The Ferris State Bulldogs fought their way into the second round of the Central Collegiate Hockey Association Playoffs where their season ended in a thrilling 2-1 loss against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish this past Sunday.

The Bulldogs began their playoff run March 7 against the Western Michigan Broncos, sweeping them in a two game series at Ewiglben Arena in Big Rapids, MI.

They then drove down to Notre Dame, Ind. to take on the Fighting Irish where after winning the first game fell two straight to end their playoff hopes.

Ferris State closes the season 18-16-5 overall which marks most wins in a season since the 2002-03 championship year which produced 31 wins (31-10-1 overall).

Ferris State head coach Bob Daniels was unavailable for comment.

Senior netminder Mitch O’Keefe stopped 25 shots in his final collegiate appearance and ended his season with a 10-7-5 record.

The Bulldogs also say goodbye to seniors Jim Jorgensen, Alex Spezia, Derek MacIntrye, Matt Frank, and Adam Miller. Senior team captain Adam Welch's season ended early after suffering a back injury back in February.

1st Round Game 1; Ferris State vs. Western Michigan
The Bulldogs took the first game of the series with sophomore right wing Cody Chupp scoring twice with one in overtime to lift the Bulldogs ahead of the Broncos.

The Broncos took the first lead of the game on an early goal in the first period, but the lead was short lived as Chupp scored his first goal of the night a few minutes later to tie the game.

Sophomore left wing Blair Riley put the Bulldogs ahead in the second period from junior left wing Brendan Connolly and freshman defenseman Scott Wietecha.

The Broncos were able to fight back and score again before the period was out sending the game into the third period tied at two.

Both teams scored in the third to send the game into overtime where Chupp scored his second goal of the night halfway through the extra period giving the Bulldogs the win.

1st Round Game 2: Ferris State vs. Western Michigan
The Bulldogs walked away with the series the next night as they defeated the Broncos 6-3 with sophomore left wing Casey Haines netting the game winner.

The Broncos struck first, sliding the puck past freshman Goaltender Patrick Nagle five minutes into the opening period.

Junior right wing Justin Lewandowski and sophomore center Aaron Lewicki scored a pair of goals before the period was out, putting the Bulldogs ahead by one heading into the second.

Riley and Haines scored the lone goals for the Bulldogs in the second to put the Bulldogs ahead 4-1.

The Broncos were able to produce two more goals in the third but Connolly put the game out of reach by scoring two of his own, securing the Bulldogs' spot in the CCHA quarterfinals against Notre Dame.

2nd Round Game 1: Ferris State vs. Notre Dame
The next weekend the Bulldogs traveled to Notre Dame, Ind. and defeated the Fighting Irish 2-1 in the opening game of the series.

With O’Keefe standing solid between the pipes, the Bulldogs were able to notch two goals in the first period and they held on until the end of the game.

Chupp tallied the first goal of the game off of a wrist shot after the puck squirted out to him off a rebound.

Freshman center Justin Menke scored the game winner a few minutes later on the power-play after taking a pass from Riley and firing it over the Fighting Irish goaltender.

Notre Dame was able to pull within one before the period was over as they scored with 15 seconds left to go.

The Irish came out firing in the second and seemed as if they tied the game as the puck was shot from the right circle and found its way into the Bulldogs' net.

The goal was disallowed however after referee Ken Sergott determined the play was whistled dead on a Bulldog high stick before the shot.

O’Keefe and the Bulldog defense stood strong throughout the third, limiting the Irish to ten shots as the Bulldogs walked away with the win.

2nd Round Game 2: Ferris State vs. Notre Dame
The next night showcased a different Notre Dame team as the Irish defeated the Bulldogs 6-3 and tied the series at one game a piece.

The Irish came out firing while scoring in the first period on a four on four situation.

Notre Dame went up 2-0 in the second shooting the puck past O’Keefe’s gloveside after a series of back-and-forth passes between the Irish offense.

The Bulldogs rallied however with freshman left winger Mike Fillinger netting his ninth of the season on a breakaway chance off of a pass from Miller.

Less than three minutes later junior right winger Corey Couturier tipped a shot from Wietecha into the net evening the game at two a piece.

It seemed as if the Bulldogs had gained the momentum and were looking to finish the Irish off but before they could, the Irish scored from a one-timer, putting them in front by one.

The Irish were able to net three more goals in the final 20 minutes of the game with one being an open net goal.

Freshman defenseman Zach Redmond tallied a goal late in the third but it was a little too late as the Irish came out with the win tying the series and forcing a series-deciding third game.

2nd Round Game 3: Ferris State vs. Notre Dame
The Notre Dame Fighting Irish defeated the Bulldogs 2-1 in the series-deciding game on Sunday night, ending the Bulldogs playoff drive for the 2007-08 season.

The Irish struck first just 2:31 into the game when a shot came from the left circle and ricocheted off of O’Keefe’s pad and onto the stick of a waiting Notre Dame player who shot it into the open net.

Less than two minutes later Lewandowski picked up the puck in the Bulldogs' zone and skated down the left wing and threw it across the ice to Miller who laid out a nice move on the Irish goaltender and lifted a backhander into the open net to tie the game at one.

Both teams continued to battle throughout the first period and despite power-play chances for both the Bulldogs and the Irish, neither team was able to break the deadlock.

A wrap around the attempt by the Irish happened late in the first but O’Keefe was able to slide over and stop the puck with his stick. The red light came on however and the play went under review where it was deemed no goal.

The first period produced 25 shots overall with 11 coming from the Bulldogs.

Notre Dame scored the tiebreaker and eventual game winner on a power-play goal less than a minute into the second period after a wrist shot from the slot beat O’Keefe on his stickside.

The Bulldogs headed into the third period determined to regain the lead and came close when Menke banged a shot off of the far side post early in the third.

Despite battling hard for the rest of the third period, the Bulldogs were unable to tally a goal and went down swinging to the Fighting Irish.

The Lady Bulldogs saw their season come to a close on Sunday, March 9, when they missed the NCAA regional cut to join the dance.

The Bulldogs were ranked seventh in the regional poll on March 7, before the Bulldogs lost to the Ashland Eagles in the GLIAC semifinals 56-45. This knocked them out of the region’s top seven, and caused them to lose regional bid.

It was a disappointing end to a season that began so well. The Bulldogs began 8-1 before semester break began and they headed to California to tame the wild, wild west.

The Bulldogs lost two of three games in California by a total margin of four points. The Bulldogs were first in the GLIAC north with a 5-0 record before they lost to the Northwood Timberwolves 68-63.

The Bulldogs still looked like they were on track to make it to the Sweet 16 again this year, but losses to under ranked opponents made the journey to NCAAs slightly more difficult.

The Lady Bulldogs lose three seniors from this season’s roster, All-American Rachel Folcik who suffered from a stress fracture in the last three weeks of the season, senior guard Katie Loosevelt, and senior forward Sam Johns.

Folcik finished her career only 16 points short of tying Lucy DeMartin’s school-record total 1,721 points.

For the Ferris State softball team, spring break was spent in sunny Kissimmee, Fla. participating in the Florida Rebel Spring Tournament. The Bulldogs have earned a sub .500 record while playing 15 games in eight days.

Ferris State started its season on Saturday, March 8. The Bulldogs defeated St. Joseph’s four to three in eight innings. Ferris State was able to rally late in the game scoring all four of its runs in the last four innings. The Bulldogs were led by a strong pitching performance from Sarah Mueller. Mueller allowed one earned run and nine strike outs in nine innings of work. The Bulldogs bats were led by second baseman Amanda Harrington and short stop McKenzie West with a run scored and two hits apiece.

In the second game of the day, the Bulldogs defeated Northern Kentucky 10 to two by scoring runs in each of the five innings. Ferris State bats produced 12 hits and drew four walks in the shortened game. Catcher Krystle Bailey reached base with three hits while West and third baseman Katie Kraai both reached base on two. The Bulldogs got a strong pitching performance from Holly Bruntjens. Bruntjens allowed four hits and two runs while striking out seven in five innings of work.

Ferris State split on its second day of competition in Kissimmee. The Bulldogs lost two to nothing to Shippensburg, but were able to rally back against Minnesota State in the second game, winning three to two.

Kayle Stephenson put together a strong effort in the loss. Stephenson struck out seven batters and allowed four hits in her seven innings of work. Ferris State bats were only able to get three hits off Shippensburg pitching.

Mueller picked up her second win of the tournament, allowing zero earned runs and four strikeouts in her seven innings in the second game. The Bulldogs were able to reach base on eight hits with first baseman Amanda Jager and center fielder Lynsay Weaver getting two a piece.

The Bulldogs lost a close battle to Upper Iowa nine to 10 in nine innings on March 9. Ferris State battled all game, reaching base on 14 hits. Jager picked up three runs batted in (RBI), three hits and scored two runs in the contest.

In the second game of the day, Ferris State battled back in eight innings to beat Pfeiffer four to three. The Bulldogs used three pitchers in the victory, with Bruntjens picking up her second win of the season. In her four and a third innings of work, she accumulated one strikeout and two hits. Ferris State bats were led by Kraai, Jager and first baseman Rachel Mueller each tallying two.

The Bulldogs hit a rough stretch in the next two days and lost four games. Ferris State ran into number 12 in the nation C.W. Post and number three in the nation Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville. The Bulldogs battled with SIUEdwardsville into extra innings but fell short, losing five to four.

Ferris State was able to bounce back from the downfall and defeat Southern Indiana four to one. The Bulldogs got a strong pitching performance from Bruntjens. Bruntjens picked up her third win of the season with two strikeouts and one earned run in her seven innings of play. Ferris State started off the game strong by scoring three runs in the top of the first. The Bulldogs were led by Bailey’s two hits and Kraai’s two RBIs.

The Bulldogs look to wrap up their Florida Rebel Spring Tournament with the University of Wisconsin-Parkside and Central Missouri on Friday the 14th and St. Xavier and New Haven on Saturday the 15th.

Ferris State heads to Wayne State University on Saturday, March 22 to take part in the Wayne State Invitational. The Bulldogs will play in a round robin style tournament against Hillsdale, Lake Superior State and Wayne State.

The Bulldogs head back to Big Rapids for their home season opener against Aquinas on Wednesday, March 26 at 3:30 p.m.

It’s a beautiful day at Michigan International Speedway. The birds are chirping, the sun is shining, and 45 cars are locked together bumper to bumper flying around the track at 200 mph.

This is NASCAR. A sport that showcases drivers from around the world racing around a track, putting the pedal to the metal to push their vehicles' speedometers to the limit. Sound fun?

To the 45 drivers out on the track it is, and the thousands of fans that flock to the race each weekend can’t seem to get enough of it. There must be some kind of allure then, right? Why else would people pack into a stadium to watch cars race around a track?

It’s a different type of event. This isn’t just a game you head out to on Saturday afternoon. If you’re looking for a place to enjoy a relaxed Sunday morning then by all means, stay away.

If you’re in the mood for a weekend long party with a four hour race on Sunday to cap off the festivities then this is the sport for you.

Let me lay it out for you. You show up on Friday night with a camper, tent and sleeping bag or whatever.

You buy your ticket for the infield and set up shop wherever is the most comfortable to you, shy away from the trailer garnishing rebel flags and seemingly filled to capacity with all the world's rednecks. But of course if this is your cup of tea by all means spring up your tent right next to the good ol’ boys.

Oh, I almost forgot to mention, don’t forget to bring your cooler packed full of your favorite refreshments since this is the only sport in America that allows you to bring in your own alcohol, no glass please.

So you’re there, you’ve got your tent, your cooler, now what? It’s party time.

A weekend long blowout that knows no boundaries. From what I understand, what happens on the infield stays in the infield...just to give you an idea.

So how does this sound? Convinced yet? No? We’ll then let me continue.

After your two days of absolute insanity with rednecks from around the globe it’s race time. This is the fun part.

Pack another cooler and grab your lawn chair because you have a front row ticket to one of the most amazing spectacles on earth.

You’ve probably seen it on TV and wondered what the big deal is. I was a non-believer too. It seemed to me as if the cars were going about fifty miles an hour, and every once in a while there was a fender bender. I was wrong.

I attended my first NASCAR race over the summer and let me tell you, they are not going fifty miles per hour, and those wrecks are not fender benders.

Have you ever seen a car going 200 mph hit a concrete wall and then get slammed by five more cars going 200 mph? I have, and I did from a lawn chair sipping on my favorite refreshment. If that’s not worth the price of my ticket, I don’t know what is.

No longer is it the days of our fathers where you headed out to the ball game to enjoy the scenery and have a cocktail or two.

Now it’s a weekend long, a packed cooler and the most insane drivers in the world racing around the track with everyone waiting to see who is going to crash first. A little different. Maybe Grandpa should sit this one out.

If this sounds like your kind of thing then I suggest you check it out when you get the chance. Don’t forget the essentials though, maybe even a survival pack.

If this isn’t your thing, no big deal, it’s not meant for everyone. In fact, it draws a pretty specific crowd. If you don’t like cars or rednecks, or coolers full of beer then stay away, it’s not for you.

But if you’re looking for a good time this summer, grab a couple of friends, a cooler, and a tent. Purchase your tickets and head out for the festivities. Just remember, what happens on the infield stays in the infield.

For his 60th birthday, Billy Crystal was able to sign a one day contract with the New York Yankees and take part in a spring game. Owner George Steinbrenner says its because Crystal has always been supportive of the team.

The entire city of New York has been supportive of the team, Steinbrenner said it was because Crystal wrote to the Yankees when he was 14 and asked to see how he could make the team.

I’m thinking almost every boy in the country has written a similar letter to a major league team. Crystal gets to have a one day contract because it’s a great publicity stunt. Nothing more.

If Cryst can write a letter and play for the Yankees I’m thinking I could write a letter to Tigers Manager Jim Leyland and maybe I’ll be able to play for the Tigers. (I probably had a better chance in 2003, but whatever.)

Dear Coach Leyland,

My name is Mo McNeil and I am a Tigers fan. I grew up watching the Tigers' games on TV and at Tiger Stadium. When I was nine years old I was able to walk through the locker room. Since that moment, I knew that playing for the Tigers is my calling.

I know that you have a deep team, after the many pre-season trades, but I think I would be a great asset to the bullpen. Granted, I only have two pitches, a change up and a drop ball, but that’s okay.

I’m also able to catch, I am willing and able to throw the ball and run behind the batter and catch it, by doing this you now have an extra spot in the batting order so you can have two Designated Hitters.

I am a great asset to any team and if you are willing to give me this chance I would be happy to have it. I am also willing to wait several years before you give me this opportunity.

Good luck this season!

- Mo McNeil

Seriously? That’s all Crystal had to do to play for one of the best teams in baseball? I want to know how much Crystal is willing to pay to be able to play with the Bronx Bombers. It’s ridiculous. I’m more qualified for it than he is. In fact my nine-year-old cousin who has played only three years of little league is more qualified.

Just because Crystal directed a movie about the 1961 Yankees, and “loves” the Yankees, doesn’t mean he should be able to jump over die hard fans. I know people on the subway who are ready to throw down to defend Jorge Pasada against an obnoxious 18-year-old from Detroit.

Yes, I was the obnoxious person, shooting my mouth off in the subway at 6 p.m. where we were packing in like sardines two months after the Yankees lost to the Red Sox after being up three games to zero.

My teachers began to fear for my life as the New Yorkers were becoming more and more defensive. Until I see Crystal defending the Yankees on the subway, he’s just another guy that can buy what he wants to get him in the headlines.

Excitement flew through the National Hockey League like electricity on Tuesday, Feb. 26 as general managers made deals to set up their season ending lineups. Players were being traded and dealt to teams like candy on Halloween on the final day of the trade deadline. It has been three weeks since the trade deadline and I’ve broken down the best trades and their performances.

The Pittsburgh Penguins made the best trade acquiring Marian Hossa from the Atlanta Thrashers. The Penguins gave up three players and a first round draft pick to get the 56 point right winger. With Hossa moving to Pittsburgh, the Penguins now have one of the best one two punches in the NHL.

Hossa started playing with Evgeni Malkin to start his campaign in Pittsburgh. Malkin is currently second in the NHL in points with 93. Hossa has recently joined Sidney Crosby on the first line since Crosby’s high ankle sprain has healed.

The Penguins are currently three points out of first place in the Atlantic Division and fourth place in the Eastern Conference. Even though Hossa hasn’t scored a point yet with the Penguins, they have gone four and three in their last seven games and I still believe they will carry momentum into the playoffs.

With Joe Sakic, Ryan Smyth and Paul Stastny coming off of injured reserve, the Colorado Avalanche look to push for one of the eight eligible playoff spots. Colorado has also signed two former players to help achieve its goal. Unrestricted free agent Peter Forsberg looks to add a third Stanley Cup to his resume with his original franchise.

Forsberg was a member of the Avalanche when the team won the 1995-96 and 2000-01 Stanley Cups. The other twotime cup winner returning to the Avalanche is defenseman Adam Foote. The Avalanche have compiled a seven and two record since the trade deadline with Sakic scoring seven points and Smyth scoring three.

The Western Conference dominated the high end trades this season. The Dallas Stars added two key players to help with their playoff run. With Mike Modano and Marty Turco being the only names people know these days in Dallas, the Stars added Brad Richards and Johan Holmqvist to complement them.

Richards looks to help the second seeded Stars in the scoring department and on the power play as Holmqvist looks to give Turco a needed rest between the pipes.

Dallas is sixth in the conference and three points behind the San Jose Sharks for the Pacific Division. The Stars have seen progress from Richards in seven games by scoring six points but their record hasn’t shown due to two wins and five losses.

The Buffalo Sabers received a first round draft pick and player for their trade involving the San Jose Sharks and Brian Campbell. The Sharks gained a 53 point defenseman and a point man for their power play.

With Patrick Marleau slumping in the goal scoring department this season, I look for Campbell to help seal up the miscues. The Sharks are currently second in the Western Conference due to an 11 game winning streak, nine in a row since Campbell has joined the team and I look for them to be tough come playoff time.

There are three teams that I would consider as losers in this season’s trade deadline. The Tampa Bay Lightning is currently last in the Eastern Conference with 66 points. The Lightning looks to rebuild this season by dealing away five high priced players, while gaining five players and four draft picks.

The Montreal Canadians lost starting goaltender Cristobal Huet to the Washington Capitals for a second round draft pick. The Canadians are currently fifth in the Eastern Conference and look to rookie goaltender Jaroslav Halak to step up and continue their success.

The final team, the Detroit Red Wings, acquired defenseman Brad Stuart from the Los Angeles Kings for two picks. I had a feeling that Detroit would go big due to its players that were on injured reserve but only signing one blue liner has proved me wrong. The Wings have gone five and two since the trade deadline.

Overall I think with these trades that happened on Feb. 26, even more will show up now that there are three weeks left in the NHL season with playoff races heating up.

NHL.com was used to gather information for this article.

Men’s Tennis
Ferris went 1-5 over break, its lone win coming against Erskine (S.C.) where the Bulldogs swept the doubles and won five of six single matches. The Bulldogs swept the doubles and singles rounds to defeat Ashland 9-0 on Sunday.

Men’s Golf
Ferris competed at the GEICO Intercollegiate tournament in Savannah, Ga. on March 14-15 but results were unavailable at press time.

Women’s Tennis
The Bulldogs went 1-4 over break. Their lone win came against Newberry (S.C.), outscoring them 7-2. Ferris won five of six double matches and two of three single matches.