Grand Rapids Catholic Central vs. Kenowa Hills (6 p.m. @ Griffs) - While the two-time state finalists from GRCC have a depth of senior talent that is unmatched in West Michigan, Kenowa Hills is the kind of team that could pull an upset against the Cougars. The KH Knights are one of those teams that usually "hangs around" thanks to their goalie, Zac "Fuzzy" Smith, and the defensive corps, as well as a "grind it out" mentality across all four of its forward lines. Seniors Jared Folkringa and Andy Vanderklok shoulder the scoring load along with junior Joe Hankins. The Cougars have a pretty good goalie, too, in two-time all-stater Adam Janecyk, who has played his best hockey during the playoffs the last two years. Offensively, they're a force of nature, with seniors Clayton Brackett, Kevin Boman, John Dery and Paul Ziemke all at 35+ points for the year. Look for this game to be closer than you might expect at first glance.
East Grand Rapids vs. West Catholic (8 p.m. @ Griffs) -- The second game at Griff's tonight features two young teams that have had their shares of ups and downs this season. EGR, as many readers know, started out the season on a down, losing 10 straight, but they rebounded at the midseason and have won 11 out of 14. They three solid lines to share the scoring, with Ekco Morgan, Jeff Kallil and Drew O'Brien scoring timely goals for the Pioneers. Defensively, they're sound, anchored by senior captain Corey Domin and senior goalie Ian McDonald. West Catholic is a defensive minded team, with superb goaltending from Spencer Boorsma and forwards that backcheck like nobody's business. The Falcons get contributions from lots of players at both ends, particularly Matt Woronko, Michael Davey and Greg O'hearn. Expect a low-scoring game with good goaltending.
Kentwood vs. Wayland (7 p.m. @ Annex) -It's been a tough season for both teams, which is something when you consider Kentwood has 30-some years of high school hockey tradition and Wayland has just begun build its own tradition. Kentwood has a rookie coach and precious few seniors, though the 12th graders are good ones, Tyler Copeland, Ben Grover and Kyle Harrison, in particular. The Falcons' two-headed goalie monster -- Ben Belton and Zach Bresko -- provides stability in the nets. Wayland's team is anchored by a seniors Randy Beck, Ayden Lawrence and Ross Hinkle, while freshman Brandon Sopjes minds the net.
Mattawan vs. South Christian (7 p.m. @ Twin Star) -- Both teams have excellent goalies -- Greg Kortman was the top netminder in the OK-3, while Derek Straub was honorable mention in the SWMHSL -- and some talented players that should make this a good matchup. South Christian is lead by Jake DeBoer on D and Dave Devries upfront, while Mattawan counters with Nate McCorry (D) and Austin Pence (F). Expect a close game.
Traverse City West vs. Bay Area Reps (7 p.m. @ Howe) -- Both TCC and the Reps have put together good streaks to close out the regular season. The Titans of TCW regained their scoring touch down at the Trenton Showcase and have been playing playoff type hockey down the stretch, winning 5 out of their last 6. Meanwhile, the Reps closed out regular season winning 4 out of 6. The Reps are lead in scoring by Dan Tinkle, while the Titans get contributions from a variety of sources, including PJ Dines, Mitchell Snider and Shane Totten.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Tuesday Night Playoff Hockey
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
2 comments:
These next few weeks may be the last times I see my boy lace ‘em up with an organized team. Fourteen years ago we started, not really knowing anything about this marvelous game. He skated out onto the ice as wobbly as can be. Tonight he glides across the ice cutting his edges into the glimmering sheet of white and throwing snow up to the top of the glass with a hockey stop we could only dream about way back when.
He’s worn different jerseys, traveled all over the state and country, in rinks at 6am and 12 midnight. Hotels, motels, sleeping in the van and now the bus – he’s been a real road warrior. He’s had great coaches and some not so great coaches. Some years have been great some not. But all in all, he’s met some many other young men and women that have the same passion and they give their all at game time.
Like you, we’ve spent thousands of dollars on this habit forming game. Sometimes we fell into the marketing and bought the white Gretzky skates, the Nike aluminum sticks, the mini stick games, etc., but we did it for him.
He’s played forward and defense and even played goalie at a tournament and let in 20 goals, but still loved it. Always smiling when he came off the ice, he put reality into our over competitiveness as parents. He simply loved the game.
This week though, it might be different. It may finally hit him that from here on, it might be an occasional lunch skate, Friday night drop in, or maybe adult leagues. How will he deal with it, win or lose after that final game? How will I deal with it?
I only hope we’ve raised him so that his perspective will be positive. He knows that he’s not our only son. Yes, he has a brother that skates too, but over the years he’s had hundred of “brothers” – his team mates. Some have been “best buds”, others have faded into history. But no matter what happens, when and where he ever meets up with these kids again, they have a bond that no one can ever take away. Without a doubt, a hockey team relationships is unique – especially the locker room antics.
Over the next few years, tragedies will occur. Families will split up, some of the parents or even team mates will die and life may longer be as simple as pulling on the old smelly gear. How will my son deal with this? I don’t know, but I do know that through the help of hundreds of other parents, he’s learned so much more about life than I did as a child.
After the last buzzer, God it will be hard. But hugs, tears of disappointment or success will still support the love I have for him and his accomplishments.
Maybe he will continue on. Maybe it’s Juniors, maybe college club hockey, and yes, maybe beer leagues. I may not be able to see him, but I’ll know that if he’s on the ice, he’s in his element and the world is fine.
Son, thanks for the joy you’ve given me over the years, you’ve turned out to be an outstanding young man and I’m sure your future is bright. The only thing I ask of you anymore about this game is: When the time is right, please give back for honor and respect t hose that did the same for you.
Bless all the kids that will lace ‘em up this week and hit the ice in their last games.
Ok, I've read it twice now, forwarded the Mlive link to another mom with a senior and now we are both sitting here crying.
Very well said and thanks for sharing.
Post a Comment