With many storylines coming into the game, both sides knew that Saturday’s rivalry game was going to be a long ride from the start of the game to the end. It was the first home game at full capacity since 2019, and sophomore Peter Nemmers’ first start in net, yet FHC found a way to get it done. Before the game, past FHC hockey alumni faced off against Forest Hills Northern/Eastern alumni. In addition to that, the GRAHA youth association was also invited to join the crowd last night.

“Our history is a big part of the program,” head coach Bill McSween said. “It was great to see all of the alumni before the game.  I told our team the alumni left their mark on the program, and now it was time for our current players to leave their mark.”

Peter and the strong Ranger defense never feared a second of Forest Hills Northern/Easterns offense after FHC dominated the backend. Peter deflected 20 of 21 shots, as the defense, which was led by seniors Lucas Jeffreys, Josh Smith, Conner Defouw, and juniors Sammy Mielock and Anthony Ott, laid down the hammer all night. The defense continued to fly around and make big plays while being both even and man down in several crunch-time situations. With having the crowd back, it was evident that the FHC Student Section played a vital role on the defensive end of the ice.

“It is great to have people back in the barn; it brings the team a lot of energy,” Lucas said. “Peter played great for his first high school game in front of that crowd. It was a big game for the team, and it will give us motivation and confidence for our game this week against Mona Shores.”

On the offensive end, the second period would open up with Mielock hitting the puck away from the goalie, as Jeffreys would glide in to put it in the back of the net. Then, Northern/Eastern’s Ryan Almassian would even out the score at 1-1 late in the 2nd, but the third period would be when Jeffreys put away both the Hawks and the Huskies. Ott would dish the puck to Jeffreys, who then fired a snipe into the back of the net, giving FHC the 2-1 advantage that it would never lose.

“Lucas was an absolute beast,” coach McSween said. “The best part of his game was that he was able to produce offensively without sacrificing him being elite defensively.”

The 2-1 Rangers will now move on to another in-conference match-up at Muskegon Mona Shores Wednesday and a non-conference game versus Muskegon Reeths-Puffer at home Saturday.