The first playoff game for the Road Trip Rangers could not have gone any better. For the first time in four years, FHC was able to knock off Grand Rapids Catholic Central—the same team that the Rangers lost to last year in the regional round of play.

With sophomore Peter Nemmers in the net, the Rangers came out very hot. On Wednesday night, Freshman Eli Lipke opened up the scoring column for both teams with a goal in the first period off of a beautiful pass from junior Sammy Mielock. Then, CC answered late in the same period with a goal of its own to tie the game at one goal apiece. In the end, it was Mielock, who was playing injured by the way, who hit the game-winner with just 31 seconds left on the clock to help the Rangers capture a huge victory in the opening round of playoffs. This was a spectacular statement win for FHC, as the Rangers sent the Cougars home with a loss for the first time since 2018. Understandably, the resounding victory has touched the hearts of FHC’s active players and alumni; it’s not every day that players get to snap losing streaks with such significant playoff implications on the line.

“Man, it feels amazing,” senior captain Lucas Jeffreys said. “I’m at a loss for words right now. Just happy for this team and happy to play on it. Big shout out to Peter and the team as a whole; we played a strong and hard game. Our focus is now getting ready to play Mattawan on Saturday.”

The Rangers now move to 12-14 on the season and will face off against Mattawan in the regional semi-finals on Saturday.