The Winterfest weekend was truly magical for the red-hot Rangers, as they move to eight straight wins and back up to a winning record. Mona Shores and Northville were on the hit list of the Rangers this weekend, and both games worked in the favor of FHC. There was even a wholesome, tear-jerking moment mixed into the weekend.

On Winterfest eve, Friday night, the Sailors from the Shores were sunk by the Rangers in the most exciting game of the season. As fans all know, Mona is the most hated school of the Rangers, no matter which sport is being played, which is why it was way more than just a game. With their six-game win streak following them into the game, the players were full of confidence, and it showed.

The skill people know the Rangers have was anything but hidden, as the team completely dominated all 51 minutes on the ice. Time of possession was well in favor of FHC, and the puck control domination is what lead to the game-securing goals by Eli Lipke and Sammy Mielock. The score ended up 3-1 after Peter Nemmers impressed everybody with his improbable saves to keep Mona in a deficit. While he made some key saves along the way, most of his saves were quite easy, as his defense limited the majority of quality shots and scoring plays. The best part of the game from a spectator’s point of view was the tension and pure hatred of the opposing teams. Fights were all too common throughout the game, which lead to five players being sent to the penalty box at once, and a Sailor being sent all the way back to the locker room after throwing a multitude of punches. It was a stellar game to watch, especially with it being the seventh straight win for the Rangers on the ice.

To add on to the already pivotal weekend, the Rangers brought home another big win against Northville. Key players of the game included Peter Nemmers, Sammy Mielock, and Hayden Tanner, who netted his first goal of his high school career, skating past his first of many milestones he’s bound to achieve throughout his four years on the ice.

“I was really excited at first because I had finally scored my first goal, but also because we took the lead which is more important for the team,” Hayden reflected. “It felt really good to finally get a goal. I also felt relieved that I wouldn’t have to wait for next year to do it.”

It was a tear-jerking moment for the players and fans, as their beloved freshman took part in the goal parade, but in his eyes, it was just a goal, a goal that helped his team win. Owen Barber joined the fun with a goal of his own and Sammy netted his second, which lead to a 4-1 win to end the weekend.

This newly unlocked potential of the team has brought immense joy and relief to the players, being able to celebrate wins and not have to worry about having a poor record. “With our main season coming to an end, we have really come together. We have been playing phenomenally, winning eight games in a row, and now we’re at a winning record,” Henry Vonk explained. “We’ve finally learned to win no matter what, and we’re looking really good going into the playoffs.”

It is far from false hope for the Rangers. The hard work and dedication are finally paying off, and the win streak has no end in sight. The “power” Rangers are being tested to keep it alive on Saturday at noon when they take on Bay Reps at Patterson.