After falling 4-1 to the Rangers just a week ago, it would be East Grand Rapids’ turn to host the rematch. FHC had to move sides at their home rink, Patterson Ice Area, as Patterson plays host to both teams, which adds just another element to this rivalry. East Grand Rapids came into the game with a record of 3-3 and remained tied for third with the Rangers and Lowell/Cal in the Baum Division.

A quick start to the game saw senior goaltender Gavin Brady phase off many sharp shots from the Pioneer attack. Eventually, East started to become efficient with their shots, netting two in the first period alone. The goals were scored by seniors Charlie Fee and Ted Campbell, rounding out the first period with a 2-0 Pioneers lead.

The second period was more of a defensive, gritty battle. Both the Rangers and Pioneers remained in penalty kill or power play scenarios for a majority of the period, as both teams would consecutively end penalty kills just to have someone else end up in the box. Nonetheless, the scoring in this period remained dry, keeping the score at 2-0 in favor of the Pioneers.

The third period would be a very eventful and highly energetic period. Both teams had many chances at breakaway goals on the counter. The first goal in the period came from East’s own Ted Campbell for his second on the night. Shortly after, sophomore Sammy Mielock would score yet another goal to add to his breakout season, moving the lead to just 3-1. Finally, during empty-net time for the Rangers, East’s Andrew West put away a moonshot goal, ending the game at a score of 4-1 in favor of the Pioneers.

The Rangers now fall to 3-6 on the year and 2-4 in conference play. They still remain tied with Forest Hills Eastern/Northern at 6 points in conference play, making the match-up Saturday night against the Bird Dogs even more enticing.