]

Re: Ferris State University Hockey 2011-2012 - A New Lease On Life

The NCAA would be thrilled with 6,000 at a regional these days...

 

[aygwm2]

Re: Ferris State University Hockey 2011-2012 - A New Lease On Life

I was saying to one of the guys at work yesterday: "I don't know why everyone's so surprised at Ferris this year! They've had pretty good teams four out of the past five seasons."

They just missed out in at least two of those seasons, especially the 09-10 season. Now, hopefully for them, it's break on through to the 02-03 season and beyond. Who knows...

 

[DominicHennig]

Re: Ferris State University Hockey 2011-2012 - A New Lease On Life

Congrats everyone. Did you all see the "send off" pep rally before the Bulldogs got on the bus to Western Michigan on Friday? Here's video footage of the weekend:

<iframe width="480" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/m00QFy8Nl6E" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

<iframe width="480" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/dH_1DO3lTVM" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

And if you cannot make it to the game, watch, or listen online, there's up to the minute info at www.Twitter.com/FerrisHockey

 

[Hammer]

Re: Ferris State University Hockey 2011-2012 - A New Lease On Life

And just where the hell have YOU been?

 

[alfablue]

Re: Ferris State University Hockey 2011-2012 - A New Lease On Life

Congrats, Bulldogs, for the regular season CCHA title! Heck of a season, so far.

 

[hattrick16]

Re: Ferris State University Hockey 2011-2012 - A New Lease On Life

Okay then...

Going 0-5-1 against the #2 and #3 teams in the CCHA is not great news, but after the second round of the playoffs Ferris will only need to beat anybody once and I think they can beat anybody once, especially at a neutral site.

We missed Kirzinger, Ouellette and Schlueter (and Nelson, but Motte didn't cost us the game) last night. It will be nice to have them all in the line up again. On Friday, FSU played a mediocre game against the #2 team in the conference on the road. In the past we would have lost, but even an average performance was good enough for a point, that's a positive sign.

Teams with an outstanding goalie, like Slubowski or Hunwick, really give the Dawgs trouble. The defense may only give up a goal or two, but if the offense can't score then the team can't win (profound... I know). Stellar goalie performances may be the Dawgs' Achilles' heal.

What I would like to see is something like WMU and FSU matching up for a Home and Home and Neutral Site (at the Van Andel) series once they are in separate leagues in 2013. I think that would be worth the "money grab" and could draw a pretty good crowd at the Van Andel from WMU and FSU alums and hockey enthusiasts in West Michigan and Michigan in general. And it would or could be a good way of showcasing the two "West Michigan" college hockey teams. Just a thought....

I've mentioned previously how I think a four game showcase featuring Ferris vs. State and Western vs. U of M on Saturday and then Western vs. State and Ferris vs. U of M on Sunday at the Van Andel would be pretty nifty. Throw it on "Hockey Weekend in Michigan" and get all four schools two non-conference games, split the gate revenue and get the Big Ten Network to put it on the tube.

 

[aygwm2]

Re: Ferris State University Hockey 2011-2012 - A New Lease On Life

Okay then...

I've mentioned previously how I think a four game showcase featuring Ferris vs. State and Western vs. U of M on Saturday and then Western vs. State and Ferris vs. U of M on Sunday at the Van Andel would be pretty nifty. Throw it on "Hockey Weekend in Michigan" and get all four schools two non-conference games, split the gate revenue and get the Big Ten Network to put it on the tube.

Something like or similar to this has to be, needs to be, can be in the realm of possibilities in the near future! Right?

 

[I Want Shegos]

Re: Ferris State University Hockey 2011-2012 - A New Lease On Life

Definitely disappointed in the game, that was one of the worst I've seen in a while. I realize they gave a half effort and it was in part the "B" team on the ice, but I don't think going soft there does them any favors, especially if they see Western again.

That said, seeing the Mason Cup given to us was pretty awesome. Two weeks away, there is work to be done, and as much talent as this team has, no excuse not to win the 2nd round series.

Few other notes:
-I was actually surprised that most of the student section stayed for the trophy ceremony, especially how bad of a game that was. That was good to see.
-A lot of people donated for the senior gift, also cool.
-After the game, a few of us were still in the arena and Western's head coach walked by. He congratulated us on the season and said he hopes to see us at the Joe. Classy guy.

Two weeks needs to get here sooner. GO BULLDOGS!

 

[aygwm2]

Re: Ferris State University Hockey 2011-2012 - A New Lease On Life

seeing the Mason Cup given to us was pretty awesome.

The Mason Cup is the tournament trophy, right? The regular season trophy apparently is simply called the CCHA Regular Season Championship trophy.

 

[I Want Shegos]

Re: Ferris State University Hockey 2011-2012 - A New Lease On Life

I think your right. Oh well, the generically named trophy is also very pretty.

Random thought, I wonder what happens to that trophy and the Mason Cup once the CCHA ceases to exist?

 

[SerenFSU]

Re: Ferris State University Hockey 2011-2012 - A New Lease On Life

That's a good question? Do you think they might have it rotated around schools that have won it on a yearly basis so that it at least gets displayed? It would be kind of sad to see all that history just stored away somewhere.