Hockey Night(s) in West Michigan

Lots of great games over the next few nights, including some marquee matchups in the OK Tier 1, showcase games for two of the top local programs, and a huge rivalry game in Kalamazoo on Monday night. Should be packed houses at several games, including these ones to watch:

East Kentwood vs. Forest Hills Northern/Eastern (tonight, 7 p.m. @ Kentwood) - A big early-season game for two of the OK-1's top contenders. EK has a balanced team with one of the best first lines in the area, solid goaltending and a tough defensive corps, anchored by senior co-captain Ben Grover. Forest Hills' top six forwards can be electric, especially Jeff Johnston and Andrew Rennaker, but defensive depth beyond co-captain Sam Swardenski is still a question. Should be a great high school hockey game that will be won on special teams.

UPDATE: FHN/E wins 2-1 on a power-play goal. EK's star Tyler Copeland hurt.

Hudsonville vs. West Ottawa (tonight, 7 p.m. @ Georgetown) - It's "Student Night" with free t-shirts for the first 200 students and a post-game skate with the Hudsonville team. Should be a good game, too, as West Ottawa has already proven it can hang with OK Tier 2 competition, having split two one goal games with Grand Haven. Hudsonville, which features forward Alex Host and defenseman Jaron Grzegorczyk, has depth and speed.

UPDATE: Not even close. Hudsonville wins 5-1. Fans skate after the game.

East Grand Rapids vs. Grandville (tonight, 8 p.m. @ Patterson) - EGR's forwards have the talent to dangle with the best of them, but Grandville has a veteran defensive corps and gets strong goaltending from junior Ryan Wysocki. Look for a low-scoring game and a packed house with music blaring and students cheering.

UPDATE: Grandville's Andy Grypma gets a hat trick, including an empty netter at buzzer to power a 3-1 win for the Bulldogs.

Mona Shores vs. Davison (tonight, 8 p.m. @ Polar Palace) - The Sailors, finalists in D-2 last year, kick off their season under new coach Charlie Link in the Davison Showcase tonight. They take on the host team, which features all-stater Ben Welch.

UPDATE: Mona scores three times in 1:28 span in the second to bust it open. Adam Meloche gets two. Davison star Welch out with busted leg. Read the Flint Journal's story here.

GR Catholic Central vs. Saginaw Heritage (tonight, 4:45 @ Alpena Showcase) – The Cougars, fresh off a victory in the East Kentwood Thanksgiving Tournament, make the trek across state to take on last year's SVL Champs, Saginaw Heritage, in the Alpena Showcase. GRCC has been deadly on special teams in its first two games, with three powerplay goals and four shorthanded tallies.

UPDATE: Cougars win 4-3 in triple O.T.

Friday's Other Games:
Kenowa Hills 3 Swartz Creek 5 (Alpena Showcase)
Forest Hills Central 3 Portage Central 2
Kalamazoo Blades 4 Flint Kearsley 3