A crisp Friday night at Ewigleben Ice Arena turned into a celebration of Bulldog pride, as roughly 1,000 former players, fans and alumni gathered for Ferris State’s inaugural alumni hockey game.
A reunion on ice
Among the faces in the crowd was Bradley Marek, a Big Rapids native who wore the Bulldogs jersey for 73 games across the 2021‑22 and 2022‑23 seasons, contributing 18 goals and 19 assists before moving on to the Iowa Wild of the American Hockey League.
Now back in his hometown, Marek took the opportunity to size up the current roster, describing the 2026‑27 squad as fast, big and poised for a strong season, while urging today’s Bulldogs to savor every moment of their collegiate experience.
University President Bill Pink and Athletic Director Steve Brockelbank praised the turnout and the palpable sense of camaraderie, noting that the event underscored the tight‑knit community that Ferris State has cultivated among its hockey alumni.
The festivities extended beyond the rink, with a golf outing at Katke Golf Course the following day, giving participants a chance to network and reflect on shared memories in a more relaxed setting.
Beyond the nostalgia, the night served as a reminder of the program’s growing influence, with organizers already eyeing future editions that could expand the alumni network and deepen ties between past and present players.