Hockey is soon to be back at Forest Hills Central. The team’s energy is palpable, fueled by returning leaders and the promise of rising talent eager to make their mark. As the puck drops at Patterson Ice Center, the Rangers aren’t just skating for wins; they’re building a sense of unity, and pride with players like Nolan Bateson keeping the team’s mindset in line.
“The mindset of our team this year is to win as many games as we can, but the main thing for our team this year is two things: GRIT and the process. Our team needs to have and express GRIT every single day; that’s a non-negotiable for our team,” goalie Nolan Bateson said. “Also, the process, the process of working hard and putting in the work every day, and really focusing on the little things, and just keep adding more and getting 1 percent better every day. These two things are the identity of our team and will be our mindset up until the end of the season.”
Experience will play a major role in the Rangers’ success. With key returners anchoring the lineup, leadership on and off the ice is in steady hands. Veterans like forward Nolan Timmer and goalie Nolan Bateson set the tone daily.
“I think the number of veterans will help us a lot this year,” Timmer said. “Just the fact that we already have such great chemistry will propel us into hopefully a very successful season.”
“I believe the returning players will play a huge role this year. The experience we returning players bring is very crucial for our team, and it is only going to help us,” Bateson stated. “It’s important for our team that our returners set good examples and lead the new players so we can go far this year.
The roster may be packed with experience, but it’s the fresh energy from new additions that could elevate the team to another level. One name from the junior class sticks out, JJ Sybenga, who, in their game versus GRC last year, had a hat trick, as well as other players like junior Lucah Thomas, ready to step up.
“Well, I think we have a lot of great juniors and sophomores on the team this year,” forward JJ Sybenga said. “I think they will contribute greatly to the team’s success, and I think that we are looking very solid this year.
“In past years, many new rookies uplifted the team’s morale and overall attitude about the game,” Thomas said. “I think with the skill the rookies have, we could be very successful this year and years to come through our hard work and perseverance.
Behind every successful hockey season is a tight-knit locker room, and that’s exactly what’s driving this year’s group. Off the ice, the Rangers emphasize team bonding and accountability, from film sessions to team dinners and community events. The sense of brotherhood is built in and out of season.
“Team chemistry is really strong. Last year, we had yoga and a team dinner,” defenseman Luke Hooper said. “It was very nice that we had the opportunity to bond as a team outside of practices and games and skate with West Michigan Special Hockey, which I feel really ingrains our team into the Grand Rapids hockey community. ”
This year’s schedule is no walk in the park. The Rangers face a variety of tough conference opponents and out-of-area challenges that will test their depth early. Players like Elliot Fricano are excited for rivalry games like East Grand Rapids and FHNE, which remain circled on the calendar..
“The FHC Hockey team has been preparing all summer and fall for this upcoming season and can’t wait for it to start,” Fricano said. “This season will start with a must-see game where we play FHNE at Patterson Ice Center at 5:30 on November 7. The whole team can’t wait for this game because they are a big rival of FHC, and it’s their home opener. A few other games that the team is excited for this year will be when we play EGR, Hartland, and Clarkston.”
Few high school crowds match the energy of Forest Hills Central Hockey. The rink becomes one of the many great FHC sports environments. The team and players like Grady Fisher feed off of that energy. That connection between players and fans fuels momentum and makes every goal, save, and celebration feel bigger.
“It means a lot because it’s really fun to play in front of a student section,” Fisher stated. “It makes the environment a lot more fun for games.”
As the season unfolds, one thing is clear: with returning leadership, breakout talent, and a team bond built over the summers, Forest Hills Central Hockey is heading towards something special. The schedule ahead is tough, but the Rangers have the drive, depth, and team to make this year unforgettable.
