West Michigan High School Hockey

A New Blog for the 2008-09 Season

2008-11-03T21:13:00.008-05:00

Tryouts are mostly done and scrimmages start soon. It's a new season, and we're kicking off a new Blog at a new web address: http://thewmhsh.blogspot.com/Without getting into the minutia, we needed to change the address and wanted to do a Web address that wouldn't give you carpal tunnel every time you needed to type it in. So we made it simple. Bookmark it. Write it down. Pass it on.The new

First Day of Tryouts

2008-10-27T17:22:00.006-04:00

It's here.Tryouts started today, with some kids hitting the ice at 5:45 a.m. Guess I could have done the Dickie V thing and had a big "midnight madness" blog, but to my knowledge, no one was on the ice at 12:01 a.m. today.The next few days will be a tough time for players and coaches alike. Some players will have their best performances and some will not. Coaches will see things and miss things

Big North Conference Predictions

2008-10-23T19:21:00.003-04:00

Okay, let's just put it on the table: The Blog didn't do a very good job covering the BNC last year. And that's a shame. Because the teams from Traverse City West, Traverse City Central, Petoskey, and Cadillac clearly are from the west side of the state. They are West Michigan teams -- and very good ones at that. And despite its location smack dab in the middle of the state, Gaylord is

OK Tier 3 Predictions

2008-10-21T12:59:00.003-04:00

There will be lots of new faces skating in OK Tier 3 this season, with the addition of Grand Haven and three City League programs: Christian High, Ottawa-Union, and Creston-Central. Those four newbies will join West Ottawa, Northview, Wayland and South Christian to round out the 8-team conference, which should be very competitive in 2008-09. West Ottawa returns a lot of talent from the team

State playoff schedule posted

2008-10-20T11:10:00.002-04:00

We haven't even done tryouts yet, but the MHSAA is all over it. The playoff schedule, including pre-regional assignments are posted here.

OK Tier 2 Predictions

2008-10-19T16:58:00.003-04:00

Last year's OK Tier 2 race was down to the wire, with Forest Hills Central wrapping it up in the last game of the season. Reeths-Puffer, Kenowa Hills and Hudsonville all battled down the stretch and will be looking to reload in 2008-09. Jenison should be improved under a new coach. The returning teams also have challenges from the tier's newest entrants. The combination of of Grandville

OK Tier 1 Predictions

2008-10-16T23:04:00.002-04:00

Time for you to give your input on how things will shake out in the OK's Tier 1 this season. East Kentwood, East Grand Rapids and Rockford will all have senior laden teams, while Forest Hills N/E, Forest Hills Central and OK newcomer GR Catholic Central will be in rebuilding mode after graduating hugely successful senior classes last season. Oh yeah, there's that team from Mona Shores, which

SWMHSHL Predictions

2008-10-14T20:06:00.002-04:00

From what I've seen this summer and fall, it looks like the Southwest Michigan High School Hockey League is going to be uber-competitive this season. Perennial powers PC and PN will be strong, and I've seen some talented kids in the fall league from Mattawan. Plus, the Blades looked pretty darn good at the Lakeshore Shootout in August. Both United and the Eagles (last year's surprising team)

...and now, a word from our Blogger

2008-10-14T19:43:00.003-04:00

Wanted to update everyone and let you know we're getting ready for the upcoming season. We're going to have a new web address that will be easier to type and we should have lots more news and updates on the site each day. I'm still looking for bloggers to post on the teams around West Michigan. Could really use the help because things have been tremendously busy these days with another

WMHSH grads playing college hockey

2008-10-14T16:29:00.000-04:00

Got an update from a hockey mom who I'd vote for as VP: Patty Alexander, whose son Eric played for East Kentwood and will soon be suiting up as a Ferris State Bulldog. Patty writes: "Just a couple updates for you on West Michigan Alums. First of all, Ben Dykstra is playing for the Davenport University D2 ACHA team and is having quite a season. Ben decided to play for Davenport making it four

Janny represents his WM roots

2008-10-13T20:47:00.000-04:00

GRCC grad and three-time all-stater Adam Janecyk shot me a quick note with this picture attached. It's his team photo for the Sioux City Musketeers, and if you look closely you can see he's wearing a Hockey Night in West Michigan t-shirt he earned as one of last year's Players of the Week. He wrote: "I have to represent my roots!" Way to go, Janny.

Traverse City Update

2008-10-11T10:03:00.002-04:00

There's tons of high school hockey news coming out of Traverse City these days, including new coaches and new co-ops that will compete in the 2008-09 season.The Bay Area Reps have a new coach, Scott Gardiner, after long time coach Rex Luxton stepped down a few weeks ago. Scott is the former coach of the Traverse City Enforcers and Traverse City North Stars. His son, Derek Gardiner, plays for

FHC coach on board

2008-10-09T15:20:00.002-04:00

Where does the time go? Robin Feenie was named the coach of Forest Hills Central about a month ago, but the Blogger failed to Blog it. Apologies. Robin is a great hockey guy, as evidenced by the play and leadership of his son, Morgan, who was one of FHC's senior leaders last season. He's also got an impressive hockey resume of his own: Played his youth hockey in Canada, then four years of

Announcement to Coaches

2008-10-08T21:47:00.000-04:00

The Blog is looking for information from West Michigan high school coaches about their teams. If you are a head coach or assistant coach for one of the 36 teams listed on the right, please contact me at brian.h.edwards@gmail.com as soon as possible. (And if you're not a coach, but have contact with them, please put them in touch with the Blog ASAP!) Thanks, The Blogger.

Bloggers Wanted

2008-10-08T21:41:00.003-04:00

The WMHSH Blog is looking for parents, students or fans to blog about their favorite teams this season. The pay scale sucks, but you can probably get a Hockey Night in West Michigan t-shirt, and you'll earn the adulation (or, in a few cases, the loathing) of 25,000+ visitors to the Blog. If you're of legal age and the right mindset, there might even be a few malt beverages in the deal,

Manistee nets new coach

2008-10-04T21:52:00.000-04:00

The Manistee Chippewas hockey squad -- a five team co-op -- has a new hockey coach. Fifty-eight year old Fountain resident John Raatz…will take over for former coach Jeff Patulski, who left the position after his purchase of Muskegon’s IHL hockey team, the Fury. The Chippewa hockey team includes students from Manistee, Ludington, Mason County Central, Hart and Shelby high schools.

Fuzzy tending for the Owls

2008-09-15T11:08:00.003-04:00

Kenowa grad and two-time honorable mention all-stater Zac "Fuzzy" Smith will be minding the nets for the Grand Rapids Junior A Owls this fall. The Owls, who are coached by longtime travel coach Greg Geldart, kicked off their season this weekend with a pair of games at Queen City.

Max Grover = USHL Captain

2008-09-15T11:01:00.002-04:00

Former East Kentwood Falcon Max Grover has been named captain of the Sioux Falls Stampede. That's according to an email I got this morning from Max's younger brother, 2008 all-state d-man Ben Grover. The coach of the Stampede calls Max: "Tough minded, excellent penalty killer...handles rushes extremely well. You will love him as a dedicated teammate (and good guy). Will be there when the

Northview seeking JV goalie

2008-09-08T20:48:00.003-04:00

Northview's junior varsity team is looking for a goalie -- or two -- as well as a few skaters. The team plays in the WMJVHL (it's actually classified as a Midget A team, if I'm not mistaken), so player needs to be in 8th to 11th grade and does not necessarily have to attend Northview high school. The team practices at Griff's (Sun, Mon, Wed) and they're willing to go 1/2-price for goalies. If

WM players selected for Motor City Cup

2008-09-08T20:10:00.003-04:00

The Michigan Development Hockey League (MDHL), which includes teams from around the state including Team West Michigan, is entering 2 teams (green & white) in each age bracket of the Motor City Cup this weekend in Detroit. Team West Michigan players competing for the Midget Minor Green Team are Lance Fredrickson (MCC), Mike Hickson (BR) and Matt Ragains (PC). Those on the Midget Minor White

Grandville's Grypma to Soo Thunderbirds

2008-09-03T15:40:00.004-04:00

Looks like there will be some serious West Michigan rivalry up in the Soo this winter, as another local player has signed with an NOJHL team up north. Andy Grypma from Grandville high school has just signed with the Soo Thunderbirds Jr A hockey team in the NOJHL. Andy lead the Bulldogs in scoring for the last two years and earned first team all conference and second team all state honors

GRCC's Boman to Sioux Eagles of NOJHL

2008-08-30T14:00:00.009-04:00

Just got off the phone with GRCC Coach Alan Kranzo, who tells me the 2008 graduate Kevin Boman -- the Cougars all-time leading scorer -- has signed to play with the new Saulte St. Marie Eagles of the NOJHL. The move adds more West Michigan flavor to the team, which already includes BR's Nick Goodfellow, Cadillac goalie Micky Mamborg and Grandville d-man Tom Lorenz. He'll also potentially be

Former EGR player succumbs to cancer

2008-08-21T12:07:00.004-04:00

Had two emails in my inbox about Reid Vangelderen, an East Grand Rapids grad and former high school hockey player who passed away this week from cancer. Vangelderen won the MHSAA's 2004 Perseverance Award for his battle against the disease while he was in high school. The cancer had gone into remission but recently returned, and this was one battle he couldn't win. Reid was a member of

Team West Michigan Selected

2008-08-21T10:35:00.002-04:00

Coach Jeff Wressell has chosen the 2008 Team West Michigan, which will represent the area in fall hockey over in Detroit. About 110 players tried out for the teams, and the final selections represent 12 different schools. "That is amazing," Wressell wrote. Anyway, here are the final selections (in no particular order): Defense-1. Ryan Mylenek2. Brett Bergy3. Brendan Giffel4. Chris Sandmeyer5.

Koenigsknecht to play at Lawrence Tech

2008-08-05T00:33:00.001-04:00

Hot off the email from Lawrence Tech's hockey program: "Recently graduated GRCC defenseman Mark Koenigsknecht will suit up for Head Coach Kevin Gee and the Lawrence Technological University Blue Devils in Southfield, MI this fall. The Blue Devils compete in the North Division of the ACHA. Koenigsknecht will major in Civil Engineering and will return home when the Blue Devils take on west side

East Coast vs West Coast (Hockey not Hip Hop)

2008-08-03T18:40:00.004-04:00

An early season word from our raving Mona Blogger, who was raving about East Coast/West Coast rivalries and Tupac Shakur circa early '90s. I'm surprised he missed the obvious lyrical parody opportunity ("I don't give a Puck, they done push me the the limit. The more I live, I might blow up any minute!"). Anyway, it's the first weekend of August and "tha Lunatic" from up north is dropping

Sunday Schedule for West Coast Shootout

2008-08-02T23:32:00.007-04:00

Final results:10:00 Utica 4 Hudsonville 110:30 Lake Orion 1 Marquette 011:30 Avondale 3 Rockford 3 12:00 Lakeland 4 GRCC 21:00 Novi 3 Macomb 31:30 FHNE 3 Kalamazoo 22:30 Mona 3 Southgate 3 3:00 Riverview GR 3 Puffer 2 (OT)

Saturday Night Shootout Results

2008-08-02T23:20:00.002-04:00

The hockey looked much better today out at Lakeshore. Of the games I saw, there was just better flow and puck movement today. Missed the early games with Rockford and FHNE, but caught a lot of the Kalamazoo Blades win over Avondale. The Blades are a young team, but balanced and they hustle. Likewise, GRCC is a young team with a ton of freshman and sophomores playing around a core of 7-8

Friday Shootout Results

2008-08-02T10:49:00.003-04:00

West Michigan teams didn't fare too well in the Friday night games of the West Coast Shootout, with no wins and only 1 tie in seven contests. (The 8th team in the West bracket is Novi, which doesn't really qualify as West Michigan). The hockey was definitely "summer league" caliber -- it was, in a word, sloppy -- though there was some obvious talent on the ice. And there were no coaches on

West Coast Shootout starts today

2008-08-01T15:35:00.004-04:00

CHECK OUT THE 2009 SHOOTOUT'S BLOG HERE!Not really sure if the summer hockey season is ending or just beginning for high school hockey players. In either case, this weekend Reeths-Puffer hosts the West Coast Shootout up at Lakeshore in Muskegon. Teams from the West Side play teams from the East Side. Looking forward to seeing my bloggers from Rockford, Hudsonville and, of course, Mona for some

Sports guy Figurski recovering from heart attack

2008-07-22T15:12:00.003-04:00

Griffins radio color man and WOOD TV reporter Larry Figurski is recovering from a heart attack that he suffered shortly after playing in a men's league game. According to the news reports, he suffered a minor heart attack and went to the hospital, where he had a massive attack while in doctor's care. Doctors inserted a stent in his artery, which was 100% blocked. A story on the WOOD-TV

WZZM features EGR hockey team

2008-07-22T14:41:00.003-04:00

Click here for a link to a nicely produced story on how the East Grand Rapids hockey team is integrating yoga into its off-season training program. Pioneers coach Joe Day, who played in the NHL, recommended the program as a way to help the EGR team take its performance to the next level. The classes are taught by instructors at Seva Yoga. As a relative newcomer to yoga myself -- that's right,

GRCC's Dery to Vermont Jr. Team

2008-07-16T11:44:00.002-04:00

Just chatted briefly with John Dery, who graduated from Grand Rapids Catholic Central this spring. John confirmed that he'll be playing for the Green Mountain Glades in Burlington, Vermont in the fall. The Glades play in the Eastern Junior Hockey League, which includes teams from throughout New England. A good number of EJHL players end up playing D-1 or D-3 hockey, primarily at schools on

Cadillac's Malmborg to Join Soo Jr. team

2008-07-15T14:07:00.003-04:00

Looks like a hat trick of Michigan high schoolers will play hockey in the Soo next season. Recent Cadillac grad Mickey Malmborg will join the new Soo Eagles team of the NOJHL next season, joining Big Rapids' d-man Nick Goodfellow and Grandville blueliner Tom Lorenz. Malmborg plans to attend Lake Superior State University in the fall.

PC's Ragains to Sample Some Chowder

2008-07-15T14:00:00.002-04:00

Portage Central forward Matt Ragains, who will be a junior next year, was selected to represent Michigan in the 2008 Chowder Cup, held in Boston starting on the 24th. The tournament is a showcase, especially for players who are interested in playing hockey "out east" after high school. Last year, the tournament drew 125 junior, college, prep and NHL scouts, according to an email from one of the

TEAM WEST MICHIGAN TRYOUTS SET

2008-07-07T14:13:00.005-04:00

Once again, high school hockey players in West Michigan will have the opportunity to try out for Team West Michigan, a select team that will compete in the Michigan Developmental Hockey League (MDHL) during September and October, prior to the beginning of the regular high school season. The tryout dates and times are outlined below. All ice times will be at Kentwood Ice Arena. This is a change

Grandville's Lorenz to NOJHL

2008-06-20T22:11:00.002-04:00

Grandville's Tom Lorenz joins the ranks of recent West Michigan grads who will be playing Junior A in the fall. Bulldog coach Mike Bynski sent me a note this afternoon that Lorenz will be playing with the new Soo Eagles team, joining Big Rapids' Nick Goodfellow. Lorenz was a senior defenseman for Grandville last season and made first team all conference and the honorable mention all state

BR's Goodfellow to NOJHL

2008-06-20T09:01:00.004-04:00

Looks like recent Big Rapids grad Nick Goodfellow is heading to Saulte St. Marie next year to play for the new Junior A team called the Soo Eagles. My Big Rapids blogger sends this update:"Nick a two year defensive player is known for his intensity and pure love of the game. Nick is a fierce player with excellent “all around “skills and should provide an immediate impact to this newly

EGR's Glendenning to play at UM

2008-06-15T06:11:00.002-04:00

East Grand Rapids center Luke Glendenning will join the University of Michigan hockey team next season as a walk-on, coach Red Berenson announced this week. A three-sport star in high school, Glendenning graduated in 2007 and spent a so-called "13th year" at Hotchkiss, a prep school in Connecticut. The story has it that U of M coaches were out east, scouting another player when they caught a

Abdelkader Hoists the Cup

2008-06-06T13:59:00.004-04:00

My blogger buddy from Mona Shores checked in for the first time in a few months and sent me a pic of Sailor alum Justin Abdelkader lifting the Cup after the Red Wings win. Wondering if he'll try to bring it home for the upcoming Mona Shores golf fundraiser at the Oakridge Country Club in Norton Shores. BTW, that event is being catered by Above & Beyond Banquet, Catering & Events, which I

Mona's Carlston Headed to USHL?

2008-06-03T14:51:00.002-04:00

Just got a note from one of my lakeshore sources that Mona Shores junior Brock Carlston may be headed to the USHL, having been selected to the preliminary roster of the Cedar Rapids Roughriders. The preliminary roster of 28, including 17 newcomers, must be reduced to 25 players by July 1.

Lo/Cal's Hayes Wins WMHSH Blog Scholarship

2008-05-29T13:16:00.007-04:00

In a race that was as tightly contested as last season's OK Conference championships, Lowell's Ken Hayes has earned the first annual West Michigan High School Hockey Blog Scholarship. Hayes, a forward for the Lowell-Caledonia co-op team that won OK Tier 3 last season, was one of 23 seniors from around West Michigan that applied for the $1,000 scholarship.It's kind of an understatement to say

Muskegon High Schoolers Drafted by NAHL.

2008-05-27T21:10:00.004-04:00

A couple of former high school players from the Muskegon area were selected in last week's North American Hockey League (NAHL) entry draft. Former Mona Shores forward Jeff Anonick, an all-stater who lead the Sailors in scoring in 2007, was picked by the Motor City Machine. And Reeths-Puffer hockey coach Eric Sikkenga sent me a quick note to alert me to the fact that former Rocket Josh Munford

Hickson Selected for National Selects

2008-05-27T17:12:00.004-04:00

Big Rapids center Mike Hickson was selected at the regional, state, and now will attend the 2008 national Selects camp in New York this summer. The sophomore played mostly house hockey growing up, but has been on the Cardinals high school squad since his freshman year. He's reportedly been skating with the Little Caesar's Midget Major team this spring, and has also been skating with his

Janecyk Picked #65 in USHL Entry Draft

2008-05-14T12:26:00.007-04:00

Grand Rapids Catholic Central senior Adam Janecyk was chosen as the 65th pick overall in the United States Hockey League entry draft a few minutes ago. Janecyk, a three-time All-State goalie for the Cougars, was picked by the Sioux City Musketeers. If I'm not mistaken, he is the first Michigan high school player selected in this year's draft, though there are other travel players from Michigan

Grandville & Wayland Updates

2008-04-28T18:00:00.000-04:00

Have been hearing about some changes at Grandville as well as Wayland and wanted to post updates here. Coach Mike Bynski of Grandville has confirmed his team will co-op with Byron Center next season. That move helps expand the number of potential players for the Bulldogs, who only had 19 kids try out for the team, which rostered 18. The short bench was problematic when players got hurt or were

South Christian JV Player Killed in Crash

2008-04-21T09:15:00.003-04:00

The West Michigan hockey community lost a young high school player yesterday in the car crash down in Caledonia. 16-year-old Nikkolas Carmean was one of the two kids killed in the two-vehicle crash that happened down on 68th Street. Carmean was a sophomore at Thornapple Kellogg High School, and he played junior varsity hockey with the South Christian Hockey Association last year. There is a

Team Michigan Loses in Semis

2008-04-21T09:08:00.004-04:00

Team Michigan got beat 2-0 on Saturday evening by eventual champion Wisconsin in the Chicago Showcase. GRCC's Adam Janecyk put up 30 saves, but the Michigan team couldn't get on the scoreboard. The team had advanced to the semis after a 3-1 win against Northern New England on Saturday morning. For stats and scoresheets, click here.

Team Michigan Update

2008-04-19T09:22:00.007-04:00

Team Michigan is an undefeated 1-0-2 (4 points) after the first three games over at the Chicago Showcase with a win over Missouri and a couple of ties against Wisconsin and Northern New England. The two West Michigan players on the roster have contributed, with GRCC forward Clayton Brackett picking up two assists and Cougar netminder Adam Janecyk in the nets for both ties. In the first game,

Mona Honors Zimmerman

2008-04-19T09:08:00.001-04:00

Was talking with a Mona dad the other day, and he told me to check out the Sailors new website, which includes an update on the team's year-end awards. In particular, he wanted me to read about the Warren Award. Here's what it said: Warren Award is an award give out by the Mona Shores Hockey Club to an individual who has dedicated his time and efforts in the advancement of the Mona Shores Hockey

Hockey Afternoon in Southern Minnesota

2008-04-17T07:26:00.003-04:00

Grandville junior goalkeeper Ryan Wysocki donned a tie-dyed HNIWM shirt during a recent campus visit to Minnesota. Check him out hanging around the Gopher's Mariucci Arena.A note to all Players of the Week: I still owe a few of you t-shirts. If you were named a POW during the season and did not receive your t-shirt, please send me an email with your name and address. Send to:

Scholarship Update

2008-04-15T14:24:00.002-04:00

Hey there, hockey blog fans. Wanted to let you all know that I've received about two dozen applications for the inaugural West Michigan High School Hockey Blog scholarship. We will be thoroughly reviewing the applications over the next few weeks with the intent of announcing the scholarship winner in early to mid-May. (Previously, we had said by June 1, but we're ahead of the game for once).

Advance Selects All-Area Team, Highlights EK grads

2008-04-10T10:23:00.005-04:00

The Advance papers have selected their All Area team for the year. It's an all-senior affair. For the story, click here. The Advance had also done a nice round-up of former East Kentwood players who had a great month in March, including Eric Alexander's scholarship to Ferris and Matt Jones' contact with the San Jose Sharks.

Mona's Abdelkader signs with Red Wings

2008-04-03T17:24:00.002-04:00

Looks like Mona grad and MSU player Justin Abdelkader, who was Michigan's Mr. Hockey a few years back, is going to be a Red Wing. The forward signed a tryout contract with the Wings and is expected to be in the lineup tonight against the Columbus Blue Jackets. You can read about it here in his hometown paper, the Muskegon Chronicle, or here in the Detroit Free Press.

EK's Jones Signs with NHL's Sharks

2008-03-28T14:37:00.003-04:00

Former East Kentwood player Matt Jones, who played two years of high school hockey for the Falcons, has signed an NHL contract with the San Jose Sharks, according to this report. The 6-foot-4, 220 pound forward has played the last two seasons at Merrimack College in Massachusetts. He lead the team with 15 goals this season and netted 7 assists. He's been assigned to their AHL affiliate in

Big Rapids Awards

2008-03-28T14:30:00.001-04:00

You are a D-3 High School hockey team, you play some of the best teams in the state every year (2 of those in state finals this past year), you are not in a conference, not in a city league, you don’t have all conference selections or all area selections, your independent …you are Big Rapids High School Hockey. Big Rapids held its annual Hockey Banquet on March 25th and celebrated another

Brackett, Janecyk make Team Michigan

2008-03-25T12:05:00.002-04:00

Looks like GRCC seniors Clayton Brackett and Adam Janecyk will be traveling to Chicago to play as part of Team Michigan. They were the only West Michigan players selected to the team, which includes seniors from around the state and plays in the National High School Hockey Showcase April 16-20.Should be some interesting conversations in the locker room and some spirited practices for Janny,

Muskegon All Area Hockey Awards

2008-03-20T17:00:00.002-04:00

Received an email a little while ago from one of the coaches up in the Muskegon area. He and his fellow coaches in the Greater Muskegon Area Coaches Association have selected an all-area hockey awards. The selections include:First TeamForwards:Luke Reenders- GHAdam Pieczynski- MCCBen Sikkenga- RPAdam Meloche- MSJC Boyd- MSRyan Fedo- ManisteeDefense:Chris Kendro- MCCJake Hambidge- RPJoey Tomczyk

Coaching changes

2008-03-19T06:48:00.005-04:00

A couple of quick coaching changes to Blog. Got a note from Kevin Zaschak of Forest Hills Northern/Eastern yesterday, who said he has resigned from coaching the hockey team to pursue his doctorate degree at MSU. He admits to becoming a Spartan is "weird" having grown up in the shadow of Ann Arbor as a Wolverine fan. No word on his replacement.Also over in Forest Hills, Scott Titus has

GRCC's Kane wins Perserverance Award

2008-03-16T16:01:00.000-04:00

Congratulations to senior Matt Kane, the senior from the Grand Rapids Catholic Central Cougars. Earlier today, Kane was named the 2008 winner of the MHSCHA Perserverance Award, given annually to a high school hockey player who has overcome a significant happening in his/her life and through their courage, determination and desire not to quit, have made the most of their situation. There were

MHSCHA Dream Team Announced

2008-03-16T16:00:00.000-04:00

The MHSHCA unveiled its annual Dream Team today at a banquet in Livonia. The Dream Team represents the 6 best players as voted by the member coaches of the MHSHCA. This year's team includes:Josh Miller - TrentonNathan Milam - Livonia ChurchillSteve Brancheau - WyandotteArthur Griem - Grosse Pointe SouthCarson Curran - Flint PowersTrevor Sattelmeier - Grosse Pointe SouthNo West Michigan dream

GR City League Honors

2008-03-15T10:55:00.003-04:00

The Grand Rapids City League voted on its all-conference honors last week, and the following players were honored for their play in CL contests:1st TeamPaul Ziemke, Grand Rapids Catholic CentralMatt Kane, Grand Rapids Catholic CentralClayton Brackett, Grand Rapids Catholic CentralTyler Spiering, Grand Rapids ChristianKyle Carpenter, Ottawa-UnionMatt Woronko, West CatholicLucas McShosh, Grand

Reminder: $1000 Hockey Scholarship

2008-03-14T10:43:00.004-04:00

Just a quick reminder that the deadline is fast-approaching for the scholarship being offered by WMHSH Blog. The $1,000 scholarship will go to a graduating West Michigan senior who plans to head off to college in the fall. Application deadline is March 30, 2008. You can download the form here, or send me an email and I'll shoot you a PDF of the form.

Thanks...

2008-03-12T12:45:00.002-04:00

Back in the '70s, I was a die hard Philadelphia Flyers fan who used to play street hockey every day of the week. I never even owned a pair of ice skates, though. In fact, I don't think I ever went ice skating until I was in about 8th grade. But man, I knew quite a bit about the Broad Street bullies: Bobby Clark's point totals, Bernie Parent's goals against and Dave Schultz' PIM.On Mondays,

Academic All State Honors

2008-03-11T11:00:00.006-04:00

The Blog brought you the All-State players from West Michigan a couple days ago, and now the entire list of players selected to all-state has been posted on the MHSHCA site here. You can also download the list of schools and players that were deemed Academic All State players. Because the WMHSH Blog values student-athletes, we are pleased to present the following players and teams from West

MHSHCA 2007-2008 All State Honors

2008-03-09T20:18:00.006-04:00

The 2008 MHSHCA All State Honors list is out. Actually, it's been out. I'm told they were passing out the list down at Compuware yesterday during the games, which came as a surprise to some of the coaches I've spoken with. Typically, the coaches are given the chance to talk to their players first before the all-state lists are distributed. I decided to wait until tonight to give West Michigan

D-1 Championship ends in a 1-1 tie

2008-03-09T11:52:00.003-04:00

If you haven't heard, the Division 1 championship game was called after 8 overtimes with the game tied 1-1. Marquette and Orchard Lake St. Mary's were named co-champions. Personally, I think ties are the worst of all outcomes in sports. While I understand that there was concern for the health of the players, they certainly could have figured out another way to end it. Penalty shots? Let

Coming later...All State Selections

2008-03-09T11:50:00.002-04:00

The coaches met yesterday and chose the All-State selections. I'll be posting them later today out of consideration for coaches and players. A few of the coaches I spoke with asked that I hold off until they had a chance to personally tell their players.

Trenton 7 FHNE 3

2008-03-07T08:36:00.002-05:00

Forest Hills Northern/Eastern made a good showing in its first trip to the MHSAA Division 2 Final Four. They kept it close with the top team in the state for 2.5 periods before falling 7-3 in the semifinal game played at Compuware. There's a story in the Grand Rapids Press this morning. Congratulations to the FHNE team, especially its very talented senior class, on making it to Compuware for

...and then there were none

2008-03-06T22:31:00.002-05:00

FHNE lost to Trenton tonight, eliminating the final team from the West side of the state in the MHSAA championship round. Congratulations to the Forest Hills team for earning the spot in the final four of Division 2. Will be back to Blog tomorrow and over the weekend. Stay tuned for a wrap up on the year and some plans for the "off season" - plus the plans for next year.

O-K CONFERENCE HOCKEY: 2007-08 All Conference Selections

2008-03-06T22:30:00.000-05:00

The OK Conference Coaches voted on their All-Conference players for the three tiers a few weeks ago, but out of courtesy to players and coaches who were still in the playoff hunt, the WMHSH Blog didn't publish the names of players. Here tonight, though, are the OK Conference All Conference playersTIER I All Conference:Goalie:Scott Tiefenthal- Mona ShoresDefensemen:Brock Carlston- Mona

EK grad Alexander commits to Ferris

2008-03-06T16:24:00.003-05:00

Got an email today letting me know that 2007 East Kentwood grad and Michigan Dream Team member Eric Alexander had made a verbal commitment to attend Ferris State and play hockey. The 6'2" 200-lb. forward has been playing for the Chicago Steel of the USHL this season, along with

Flint Powers 1 GRCC 0

2008-03-06T00:06:00.007-05:00

GRCC senior Clayton Brackett wheeled into the defensive zone at full speed, gathered the puck and launched a 180-foot slapshot as the horn sounded. It sailed high and wide, and within seconds there was a pile of orange and blue jerseys in front of the Flint Powers net. Brackett took a stride toward center ice then dropped to a knee and hung his head. All around him, his teammates from Grand

Marquette 2 Rockford 1

2008-03-05T23:51:00.003-05:00

Tonight Rockford (16-11) faced off against the Marquette (18-5-3) who held the highest ranking of remaining D1 teams and have advanced to the Final Four 6 of the last 7 years. Needless to say the Rams were a prohibitive underdog in the game.Marquette controlled play in the first 2 periods and was able to take a 1-0 lead midway through the 2nd on a scramble in front of the Ram goal. Marquette

Tough night in West Michigan

2008-03-05T22:57:00.004-05:00

Three teams, three tough losses. GRCC nipped 1-0 by Flint Powers and Rockford nipped 2-1 by Marquette. East Kentwood loses 4-1 to Clarkston, despite outshooting them 31-17, on four PP goals. What a bummer for some great seniors from all three teams. Have to go meet the boy and the bus at Catholic. Will have some pictures of the GRCC game later and some more commentary on the games.

Flint Journal features live updates for GRCC game

2008-03-05T13:54:00.003-05:00

Preps hockey writer Bill Khan of the Flint Journal will be filing live, in-game updates of tonight's quarterfinal game between Grand Rapids Catholic Central and Flint Powers. From the looks of it, this will be play-by-play updating, which is awesome. Someday, the Blog hopes to be able to offer this service, too. (Oh, what one wouldn't give for a wireless card on a Wednesday night of playoff

Wednesday Night MHSAA Quarterfinals

2008-03-05T12:35:00.001-05:00

Grand Rapids Catholic Central (22-3-2) vs. Flint Powers (23-3-1) - (7:25 @ The Summit in Lansing) - One team is a Catholic school with 10 seniors and an awesome goalie. The other team is a Catholic school with 10 seniors and an awesome goalie. Should be one heckuva battle tonight in Lansing, as GRCC tries to make its third straight trip to Compuware, lead by an outstanding senior class that's

Forest Hills N/E 4 Portage Central 1

2008-03-04T23:45:00.002-05:00

The WMHSH Blog is very proud to present this write up and the accompanying pictures, which come to us courtesy of two great hockey fans. The story was written by my regular Kalamazoo-area blogger, Bob Wheelright, whose son plays for Portage Northern. Bob has been a stalwart, attending a ton of games played in Kalamazoo by all the teams in the SWMHSHL and blogging them for me. The pictures

"In the big picture, this is just a hockey game."

2008-03-04T22:08:00.019-05:00

Forest Hill Northern/Eastern Coach Kevin Zaschak was all hugs after his team won its Division 2 quarterfinal game tonight, beating Portage Central 4-1. After the game was over, he stood outside the locker room high-fiving and hugging his buddies. Then his daughter, who must be about five, ran up to him. He scooped her up and hugged her, then wandered over and hugged his wife, too.The hugs

Tuesday Night Hockey: MHSAA Quarterfinals

2008-03-04T15:54:00.005-05:00

Portage Central (16-9-2) vs. Forest Hills Northern/Eastern (16-10-1) - (7 p.m. @ Georgetown in Hudsonville): Tonight's quarterfinal matchup will decide which West Michigan team makes a trip to Compuware with a spot in the Division-2 frozen four. Forest Hills Northern/Eastern is deep and very gifted offensively, with its top 2 lines among the best in the area -- a mix of dazzle and grit

Players of the Week

2008-03-03T09:07:00.003-05:00

So many standout performances last week, but I have to pick one from each of the Regional winners. Caveat: Hockey is a team sport, I know, but each of these guys stepped up at critical moments and helped their teams win. Please use the comments section to name your own players of the week, but keep it positive. Adam Janecyk, Grand Rapids Catholic Central - The two-time all-state goalie for the

And then there were 5...

2008-03-02T20:20:00.005-05:00

For those of you who've been busy with real jobs, home improvement projects and church this weekend (ie, the whole "real life" thing), thought I might take a moment to fill you in: There are 5 West Michigan teams left in the playoffs -- regional champions all and members of the Elite 8 in their respective divisions. They are:East Kentwood (D-1)Rockford (D-1)Portage Central (D-2)Forest Hills

His last game...

2008-03-02T20:03:00.006-05:00

While I'm essentially a rookie high-school hockey parent, the face above may be familiar to many of you veteran parents and players. His name is Mike Rublein. Last night, he officiated his last hockey game (the Hudsonville-Rockford regional matchup), ending a 30-year career that included more than 600 contests at the high school level and hundreds more at the collegiate level, mostly in the

Mona, Mora and a set of steak knives.

2008-03-02T19:34:00.003-05:00

This being the first year the MS raving reporter has experienced HSHP (High School Hockey Playoffs), I wasn’t sure of what to expect. As team communications director (a move the MS board now admits may have been a serious mistake), I’m also hit with a lot of questions about Pre-Regionals vs. Regionals, why we play MCC & Grand Haven back to back (who are not in Tier 1), how the Divisions are set

Regional Scores

2008-03-02T13:25:00.000-05:00

Saturday NightKentwood 3 Howell 0GRCC 8 Mattawan 0Rockford 2 Hudsonville 1Portage Central 4 Mona 1Saulte St. Marie 2 Cadillac 1 (OT)Marquette 6 TC West 2Midland 5 TC Central 4 (4 OTs)Friday NightFHN/E 7 Haslett-Williamston 1

Kentwood 3 Howell 0

2008-03-02T12:54:00.006-05:00

A week ago, the Kentwood coaching staff was sitting in the bleachers watching Howell play Grand Rapids Catholic Central. They were scribbling notes and after the game, they asked a GRCC parent for a copy of the game DVD. Then, over the past week, the players and coaches studied tape and put together a game plan designed to take the speedy and skilled Howell team off their game. The plan, EK

GRCC 8 Mattawan 0

2008-03-02T09:48:00.003-05:00

There have been a couple of occasions this year when the Grand Rapids Catholic Central Cougars have walked close to perfection. Not for a game, mind you, but for stretches in game when they play hockey as it is supposed to be played - a mix of physicality and finesse and passion that is just awesome to watch.The Cougars had one of those stretches on Saturday night in the regional championship

Rockford 2 Hudsonville 1

2008-03-02T09:03:00.007-05:00

Awesome game with a great finish. After a scoreless first, the Rams got on the board when Travis Guest ripped a wrister past H'ville goalie Pete Herman on the powerplay. Mason McGillicudy and Adam Hoard collected assists on the play. Hudsonville had a great PP chance of its own with just 28 seconds left in period 2, when John Kersaan received a pass just below the right dot and with a wide-open

Portage Central 4 Mona Shores 1

2008-03-02T00:34:00.002-05:00

A crowd estimated at nearly 700 fans witnessed a dominating performance by the Portage Central Mustangs this evening in Kalamazoo. Sophomore goalie Brogan VandeVelde earned the #1 star by shutting down the Sailors and allowing only 1 goal on 24 shots. Senior Erik Hoffman, #2 star, scored the first two goals in this game by going hard to the net and banging home the rebounds. Linemates Jared

Saturday Night Playoff Highlights

2008-03-01T21:56:00.006-05:00

A few briefs for now. More writeups and pictures from games coming later on the Blog. In the meantime, check out the Prep Hockey highlights on FOX Sports.Kentwood 3 Howell 0 - East Kentwood executed its game plan to perfection, slowing down the speedy Howell team and flying a man out of the zone to get some breakaway chances. Miguel Rodriguez had one in the first, and Matt Herman had a

Saturday Night Playoff Hockey

2008-03-01T08:53:00.002-05:00

On days like today, I'm glad my son plays for a team. It makes choosing which game to be at easier (kind of). Actually, I'll probably start out at the Kentwood, then run over to Griff's for GRCC vs. Mattawan, and then head south for Hudsy vs. Rockford. A full itinerary of hockey for one last Saturday this season. Traverse City West vs. Marquette (1:30 p.m. @ Lake Superior State)Traverse City

Friday Night Playoff Hockey

2008-02-29T15:44:00.002-05:00

After a wild week of pre-regional action, the first regional games begin tonight. The only West Michigan team that's on the dance card for this Friday evening is Forest Hills Northern/ Eastern, which takes on Haslett-Williamston at Suburban Ice in East Lansing. Game time is 8 p.m. Good seats still available. FHN/E appears tonight based on its 4-3 nailbiter against DeWitt and a 5-2 cuticle

Pre-regional Scores

2008-02-29T08:10:00.000-05:00

Thursday ScoresGRCC 4 EGR 1Mattawan 4 Christian 1Kentwood 8 Kal. United 0TC West 8 Manistee 1Wednesday ScoresMona Shores 9 Grand Haven 0Portage Central 2 Jenison 1Hudsonville 5 Grandville 1Rockford 6 Lowell-Caledonia 3FHN/E 5 FHC 2Cadillac 3 Big Rapids 2 (OT)TCC 3 Alpena 2 (OT)Tuesday Night ScoresKentwood 8 Wayland 0GRCC 8 Kenowa Hills 1East GR 2 West Catholic 1TC West 5 Bay Reps 3Mattawan 5

GRCC 4 EGR 1

2008-02-28T23:59:00.011-05:00

Don't let the final score fool you. This was a 15-round slugfest. GRCC and EGR went toe-to-toe for 41 minutes and 3 seconds until the Cougars' John Dery delivered the knockout punch in the form of sick wrister from the left dot late in the third. The goal broke a 1-1 tie and silenced the rowdy EGR student section, while propelling Catholic Central to the win and a berth in the regional finals

Prep Hockey TV Highlights

2008-02-28T23:30:00.000-05:00

Was really great to see FOX-TV's Brent Ashcroft and WOOD-TV's Larry Figurski chatting amiably with each other between periods at the GRCC vs. EGR game tonight. That kind of sportsmanship sets a good tone for the players. (Of course, Ashcroft did later get 2 for roughing when he started jockeying for position along the glass). Seriously, you know that these guys are working extra hard these

Petoskey, Soo break record in 6 OTs

2008-02-28T15:09:00.003-05:00

Saulte St. Marie and Petoskey battled for 92 minutes and 34 seconds last night -- nearly 6 complete overtime periods -- before the Soo scored the game-winner in a 2-1 playoff victory. The game now stands as the longest game in the MHSAA record books, surpassing the previous record held by GRCC and Mattawan. Those two teams played a 6-OT game (86 minutes, 55 seconds) in the March 2006 state

Thursday Night Playoff Hockey

2008-02-28T14:02:00.005-05:00

Back in West Michigan after a trip to the D, and revved up for tonight's playoffs. A couple of the games are acknowledged mismatches, with new programs and young players taking on established programs with all-state caliber players. Down in K-town, there's a rubber-game matchup between two long-running programs trying to regain some luster and continue their run in the D-3 playoffs. Finally,

Blogging Mona, Paris & the Battle at Lakeshore

2008-02-28T12:01:00.005-05:00

As I’m sitting down to record the results of the Mona Shores vs. Grand Haven playoff game, like a lot of hockey fans, I can’t stop thinking about Paris Hilton. I saw last night on the news that Paris is looking for a new BFF and taking her search to reality television, which naturally caused me to wonder, what would happen if I were to somehow win the series and become Paris’s new best friend

FOX Highlights

2008-02-28T01:38:00.002-05:00

Here are some highlights of three games last night, including Rockford-L/C, Hudsonville vs. Grandville, and Forest Hills N/E vs. Forest Hills Central.

Forest Hills N/E 5 Forest Hills Central 2

2008-02-28T01:19:00.005-05:00

Northern/Eastern beat Central in the hockey battle between Forest Hills schools on Wednesday evening. Central got on the board early on a goal by Sam Carlson. N/E answered shortly after that with an unassisted goal by Luke Swardenski and the first period ended knotted at 1-1. N/E scored the only goal of the second period on a tally by soph Keenan Sullivan to put them up 2-1. Central answered