Grand Rapids Reporter

Ferris State University's Bradley Marek has secured a contract with the San Jose Barracuda for the upcoming 2023-24 American Hockey League (AHL) season. The Barracuda serves as the top affiliate of the National Hockey League's (NHL) San Jose Sharks. As per the club's policy, the specific terms of Marek's deal remain undisclosed.

Marek, aged 22 and a native of Big Rapids, recently attended the Sharks' Development Camp in 2023. Over the past year, he played in 36 games for Ferris State's Bulldogs, amassing a total of 17 points from seven goals and ten assists. His performance ranked him tied for first in power-play goals with three, third in overall points at 18, tied for third in goals scored at eight, and fourth in assists with ten.

Ferris State head coach Bob Daniels expressed his support for Marek’s new endeavor: "I am excited for Bradley and this new opportunity," Daniels stated. "He has worked extremely hard, and I am delighted for him and wish him the best moving forward." Daniels acknowledged that while Marek’s departure presents a challenge to his team, they are grateful for his contributions over the past two seasons: "Obviously, the timing of this will present a challenge to his teammates and us as these will be tough skates to fill."

During his freshman year in 2021-22, Marek was honored as CCHA Rookie of the Year after achieving 19 points from ten goals and nine assists across 36 games. Before entering college hockey, Marek played parts of three seasons in the United States Hockey League (USHL) with teams such as Bloomington Thunder/Central Illinois Flying Aces, Youngstown Phantoms, and Muskegon Lumberjacks. Additionally, he appeared in 31 games with the North American Hockey League's (NAHL) Springfield Jr. Blues during the 2017-18 season.