Ferris State Home To Nation's Top Rookie Goaltender For Second Consecutive Year

Official CHN Release

Big Rapids, Mich. - For the second consecutive season, the Ferris State University men's ice hockey program is home to the nation's top rookie goaltender as FSU freshman Justin Kapelmaster earned the distinction for the 2016-17 campaign as announced by College Hockey News.

Kapelmaster claimed this year's honor on the heels of current teammate Darren Smith (Barrie, Ontario), who previously earned the same honor from the online source a year ago.

The popular online site unveiled its 2016-17 All-CHN teams and Kapelmaster was chosen as the lone goaltender on the All-Rookie squad. College Hockey News announced an All-CHN First Team, Second Team and Rookie Team.

As a freshman this year, Kapelmaster recorded a 9-4-3 mark during his initial season in net for FSU with a 2.22 goals against average and .930 save percentage in 19 outings as a rookie. He also earned All-WCHA Third Team recognition in net for the Bulldogs.

During his initial season in a FSU uniform, Kapelmaster garnered WCHA Rookie of the Week recognition twice and was also chosen once as the WCHA Defensive Player of the Week. Finally, he claimed WCHA Rookie of the Month accolades for the final month (February) of the regular season.

Since 2012, the Bulldogs have made three NCAA Tournament appearances and advanced to the NCAA Final Eight all three times. FSU has also won two conference regular-season championships along with capturing the WCHA's Broadmoor Trophy once as the league's Final Five Champion. Along with a Frozen Four berth and national title game showing in 2012, FSU also has reached the regional final and the final eight of the NCAA Tournament in both 2014 and 2016.