Hockey Night in West Michigan

"You comb your hair,
Shave your face,
Tryin' to wipe out ev'ry trace
All the other days
In the week,
You know that this'll be Saturday,
You're reachin' your peak."

-Tom Waits

If you're looking for the heart of Saturday night, then search no further. It's Hockey Night folks - the peak of the week -- and there are some great games on tap, including several that see the puck drop this afternoon. Personally, I'm still buzzing from last night's OT affair between Mona and EK. To the best of my recollection, which gets fuzzier everyday, I've now seen 7 overtime thrillers this year, so if the WMHSH Blogger shows up at your rink, bring a seat cushion and get an extra hot dog from the concession stand because we could be in for a long game. I've picked two to highlight here - one for the afternoon and one for the evening. Of course, every game will be a winner. If you're in the mood for a day of hockey, head to Lakeshore Arena where you can catch Mona, Kentwood, and Portage Central in the Stan Konrad this afternoon, plus Wayland and MCC tonight. (And, for good measure, you can check out the EGRAHA Mite Blue vs. Muskegon Chiefs Mites at 12 noon). Game up.

Forest Hills N/E vs. Kenowa Hills (3 p.m. @ Walker) - It's always fun to watch teams with contrasting styles play. That's the story here. Forest Hills, fresh off an important conference win against Rockford last night, brings its high-powered offensive attack to Walker against Kenowa Hills, which may be the best "grind it out" team in the area. Last year, when they were both in Tier 2, the teams tied once and FH won a 3-1 game. Look for this year's only meeting between the two to be another close one.

EGR vs. Grandville (6 p.m. @ Southside) - Don't overlook the importance of this game between two teams that seem to be heading in opposite directions. After jumping out to 5-1 start on the season, Grandville has since dropped 4 out of 5, including three OK Tier 1 conference games. Meanwhile, an EGR team that lost its first 10 games under new coach Joe Day, has won 2 out of its last 3 and played tough against some of the top teams in Division 3 during the Gaylord showcase last month. While this game won't decide the OK-1 conference crown, it may make a difference as to what team moves down to Tier 2 next year.

East Kentwood vs. Portage Central (2 p.m. @ Lakeshore)
Hudsonville vs. Midland (2 p.m. @ Midland)
GRCC vs. TC Central (2 p.m. @ Howe Arena)
West Ottawa vs. Manistee (3 p.m. @ Westshore)
Kenowa Hills vs. FHN/E (3 p.m. @ Walker)
Mona Shores vs. Grosse Pointe North (4 p.m. @ Lakeshore)
Northview vs. Ottawa-Union (5 p.m. @ Griffs)
Portage Northern vs. Mattawan (5 p.m. @ Wings Annex)
Jenison vs. FHC (6 p.m. @ Patterson)
Big Rapids vs. TC Bay Reps (7 p.m. @ Kaliseum)
GR Christian vs. West Catholic (7 p.m. @ Griffs)
Kalamazoo Eagles vs. Blades (7 p.m. @ Wings Annex)
Wayland vs. Muskegon CC (8 p.m. @ Lakeshore)