The Ferris State University NCAA Division I men's ice hockey squad will square off against Grand Valley State inside FSU's Ewigleben Ice Arena this fall as the "Anchor-Bone On Ice" exhibition game takes place on Friday, Oct. 20, in Big Rapids.
The Bulldogs will face the Lakers' American Collegiate Hockey Association (AHCA) club team on Oct. 20 with puck drop set for 7:07 p.m. (ET). It will mark the first matchup between FSU and GVSU on the ice since the Bulldogs moved to varsity status in the mid-1970's.
The two West Michigan institutions are longtime rivals in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference and compete against one another in NCAA Division II action, but have not faced each other on the ice since the 1974-75 season when Ferris State beat the Lakers five times while midst moving from the club level to the NAIA level prior to becoming a Division I member in the late 70's. Ferris went 5-0 versus the Lakers during the 1974-75 season, outscoring GVSU 41-9 over the five contests.
The Bulldogs were slated to have a bye week before agreeing to the exhibition matchup.
"We're looking forward to bringing this great rivalry to the ice and expecting a big crowd for this matchup," said FSU head coach Bob Daniels. "This game fits into our schedule well and will be a contest that should feature plenty of energy and excitement from both the players and the fans."
Tickets for the contest will go on sale once FSU single-game sales begin on Sept. 11 and will be $20 for adult reserved seats along with $15 for seniors (age 65 ) and FSU faculty staff along with $10 for kids ages 3-17. FSU student tickets are only $5 for general admission in the Dawg Pound or $10 for student reserved seats with identification.
The game will take place the week following a football showdown between FSU and GVSU on the gridiron in the Anchor-Bone Classic, which is set for Saturday, Oct. 14, at Lubbers Stadium in Allendale.
The "Anchor-Bone On Ice" game will be included in all Ferris State Hockey season ticket packages, which are currently on sale now.