While the rest of the school was on break, the FHC hockey team still had work to get done. In its last game before the new year, it faced off against the Grandville Bulldogs.

This game followed a crucial win against Rockford that reassured the team of their ability in the attacking and defensive zone; however, these attributes were tested against the Bulldogs on Wednesday night.

The game started with high intensity and stayed that way throughout the game. Senior captain Sammy Mielock was able to net a hat trick in the first period which helped the Rangers stay level 3-3 going into the second period. All season long Sammy has been the leading man when it comes to goal-scoring and it showed against Grandville.

Following a goal from his brother Benny, Sammy net his fourth goal of the game which gave the Rangers the lead 5-4 with five minutes left in the second period. Although the Rangers held the lead through the end of the second, the score did not stay the same. Both teams added a goal to their tally putting the score at 6-5 to start the 3rd.

Many times this season, the Rangers have found themself in close games going into the third and final period. Unfortunately, they have struggled to come out on top in these games. Once again, the Rangers lost in heartbreaking fashion after two goals from Grandville that handed the Rangers another tough loss.

“It’s definitely frustrating, to say the least, especially when quite a few of our losses were games that we could’ve won,” said Owen Barber.

Due to an injury, junior Ryan Sutherlund has been sidelined for most of the season which has caused an unforeseen opportunity for Ryan. The injury has allowed him to see the strengths and weaknesses of the team more clearly. So when asked why the team has struggled in closing out games Ryan said, “The big factor that has caused us trouble in some of the close games in the season is our lack of focus. When the third period rolls around a lot of the guys are mentally tired and we lose our grip on the game.”

The Rangers will start the new year against Forest Hills Northern-Eastern at Patterson Ice Center. This game will take place on January 3 at 8:30 pm.