Ridgeback alumni, Michael Bullion (Anchorage, Alaska), made his pro debut on January 10, 2022 and had has plenty of big moments since, but the experience in the Vegas Golden Knight training camp was one that he'll never forget.

"I hadn't expected something like this to come up, but it's been first class in every way here," said Bullion.
 
He says the difference between what he's experienced in his overall career and how the practices in Vegas have been ultimately the pace of the game.
 
"The shots and players are some of the of the best in the world. However, the pacing of practices is so far, the best I have ever seen," he said.
 
Bullion recalls in one of the skates they had accomplished around 15 drills on average at game level speed in an hour. He says this has been a huge difference than even his normal practices in the ECHL.
 
For Bullion, he says he always had a plan for what do after hockey, but his time with the Ridgebacks not only helped himself as a goalie, but who he is as a person.
 
"I always had a plan for what to do after hockey but when I decided to go the university route, I felt very lost," said Bullion. "Luckily, not only do I have a university degree to fall back on, but I also have great connections with goalie coaches Dan Stewart and Dave Kennedy as well as head coach Curtis Hodgins and former assistant coach Paul Ranger who have often counseled and assisted me throughout my pro career."

Bullion also speaks highly of his former teammates, Noah McMullin (Beaver Bank, N.S.), Matthieu Gomercic (Winnipeg, Mant.), Matthieu Gomercic (Welland, Ont.), Cam Hough (Uxbridge, Ont.), who left to further his career in the ECHL, and goalie partner Leif Hertz (Kingston, Ont.), saying that they are all close friends he hopes to remain in contact with for years to come and have helped him grow on and off the ice.
 
For student-athletes looking to follow in Bullion's path to the pros, he says the experience at Ontario Tech is what you make of it.
 
"If your goal is still to make it to pro and make a living off the game then make it a point to continue to develop. On and off ice treat yourself like a pro. People will notice and you will have every opportunity to move forward," he said. "On the flip side if you treat yourself like a pro you must take school seriously, show up to class, take time to study, be organized and early and work hard. If you do these things, you'll open plenty of doors for yourself both within and without the game of hockey.
 
 "I try not to put any limits on myself. This year I have played in the SPHL, ECHL and now I am at an NHL main camp. Anything can happen, I just try and enjoy the moment every day."