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2019-2020 • Hockey Preview
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Hockey Preview • 2019-2020
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Local linesman keeping busy working Ferris games By John Raffel Pioneer Sports Director
REED CITY — It’s a busy time of year for WCHA linesman Marty Shaffer. Shaffer, a local resident and businessman, is in another season of officiating high school and college hockey games. Ferris hockey fans will remember watching him as a linesman at most of the Bulldog games. He wears No. 92. “I’ve been doing hockey for 10 years,” Shaffer said at the end of last season. “I played club hockey at Ferris. When we got done with that, I finished school and didn’t have a job. I wanted to make some money and I had a couple of guys who were buddies who did it at a higher level and they said I should start. I had a skating background so I took it from there.” His WCHA assignor is based out Minnesota. Each WCHA game has two referees and two
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linesmen. The referees can come from everywhere, but it’s a different situation for linesmen. “They look for local guys who can do games,” Shaffer said.
Linesman basically work faceoffs and call offsides and icing, and breaks up potential fights among the players. He’s hired by the WCHA, not Ferris.
Area resident Marty Shaffer continues his work as a linesman at Ferris State games. (Pioneer file photo)
“Me being so close to Big Rapids, it saves them paying someone mileage. But I did go to Bowling Green (for 2019 WCHA firstround playoffs) since Ferris wasn’t playing. Two of the referees, one was from Alaska and one from Florida. They come from everywhere.”
“I do high school games, I’ve been doing that for probably the longest,” Shaffer said. I’ve done a state final and some state semifinals and finals (as a referee).” Shaffer said being a collegiate referee is his ultimate goal. “Most of the guys don’t come to the
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league as referees,” he said. “You need a few years. You have to go to a training camp before the season starts. Our supervisors decide if we’re ready or not.” Shaffer worked all but two Ferris home games last season and has been a familiar face this season so far. “I do a ton of Big Rapids games,” he said. “I did five this past season. I assign basically for high schools north of here. I’m originally up from Kalkaska.” Shaffer has also officiated volleyball matches and basketball games, and umpired basketball games in the past. As a hockey official, he admits hearing from the crowd a lot. “You get yelled at but we know the rules more than anyone else,” Shaffer said. Shaffer had been Reed City baseball coach until resigning at the end of last season. His teams won two district titles and a CSAA Gold crown.
Neibarger happy with move to defense
Blake Neibarger
By John Raffel Pioneer Sports Director
BIG RAPIDS – Blake Neibarger is among the talented Big Rapid seniors, who will be counted among heavily by coach Tim Blashill for key contributions this season. “Last year, I played a little bit of forward,” he said. “But toward the middle of the season, I moved back to D. I’ll be playing D this year. What I like about D is I know what the forwards want to do and I know what I want the D to do and I can carry that out as a defender.
“If I know I can get a shot off and get back in time, I can take it and I know my forwards will cover me.” It’s Neibarger’s fourth year on varsity and he indicated he’s improved each season. He’s played on three regional championship squads and there’s speculation this could be his best team. “We have 10 seniors this year and I feel we have a good shot,” he said. Neibarger went to hockey camps during the offseason. He plays hockey as his only sport but is hoping this will be a special season.
2019-2020 • Hockey Preview
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Cardinal goalie excited for his junior season By John Raffel Pioneer Sports Director BIG RAPIDS – Eric Standen got the job done as a first-year goalie for Big Rapids’ hockey team last season He’s ready to do it again as a junior for the Cardinals. Big Rapids needed to bring in a new goalie and Standen got the call. “Last year was definitely a different experience from playing travel (hockey),” Standen said. “I think we need to work on defense and we’ll have a better season than last year.” Standen said he
worked extensively on hockey during the offseason and worked specifically with a goaltender coach. The Cardinal goalie will focus on improving saves percentage this season. “It will take a lot of afterwork and homework, and a lot of work on the ice,” he said. “Preventing rebounds big time (is a major goal).” Standen battled neck and back injuries last season which forced him to miss some games. The Cardinals
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Cardinals return as three-time defending regional champions Eric Standen
started practicing on Nov. 4 and are slated to open Nov. 22-23 at the Soo Elks Showcase. The home opener is Nov. 27 with Cadillac. “I think we’re looking pretty good,” he said. “Once we get past the first kind of the hiccups with the new guys and stuff like that, I think we’ll (be fine). We lost three players (from graduation). I think we’ll work into the season. I think the first couple of games will be hit or miss.
By John Raffel Pioneer Sports Director BIG RAPIDS – Tim Blashill is coming off coaching a Big Rapids hockey team in 2018-19, which won a regional title in a unique way. “We were a game below .500,” he said. “We might have had a few more wins the year before. We fought all year to get better and tried to find that right mix. As we got into the playoffs, we found it. “This year, we have a great group that’s been around a long time. We have 10 seniors, the most seniors I’ve had possibly ever.” The seniors include forwards Ben Carroll, Thomas Crandell, Blake Neibarger, Jack Somsel and Johnathan Spedowske and defensemen Ian Couch, Connor Jones, Lewis Macdonald, Colt Poortvliet and Cameron Massy. Eric Standen is back for his junior season as goaltender. The goal for a nonleague team such as the Cardinals remains to win the postseason regional. But they also plan on taking more regular-season victories. “We don’t play in a league but we want to set ourselves up, but for us to take the next step, it will be hard to win that regional again,” Blashill said. “We really had to play well last year. Midland Dow was very good last year
Tim Blashill
and basically returns the same team. Flint Powers is going to be tough. “Throughout the year, we want to be more competitive and maybe finish games more.” The team will look different offensively, Blashill said, especially considering River Spedowski graduated after a 40-plus goal season. “I think we’ll have more guys score goals,” Blashill said. “I don’t think we’ll have a 40-goal scorer but a lot more double digit scorers.” Carroll is the top returning leading scorer. “We look for all those forwards to score a little bit more,” Blashill said. “Cam Massy and Jack Somsel scored in the playoffs. Defensively, we have five good seniors. Maybe we’ll score by committee a little more. But we’re looking forward to it.” The schedule remains tough. Defending Division 3 champions Detroit Country Day is on the schedule. The Novi Showcase is a prestigious tournament with tough competition. Traverse City teams, plus Midland Dow and Rockford, will make the schedule as usual. It’s Blashill’s 15th season as Big Rapids coach.
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Hockey Preview • 2019-2020
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Crandell expected to be solid senior forward for Big Rapids By John Raffel Pioneer Sports Director GRAPIDS – Thomas Crandell is among the several hockey players who also contributed to a successful soccer team this fall. But for now, the senior forward is focusing on helping the Cardinals enjoy a successful season. “We lost in the district semifinals to Ludington and
it was a hard fought game,” Crandell said. “We went to overtime. It was a fun season.” It was his first season soccer and Crandell could see where he received some benefits. “Soccer made me more agile on the ice and definitely got me in shape,” Crandell said. River Spedowski graduated after scoring 40 goals last season. “He was a huge part of our team,” Crandell said. “A lot of our guys will have to step up. But
we have the guys to do it.” To be more of a goal scorer, “you have to make sure you can see the other guys stick and you’re in the pass lane, and when you’re going to shoot it, you have to rip it,” Crandell said. The Cardinals are defending three-time regional champions. “Our defense should be really strong,” Crandell said. “We’ll have two top solid forward lines. If all guys buy in and we have better practices this year, we’ll definitely get more wins.”
Thomas Crandell
Carroll bids to have another strong scoring season By John Raffel Pioneer Sports Director BIG RAPIDS – Ben Carroll returns to the Big Rapids hockey lineup for his senior season, and is determined to again help the Cardinals in a big way on the offensive end. It’s Carroll’s third varsity season. He’s the leading scorer among those players returning. River Spedowski, who scored 40 goals a year ago, has graduated. “Things went good last year,” he said. “A lot of guys will be scoring goals. Guys like Jack Somsel will be stepping up. We’ll miss Riv but we’ll have a lot guys coming up and scoring goals.” As for his strengths as a forward, Carroll said, “I’m pretty good at
Ben Carroll (2) is the top scorer returning for the Cardinals. (Pioneer file photo)
GO DAWGS! Ben Carroll
getting up and down the ice. I try to use that to my advantage.” Carroll played a huge role in the Cardinals late season rush to upset teams like Midland Dow in the regional and take the title.
“We were just grinding, getting pucks on net,” Carroll said. The schedule again is extremely tough and helps the team evaluate
itself better, Carroll added.
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Macdonald giving Cardinals strength at defense By John Raffel Pioneer Sports Director
Lewis Macdonald (10) is back for another season as a Big Rapids defenseman. (Pioneer file photo)
Lewis Macdonald
BIG RAPIDS – Lewis Macdonald is all set for his senior season as a Big Rapids defenseman. Macdonald is coming off from a strong soccer season for the Cardinals. “It went well, but definitely a little disappointed in how it ended,” he said, referring to a 2-0 loss to Ludington in the district. “We held them off until overtime.” This marks Macdonald’s third year on the varsity team. “It went pretty well last
year,” Macdonald said. “We won our third straight regional title. I saw growth in myself the whole year.” The Cardinals were slightly below the.500 mark for the regular season but had a 3-0 regional run including wins over teams, which had beaten Big Rapids during the regular season. The Cardinals played their best hockey late in the year. As a defenseman, Macdonald indicated his strength has been “my skating ability and my ability to see the ice,” he said adding offensively, “I’m more here to create
opportunities for other guys.” Macdonald participated in offseason hockey work and indicated he tried to skate as much as he could. He’s looking for 2019-20 to be his best season. “We have five returning D and it should be fun,” he said. “They all know the system and we’ll get right at it. The goal for the Cardinals continues to be winning games and improving each time, Macdonald said. Detroit Country Day will be among the top teams on the schedule.
Mite players ready for successful season Courtesy to The Pioneer BIG RAPIDS — The Big Rapids Mites have been establishing themselves as a hockey team to respect this season. Among the players has been Brody Park, who team officials say has been playing for the Big Rapids Icedogs for three years and is a third-year Mite. His favorite things about hockey are skating, playing with his friends and scoring goals, team officials say, adding a few things he wants to work on this year are crossovers and better aim of his
passing and shooting. He has been working on his stick handling on and off the ice when he can and his dad has been able to be his coach the last three years. Park says his favorite NHL player is Bob Probert; his favorite hockey brand is Bauer; his favorite food is Szot’s chili; and his favorite movie is Miracle (on Ice) and his favorite stick is Bauer Vapor 50 flex. Team officials say Easton Ososki has been playing for the Big
Rapids Ice Dogs for three years and is a second-year Mite. His favorite things about hockey are skating, passing, and shooting. This year he has been working hard on doing cross overs while skating with the puck. His goal for this season is to get a quicker release of the puck off his stick. Ososki’s favorite NHL player is Dylan Larkin; his favorite hockey stick is the Bauer Prodigy 30 Flex; his favorite hockey brand is Easton; his favorite movie is Benchwarmers and his favorite food is pizza.
Brody Park has been playing for the Big Rapids Icedogs for three years. (Courtesy photo)
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Ferris hoping for strong season in WCHA By John Raffel Pioneer Sports Director BIG RAPIDS – Ferris State’s hockey team was picked to place eighth and seventh in the 10-team WCHA this season by two polls released by the league prior to the start of the season. Defending WCHA regularseason and playoff champion Minnesota State is the favorite to repeat as league champions. The Mavericks got nine first-place votes in the eighth annual Mankato Free Press WCHA Preseason Coaches’ Poll and all 10 votes in the WCHA Preseason Media Poll. In the coaches poll, the Mavericks, who finished 328-2 (22-5-1 in WCHA) last season, netted a maximum 90 points in the coaches’ poll (coaches could not vote for their own teams). Bowling Green was second with 82 points and one first-place vote. Bemidji State was third with 63 points, followed by Northern Michigan with 61, Michigan Tech (59), Lake
Superior State (58), Alaska (39) and Ferris State (38), Alabama Huntsville (30) and Alaska Anchorage (20.) The media poll had Ferris for seventh. The Bulldogs were 10-23-3 overall last season and 7-18-3 for ninth place in the WCHA and missed the league playoffs. “Obviously we’re coming off a disappointing season, one we’re not accustomed to,” veteran coach Bob Daniels said. “It was the first time in I don’t know how long we’ve missed the playoffs. We’ve turned the page and are looking forward. It takes years to build and it doesn’t happen overnight and we’ve got work to do in that regard.” Goaltending will be a key for Ferris. “One of our issues was we ended with a freshman in net,” Daniels said, referring to Roni Salmenkangas. “He was brought in to play but not that much. Justin Kapelmaster was
Veteran Ferris State coach Bob Daniels is hoping for a higher WCHA finish this season. (Pioneer file photo)
injured most of the season. So Roni filled in. Good news is he had valuable experience. He’s up to 170 pounds now and is in a position to be more of a starter.” Ferris also has Austin Shaw, a senior transfer from Princeton, who will “be “great competition for Roni,” Daniels said. Freshman Carter McPhail will also be available. “There will be some healthy competition there and that’s what we want,” Daniels said.
Ferris has four senor defensemen and five freshmen, but no sophomores or juniors. “We lost the rookie of the year in the WCHA, Cooper Zech, who signed (a pro contract) at the end of the season,” Daniels said. “He was probably one of the most dynamic offensive defensemen in college hockey.” Key senior defensemen back include Nate Kallen, Joe Rutowski, Cameron Clark and Zach Yoder. “Ou goals against was a concern last year,” Daniels
said. “We have work to do. But I think we’ve strengthened ourselves in the back end. “Up front is probably our biggest concern. We lost Corey Mackin, Craig Pefly and some pretty good seniors able to score. We return players I feel are ready to turn the corner.” Ferris’ goal is to return to the WCHA playoffs. Daniels said, and perhaps make a run in the league playoffs. “I like the approach we have to the season,” Daniels said. “We’re looking forward to a better year.”
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Hockey season excites JV, bantam players BIG RAPIDS — Maddie Martin a forward for the Big Rapids JVs, and coach Cory Lee says, “what she lacks in size and skill is made up in grit and determination. Maddie is consistently a leader off the ice by leading Team 131 in off ice warmups and setting a great example by being persistent in pursuing her and the teams goals she plays forward and defense where ever the team needs her leadership the most. “Maddie is setting herself up for success and we wish her the best in the future.” Forward Brett Lilienthal, Lee
says, “makes up for his small stature by having plenty of smarts while on the ice. Bret is able to take large hits and bounce right up; he is tough and smart attributes you want on your team.” Bantams Bobby Lilly is a forward for the bantams. “Bobby has shown great skill development and improvement over the last four years,” coach Mike Grant said. “He has worked hard to become a better skater which has
improved the rest of his game. It has been a pleasure to be on the ice and coach Bobby since he was a peewee. His hard work has paid off and I am proud of the hockey player he has become.” Brenton Cinco is goalie. “Brenton has gone from a first year goalie to a defensive leader in less than four seasons,” Grant said. “In a short time, he has learned that he needs to be a third defenseman in his own zone and keep the puck out of the net. It has been fun to watch Brenton improve each year and turn himself into a great goaltender.”
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the peewee attack Special To The Pioneer
BIG RAPIDS — Two key players for the Big Rapids peewees are Wyatt Welch and Reese Dew. Welch, coach John Ososki says, “is a gifted offensive player, and one of our strongest skaters. He is strong with the puck and is highly competitive on every shift, which is tough for opposing players. “Wyatt has grown into a leadership role on this team, not only on the ice, but most importantly, off the ice.”
Reese Dew is a versatile player for the peewee team. (Courtesy photo)
Dew, Ososki says, “is a very versatile player for our team. He plays offense and defense, excelling at each position. He plays the defensive part of the game very well, but also has a scoring touch. “Reese has improved on all aspects of his game, notably his ability to find the open player with his good passing skills.”
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Hockey Preview • 2019-2020
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Welch, Clarke playing important roles for squirts By John Raffel Pioneer Sports Director BIG RAPIDS — Big Rapids squirts coach Coach Bryan Marek says Raquel Welch and Addison Clarke began skating several years ago in the Learn To Skate program offered at the Ferris State Ice Arena each fall. “Raquel’s quickness and grit are a great benefit to our team,” he said. “Battling for the puck in the corners and the ability to create turnovers are Raquel’s strengths. Currently, Raquel is playing forward as a center.
“Addison’s vision and awareness on the ice are assets to our team’s style of play. She is currently playing as a defenseman. Puck movement and the ability to make plays, make Addison a reliable and steady player.” Marek added: “Both young ladies are comfortable playing as a forward or at the defensive position and make key plays during the game. Additionally, both Raquel’s and Addison’s skills are key assets to the success of our team.”
Have a great season Grant Kidder and the rest of the Cardinal Hockey Team! Love , Mom, Dad & Mackenzie
Addison Clarke and Raquel Welch hope to have a big season for the squirts team. (Courtesy photo)
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Massy expected to play key role for BR
Cameron Massy
Cameron Massy (27) is among 10 seniors for the hockey Cardinals this season. (File photo)
By John Raffel Pioneer Sports Director
part of the game,” he said. “I handle the puck well. I get in front of the net and get the free pizzas and cheeseburgers.” BIG RAPIDS – Cameron Massy is a senior Massy played hockey in the spring and summer center for Big Rapids, who was a key player on a to get ready for the winter high school season. regional championship team last winter. “It’s harder competition and I can see the game His season personally perhaps wasn’t as strong a different way,” Massy said. as Massy would have preferred, but he’s looking With harder offseason workouts, the Cardinals forward to 2018-19. hope to be a strong team the entire game and not “I just want to help my team all-around in every get tired.
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“We’ll be as strong of a team in the third period as we are in the first,” Massy said. He’s figuring on scoring more goals this season. The schedule is also expected to be tougher. “But our mindset will be the same,” Massy said while acknowledging winning the regional in the postseason remains a top objective. “I’d love to win more games but it’s all about doing the right things at the right time.”
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Daniels points out keys to success when you start chasing By John Raffel Pioneer Sports Director offense, and you give
No. 1 Bulldog fans, Ferris president David Eisler and his wife Patsy, watch a recent game from their box inside Ewigleben Ice Arena. (Pioneer photo/John Raffel)
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APIDS – When his Ferris State hockey team defeated Bemidji State 2-1 on Nov. 15, to snap a six-game losing streak, Bulldog coach Bob Daniels pointed out the essential ingredients for his team to be able to taste the success of victory. “I think (coach Mark Kaufman), who runs the defensemen, felt they were pressing to create offense and at times were not into their normal defensive lockdown play,” Daniels said. “Sometimes
up opportunities at the other end, the points aren’t there for you. “I think they tried to get them to simplify their play and get to what we’ve been accustomed to the last few years, good strong defense. The points are always going to come, just get us out of our end and if we’re in their end, the better chance we have of scoring. It’s hard to score when you’re in your own end.” Daniels also felt “we were better defensively with the puck than we’ve been. We’ve had a lot of turnovers. Early in the
season we were making progress in reducing that. From a defensive standpoint, it starts with better puck management when we had it.” Ferris has weekend series in Alaska on Nov. 22-23 and Alaska Anchorage on Nov. 2930. “We’ve been a pretty good road team this year so I’m not worried about playing on the road,” Daniels said. “But you certainly want to take advantage of points when you’ve got them at home. It was nice to get that first win in conference out of the way.”
John, it’s been absolutely delightful watching you play hockey for the past 15 years! I wouldn’t trade it for anything. May you continue to shine in all of your other passions. Love, Mom
Good luck To the Cardinals and Bulldogs this season Enjoy your senior year Thomas and Jason !
2019-2020 • Hockey Preview
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Bulldogs looking for Coale Norris to be key goal scorer By John Raffel Pioneer Sports Director BIG RAPIDS – Junior Coale Norris is expected to be among Ferris State’s leading scorers this season and came to life in a 2-1 win on Nov. 15 over Bemidji State. Norris scored both goals to up his season total to four goals and one assist as a junior left forward for FSU. “Both goals, if you’ll note, were within five feet of the net and that’s where you score the goals,” Bulldog coach Bob Daniels said. “Both times he was ready. He had the chance. He had a couple of earlier chances but just quite couldn’t get a handle on the puck. You hang around the net enough, and you’re ready, and you have the skill he does, he’ll (score). “It was a tip on the first goal, the second was more of what I’d say was a man goal. He was locked down there in front of the net, had his stick down and banged it home. He’s had a lot of chances this year and has been snake bit a little bit. As long as he keeps doing the right things, they’ll start going in.” Norris appeared in all 36 games for the Bulldogs as a sophomore in
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2018-19 and finished with 20 points on seven goals and 13 assists with one game-winning goal. He was fourth in team-scoring and had two power-play goals, tied for third on the team. He finished with 86 shots on goal and had five multi-point games, including a two-goal game against Western and a three-assist game on Feb. 23 vs. Alabama. Norris appeared in 36 games for the Bulldogs in 2017-18, and had a freshmen class-best 10 goals and 18 points in his rookie FSU campaign. He tied for third nationally in gamewinning goals (four) and was named Bulldog Freshman of the Year. He was two-time WCHA Player of the Week (Jan. 15 and Feb. 26). Prior to coming to Ferris, Norris played for Brad Patterson of the Youngstown Phantoms in the United States Hockey League (USHL). He was a teammate of fellow Bulldog Marshall Moise. Norris played 60 games in his only season in the USHL and finished with 15 goals and 15 assists for 30. He
Ferris' Coale Norris (10) looks to make a play for the Bulldogs against Bemidji State on Nov. 16. (Pioneer photo/John Raffel)
spent parts of two seasons in the North American Hockey League (NAHL) prior to the 2016-17 season with the Amarillo Bulls and Springfield Jr. Blues. His father Dwayne played college hockey at Michigan State University from 1988-1992 and collected 218 points on 105 goals and 113 assists. Duane Norris also played 20 games in the National Hockey League for the Quebec Nordiques and Mighty Ducks of Anaheim.
Norris said his two goals against Bemidji State were a matter of getting “a couple of good shots. We were good on the forecheck. At the start of the year with freshmen, it’s tough to tell how guys play and what their style is. As you get deeper in the year, it’s easier to get accustomed to how guys play. “A win like this is big for us. We’ve had games going into the third period when it’s been tied. I’ve had a lot of chances lately and have been snake bit. It’s nice to get those two.”
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