Grand Haven 3 Reeths Puffer 2 (5 OT)

Quite a game on the Lakeshore last night, with Grand Haven outlasting Reeths-Puffer in five overtimes. Both coaches sent me notes this morning to say what a great game it was and to offer kudos to all players on both teams. The goalies stood on their respective heads and made numerous game-saving stops in regulation and OT. Sounds like Grand Haven's tender Sean Kittredge was the #1 star, with 71 saves, including some critical ones when the Bucs had to kill off a 5-minute spearing penalty in OT that gave RP a 5-on-3 powerplay.

Grand Haven's Luke Reenders had 2 goals, and Derek Moore had 2 assists, including setting up the game-winner to Bishop Wilds, who also had an assist. Kody Getz and Scott Nelson had the tallies for Reeths-Puffer, and Eddie Young was spectacular in net for the Rockets with 36 saves of his own.

Bucs coach Dan Gadbois said this: "Both teams played their guts out and never quit for all 3 regulation periods and 5 OT’s. I am very proud of how our team played….it was our defining game as a team. We struggled through a lot of adversity this year but they gave their all when it counted most," he said, adding, "Hat’s off to Reethes Puffer. They are a class organization -- great coaches, tough to play against and displayed great sportsmanship after the game."

Rockets coach Eric Sikkenga had this to say: "This was truly a fantastic game to be a part of and to see kids grow up before your eyes. Grand Haven deserves a lot of credit for this game. They came in with attitude and a competitive fire," he said, adding, "It is not fun to go out like that but it sure beats the alternative and isn't the reason we play the game - to be put in challenging situations?"