Hockey Night in West Michigan

I'm sitting in the Global Infusion with laptop fired up, sipping on a fair trade Cuban coffee (sounds like an oxymoron), and watching the snow blow outside. The caffeine is starting to kick in, and I'm getting severely geared up for Hockey Night in West Michigan. Unfortunately, it's going to have to be a short burst -- ergo, the Cuban, which is two shots, no water and some milk and sugar at 140 degrees. There are lots of good games on tap, but I'll only be able to make one tonight (see my pick below). Thankfully, the team of WMHSH Blog correspondents are in the field, so we'll do our best to keep you posted. I'm especially anxious to see what Mr. Mona has for us on his two day road trip to Alpena. Wouldn't be surprised if his report shows up in ancient Greek, written as a hockey homage to Homer's Odyssey. (For you youngsters, that's kind of like an older version of the movie "O' Brother Where Art Thou?") .

But I digress. There are some important conference games going on today -- of both the OK and SWMHSHL varieties. If I had more time, I'd be heading South(side) to see if West Ottawa can bounce back from last night's loss today against Wayland, and to check out a team I've not seen yet this year: Manistee, which takes on South Christian. In fact, I'd also like to head even further south to see the twin-bill at the Wings Annex featuring the Blades vs. PC and United vs. the Eagles.

Finally, it will be interesting to see if FHC can continue the momentum against Grand Haven, which gave Tier 2 leader Hudsonville all it could handle last night in a 5-4 loss for the Bucs. Likewise, Reeths-Puffer needs to be wary of Jenison tonight if the Rockets want to stay in contention in the OK-2. I could go on, but won't. Be sure to tune in later for scores and summaries, and check in tomorrow for a wrap up of the week that was.

Hudsonville vs East Grand Rapids (6 p.m. @ Patterson) -- A month ago, this game probably wasn't on anyone's radar. It's a non-league game for starters, and it matches a Tier 1 (EGR) vs. a Tier 2 (H'ville) who were going in opposite directions. EGR, of course, was losing 10 straight, while Hudsy was generally rolling its competition. Hudsonville has continued winning and, since Dec. 22, EGR has reversed its fortunes with a 5-1 streak. What makes this matchup compelling is the similarities between them. Both teams have mobile defensemen, big goalies who've been playing extremely well, and some offensive threats that can go end-to-end. All of that being said, this game smells like a close, low-scoring affair that's won on special teams.

Saturday's Other Games
Rockford vs. Kenowa Hills (1 p.m. @ Walker)
Big Rapids vs. Portage Northern (TBD @ SMCC Tourney)
TCC vs East Kentwood (2 p.m. @ Kentwood)
Gaylord vs. Escanaba (2 p.m. @ Escanaba)
Forest N/E vs Novi (3 p.m. @ Novi)
Forest Hills Central vs. Grand Haven (3:40 @ Edge)
Manistee vs GR South Christian (5:30 p.m. @ Southside)
West Ottawa vs. Wayland (5:50 p.m. @ Southside)
Reeths-Puffer vs. Jenison (6 p.m. @ Georgetown)
Kalamazoo Blades vs. Portage Central (6 p.m. @ Annex)
Kalamazoo United vs. Eagles (8 p.m. @ Annex)
GR Christian vs. Northview (7 p.m. @ Griff's)
Grandville vs TC Reps (7 p.m. @ Center Ice)
West Catholic vs Lowell/Caledonia (8 p.m. @ Patterson)
Ottawa-Union vs. Bloomfield Hills (8 p.m. @ Griffs)
Muskegon Mona Shores vs Marquette (TBD @ Alpena)