Tonight is what high school hockey in late February is all about: Big games that will decide championships, hot teams on win streaks facing off, and squads looking to play spoiler. All of the games tonight are worth watching, but there are a few that are especially noteworthy.
Kenowa Hills vs Forest Hills Central (8 p.m. @ Patterson) - If Forest Hills beats Kenowa tonight, they are the undisputed champion of the OK Conference's Tier 2, which gives them the right to move up to Tier 1 next year. If the tie or lose or lose in OT, things get a bit trickier and there could be a situation where FHC, KH and Hudsonville share the conference lead in terms of points. (Check out the OK site for more details on the dynamics). As for the game itself, last time they played, FHC really dominated the action and the shots but Kenowa's goalie -- Zac "Fuzzy" Smith -- kept it close by standing on his head. The Knights were in a bit of a funk at the time, and expect them to play much better tonight, despite the absence of scorer Joe Hankins, who will be serving a DQ. The Rangers have lots of offensive weapons and move the puck as well as any team in any tier when they're on their game. While the Blogger doesn't predict outcomes, I will say this will either be a very tight game (which favors Kenowa) or a blowout (which favors FHC). Good luck to both teams.
Muskegon Mona Shores vs East Kentwood (7:30 p.m. @ Kentwood) - There has been drama, rumors and speculation about "what happens" if Mona loses this game, since their canceled league game with Grandville could result a tie or a second place finish for the Sailors. Here's the skinny: If Kentwood wins, Mona and Grandville will play. Period. That's the word I got from Grandville's A.D. yesterday. Of course, if Mona wins tonight, the point is moot. As for the game itself, East Kentwood has had an up and down season to say the least, and the first Mona-EK game was the epitome of that dynamic. The Falcons were up 4-1 and on the PP, and Mona just kept coming until they tied it up and then won in OT. Likewise, Mona has had an up-and-down year, but at the end of the day, these are two of the most talented teams in West Michigan and tonight's game should be a fast moving, hard-hitting affair. It may or may not end up deciding the league title, but don't tell that to the players. This is Mona vs. Kentwood, and that game always matters.
Bay Reps vs. Big Rapids (7 p.m. @ Ferris) - These two teams are on a roll, and seem to have benefitted from the tough competition they've played throughout the season. The Bay Reps have won 4 out of their last 5, and are looking for a good tune-up before their pre-regional against Traverse City West. Big Rapids is coming off a loss to the highly touted Midland Chemics, but can boast wins against FHN/E, EGR and Portage Northern in recent weeks.
Other Friday Games:
Forest Hills NE vs Grandville (7 p.m. @ Southside)
Hudsonville vs Jenison (7 p.m. @ Georgetown)
Wayland vs Northview (8 p.m. @ Griffs)
Manistee vs. Kalamazoo Blades - (7 p.m. @ West Shore)
Traverse City Central vs. Saulte Ste Marie (TBD @ Pullar)
GR Christian vs. Grand Haven (8 p.m. @ Jolly)
East Grand Rapids vs. Portage Central (6 p.m. @ Annex)
Friday, February 22, 2008
Friday Night Hockey
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11 comments:
Please repectfully allow me to disagree about some comments made on the MS/EK game.
- Both are good teams rebuilding with new coaches & young players.
- Bar none the BEST WM hockey team this year is GRCC.
- EK totally dominated most of the 1st 2 periods in the 1st game & MS has more player depth. EK learned much not playing all out in the 3rd. We will see if EK does not repeat this mistake tonight.
-MS loss to Rockford while EK easily won both games against them. Same truth for MS with other league game wins/losses & OT wins that EK lossed.
-Truth is tier 1 teams with the exception of Gville can win in any game & have. Never seen such evenly match /talented teams in this Tier.
- I am a EK fan & like you, hope both teams just get to play a game they love.
- Gville has not worked to finish league games. MS would have played them this week to win tier 1 before the EK game, even if they had to show up on snowmobiles at the Gvile rink. Gville created the mess -not MS. Gville knows they will not play tier 1 next year. It is shameful on their part.
We agree on 1 key item -don't tell any MS/EK the are not WM powerhouses. Both will rebound elevating their state rankings quicky.
If the bloggers son does play for CRCC all of us should applaud your integirty.
Good luck to both MS/EK tonight.
he said "two of the most talented" he is not saying they are better then GRCC or anything of the sort
Way to bash on Grandville,dude. The fact is the DISTRICT cancels games,not teams and the game will be @ MONA SHORES not Grandville. You say that any team with the exception of Grandville can win at any time. So how would Grandville beat Mona so you could win the title? Doesn't make sense. Grandville is going thru a tough time with the former coach leaving the program in shambles. Yes they are going to Tier 2 next year. So what. Hockey is hockey, no mater where you play. I believe your Falcons Tied a Tier 2 team. Good Luck Friday may the best team win.
So much for the Mona/Grandville make up game.
"Grandville has not worked to finish league game." "Grandville has created this mess." Any responsible poster spends a "little time" getting information before they blather on! The game at Mona was cancelled never postponed. Don't know why it wasn't rescheduled(won't pretend to) Maybe Mona thought they had it all wrapped up at that time??? Good luck with your "state rankings"
Mona Shores 4 EK 3
Shores depth wears down EK. Gutsy move by Bell at the end. Hats off to him and his team. They played clean, disciplined hockey.
Congrats Sailors
Get real: Gville record proves statements & your cop-outs are lame. All teams have adversity (both MS & EK face many far greater than yours). MS would not delay rebooking any league game, wlling to go to Gville rink to ensure a league game is played. MS would never assume winning the conference until final games are won. Too many Tier 1 teams know cancellations made by Gville were lame not due to bad weather. These will never be shared in this forum or any other as we care about our integrity.
You lack knowledge of the deep respect MS/EK have for each other. MS earned the win due to 3rd period guts & effort. If you saw the game you would know both teams/fans wanted the best teams effort to win tonight. Diappointing for EK yes. EK will cheer MS on with MS doing the same for EK.
Feel free to bash EK for losing tier 2 teams. When Grvile beats Cranbrook (aways a state ranked team & other EM teams)then state your case. It took 13 wins after EK beat them for them to lose & not to a WM team. Perhaps you should study all tiers & state rankings/schedules for more knowledge. EK & MS welcome FHC next year & wish them success this year.
GRCC: Guys that study all teams know GRCC has the best chance to win a WM team state title, with no easy game playing very tough EM teams. We know what GRCC brings & support them to win it all!
7
I never bashed EK. In fact their win @ Cranbrook while raising the banner was probably one of the best wins in the programs history. Are you still whining about the rescheduled game vs Grandville. Which was due to overbooking by a rink employee who no longer is employed there? Didn't you guys still win big?Get over it. Your dwelling on the past is clouding your future.
The Mona game was going to be played IF NEEDED. Guess it isn't needed now. Way not to take care of buisness in your own backyard.
Good luck the rest of the year.
7
Yeah, lets all study tier & state rankings/schedules for more knowledge! zzzzzzz
EK has been far past the situation MS was put in long before the EK/MS game was played. MS/EK game was great play by both teams & always will be,in any rink they play on.
EK/MS/Gville coaches are all new this year & know how to win. They each know has to loss with dignity to help their teams learn & improve.
Comments about EK taking care of business in their own backyard are uncalled for.
FHC earned the right in a big way last night to play tier 1 next year.
Despite what you may think EK expects & hopes Gville has a great season next year & dominates Tier 2.
East Kentwood did not "easily win" the two game they played against Rockford. As I recall the first game was 1-0 Rockford and Kentwood had to comeback and win 2-1.
As for the second game, Kentwood was leading 3-1 and Rockford got a late goal to make it 3-2. This was the final score but Rockford got some late momentum and almost pulled out the come-from-behind victory.
Whoever wrote the first comment seems to have some mistakes in the way he interprets things.
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