Taking a break from the grind of preseason strength and conditioning, Ferris State Hockey players traded workouts for a different kind of work about 15 miles south of Big Rapids.

At the Morley Community Center, a group of players and coaches joined community members in an assembly line to pack and distribute produce and other food items to people arriving by vehicle.
This effort supports Feeding America West Michigan and helps provide food to people in need.

Ben Mumah, a longtime equipment manager for the Ferris State Hockey program, is a Class of 1972 graduate of nearby Morley Stanwood High School, and his family has been involved in the effort for years.

"My sister and her husband help set everything up, and they've been doing it for years," he said. "Since I have a little more time on my hands now, my wife and I usually come down to help them out."

Mumah was joined by Ferris State Hockey head coach Brett Riley, associate coach Zack Cisek, and several Bulldog student-athletes to help bag a wide range of items, including fresh fruits and vegetables, beans, milk, and more, for community members receiving them from their vehicles outside the community center.

Mumah suggested that the coaches invite the players to take some time away from their preseason schedule to give back.

"I like the interaction between the players and the community members," Mumah said. "It allows our players to see a little different part of life. If you help somebody, then it helps you feel good about yourself, too. These are great kids. If they can play half as well as they are as people, we'll be great."

The players enjoyed the opportunity to serve, interact with fellow volunteers and meet community members benefiting from the effort.

"I think it's always important to come out to the community and help out," said senior forward Holden Doell, a native of Martensville, Saskatchewan. "They come out and support us, so we've got to come out and support the community as well."

For several Bulldogs, the experience also provided an opportunity to share with community members where they are from and learn more about the area they now call home.

Among those Bulldogs was junior defenseman Chris Lie, a native of Hamar, Norway.

"It's always fun to help the community in the Big Rapids area," he said. "It's a small community, and just bringing some of our guys out here and helping out is always fun for us."

Bulldog Hockey begins the 2026-27 season on the road with a two-game set at Canisius, Oct. 2-3, before traveling to Kalamazoo for a matchup at Western Michigan on Oct. 8. Ferris State opens at home against Western on Oct. 9, with puck drop scheduled for 7:07 p.m. at Ewigleben Ice Arena.

_{Image and releae courtesy of Ferris State Athletics.}