Hockey Night in West Michigan

Where does the time go? Here it is February 23rd, and I'm having a bit of an existential crisis. Two things have happened that have me considering the fleeting nature of time and my own mortality. First, my oldest child turned 18 yesterday, which is a mind-blower. Wasn't it just a few months ago that I was holding her hand and walking her to her first-grade classroom? Second, and more pertinent to you all: Where the heck did the season go? Tonight marks the last games of the regular season and, for many players, the penultimate game of their high school hockey careers.

All of this gets to the main point: Tonight is the last Hockey Night in West Michigan for the 2007-2008 season. There aren't a ton of games tonight, and all the conference races have been decided. But each of these games will contain a common element that makes them special: seniors. They've been honoring them all week at games around town and that excellent tradition continues this evening at ice rinks around West Michigan. Most of the games are early, so you can catch the teams and still have a night out. I've called all the rinks this morning and am pleased to report that good seats are still available. Carpe diem.

Grand Rapids Catholic Central vs. Howell (5 p.m. @ Griff's Icehouse) - Tonight is senior night for a remarkable group of 10 Catholic Central kids who have made two trips to the state finals and effectively put GRCC on the statewide hockey map. I'm not exaggerating when I say this is one of the most successful classes in West Michigan hockey history, and they've played this entire season with a #1 ranking (ie, target) on their back. Of late, they've struggled and not played as a team in losses to Northville and a 5-4 OT win against Portage Central, but one hopes the return of senior captain Matt Kane will give them an emotional boost and a renewed sense of purpose. If you don't have any plans later this afternoon, stop by Griff's to see these kids play because it may be a couple of years before you see a group this talented again.

Saturdays Other Games
Forest Hills Central vs Rockford (4 p.m. @ Walker)
M-Reeths Puffer vs Muskegon CC (4 p.m. @ Lakeshore)
Ottawa Union vs. West Bloomfield (5 p.m. @ West Bloomfield)
West Catholic vs Hudsonville (6 p.m. @ Georgetown)
South Christian vs Lakeview (6 p.m. @ Ice Mountain)
Grandville vs Gabriel Richard (7 p.m. @ Yost)