The Ranger hockey team ended the season strongly last night, getting their revenge on the East Kentwood Falcons with a 4-2 win in Kentwood. Senior captain Charlie Brewer and sophomore Cole Beaufait continue to play outstanding night in and night out. Charlie had 2 goals and an assist, while Cole had a goal and played very hard all three periods. The last time the Rangers and the Falcons squared off, EK put in a late goal and defeated FHC at Patterson. The Rangers made sure that EK didn’t pull out another slim victory to end the regular season on a high note. This win is huge for a young FHC team going into playoffs starting Tuesday.

FHC had control in the first period, coming out strong and fast just like they have been the past couple of games. Even though the score was tied 0-0, the Rangers looked like the better team in the first. EK got a quick goal out of the gate in the second to take an early lead, but Charlie responded to tie the game at one just moments later. Later in the second, Cole put in a goal to take the lead 2-1 and end a very strong offensive second period for FHC. The Falcons came out hot again, putting in another goal to tie the game at 2 to set up an interesting third period. As soon as EK thought they had it in the bag, junior Josh Koets scored a huge goal, both for the Rangers and for him as he recently came back from an injury. The Rangers took the lead 3-2 and Josh’s goal is what secured the victory. Charlie had an empty-net goal with 5 seconds remaining and FHC picked up a big road victory over the Falcons 4-2.

The Rangers are back in action Tuesday night at Patterson at 7:30 against rival East Grand Rapids. The Pioneers lead the season series against FHC 2-0, but the Rangers have improved a lot since their last meeting with EGR. This is the biggest test for FHC yet, so the Rangers will look to come out fast against the Pioneers as they enter do-or-die gameplay.