This year’s FHC hockey team may be among the best ever. 

Last year the boys went on a playoff run that eventually ended in the semifinals with a loss to an exceptional Detroit Catholic Central team. Coach Bill McSween believes that last year’s playoff run will give confidence.

“I think last year’s run gives us confidence that we can overcome a rough stretch or adversity during the season,” McSween said. “If we can do that and continue to work hard we will not just be a good team, we’ll be a great team.”

Experience is key to any team’s success; junior defenseman Gibson Grendel believes that last year’s playoff run will invoke a certain amount of maturity in the group.

“I think the fact that we have been in that situation before and we know what to expect, we have a much better chance this year than ever before,” said Grendel.

This year’s roster includes stars returning from last year such as Gibby Grendel, Eli Lipke, Benny Meilock, Ryan Sutherland, Micheal Hazzard, and Peter Nemmers. All are key components to the year’s success and possess one key trait that is crucial to any team’s success: hard work. McSween believes that this will be the key factor in this year’s team. 

“This team works hard, were tough to play against,” said McSween. “We have some very talented players that can be difference makers. We also have some of the best goaltending in the state.”

Furthermore, each game the Rangers play this year will be important, there’s no lull in their schedule. This year more than ever there are many powerhouses in West Michigan including East Grand Rapids, Grand Rapids Catholic Central, and Forest Hills Northern Eastern.

Every team has goals for their seasons (pun not intended), for the Rangers, it’s make sure to focus on the little things.

“I want to continue to get better daily,” McSween said. “We want to go 1-0 every day.” 

Every day is a chance to get better, show grit, play with determination, and prove why you’re one of the best teams in the nation. This key factor will drive the Rangers in a positive or negative direction. 

This team will be dependent on their returning stars. As mentioned above, Gibson Grendel, Eli Lipke, and Benny Mielock will be a dynamic trio that will become very important down the stretch of the season. Let’s not forget about the four seniors on the team too, Owen Barber, Micheal Hazzard, Ryan Sutherland, and goalie Peter Nemmers; all will contribute to a great season for the Rangers. 

The boys also have a great group of underclassmen returning to the ice this season including Nolan Timmer, Benny Mielock, Jack Pierczyski, and Hayden Tanner. They may not be front and center when talking about this year’s team but boy, do they make a difference. Piercynski and Tanner both scored one last year, Nolan Timmer scored twice, while Benney Mielock–an up-and-coming star–scored 15 goals with 11 assists. Like I said all will contribute to this year’s talent. Grendel believes that this year’s stacked roster will produce great results.

“Yes, I think the combination of hard-working talent that we have on this team is unmatched from last year,” said Grendel. “Even though we lost a couple of really special keys to our offense I think this year we have come together on development.”

The boys will continue their season after a strong start when they head to the Bay City Showcase on Saturday, December 16.