North Michigan News

The Northern Michigan University (NMU) hockey team is set to conclude its 2024/25 season with a visit to Big Rapids, Michigan, where they will face the Ferris State Bulldogs. The Wildcats, holding a record of 5-26-1 overall and 4-19-1 in the Central Collegiate Hockey Association (CCHA), recently celebrated their seniors. Among them was Jesse Tucker, who contributed a goal and an assist on senior night. Tucker has accumulated four points over his last four games.

Ferris State's Bulldogs have a record of 12-18-2 overall and 11-13-0 in the CCHA. They are closing their regular season with "Bob Daniels Weekend," honoring their retiring head coach Bob Daniels during the final two home games in Big Rapids. Daniels concludes his career after 33 years at the helm, amassing over 500 wins to rank among the top six winningest active head coaches at the Division I level. The Bulldogs will also recognize seven seniors before Saturday's game.

Fans can follow @NMUHockey on X for updates leading up to and during the games against Ferris State. Friday's game is scheduled for February 28 at 7:07 PM, followed by Saturday's match on March 1 at 6:07 PM.

Last weekend, NMU dropped their second-to-last home game against St. Thomas with a score of 3-0, ending a streak where they had scored two or more goals in nine of their previous eleven games. St. Thomas secured victory with early goals and an empty-netter late in the third period. Their goaltender Jake Sibell achieved his first collegiate shutout by saving all 21 shots faced.

In NMU's final home game of the season, they lost narrowly to St. Thomas again, this time with a score of 4-3. After trailing by three goals entering the third period, Jakob Peterson and Matthew Argentina brought NMU back within one goal but couldn't complete the comeback despite a late power play opportunity.

Senior alternate captain Jesse Tucker led NMU with two points from a goal and an assist that night while fellow seniors Ryan Ouellette made significant saves and Jakub Lewandowski contributed defensively.

Ferris State approaches this weekend having won six out of their last nine matches including splitting games against Michigan Tech recently. Cole Burtch leads Ferris State in points while Caiden Gault tops both goals scored and game-winning goals charts for them this season.

Graduate student Noah West has been strong between pipes for Ferris posting notable statistics including two shutouts this year so far.

Historically NMU holds an edge over Ferris going into these contests though recent results saw them lose twice earlier this December when hosting similar fixtures back then too; hence keenly contested battles are anticipated once more ahead now soon enough shortly again indeed!