On March 5th, 2016 Grand Rapids Catholic Central’s Will Kortz scored in Triple Overtime to beat Forest Hills Central in the Regional Final. The next day the Rangers players were back in the weight room preparing for tonight. Fast forward to March 2nd, 2017 and the two teams met yet again in another instant classic playoff battle.

Forest Hills Central would get on the board for the only goal of the 1st period as Zak Currie would beat Cougar netminder Jacob McClelland after being set up by Jack Bowling and Mackey Withey. Shots after the 1st period favored the Rangers 15-3.

Catholic Central would battle back and tie the score as Will Kortz blasted a shot from the point that beat Drake Deering glove side. Danny Nelson had the lone assist on the goal. 6-minutes later the Rangers would reclaim the lead as Jack Bowling would score after being set up by Zak Currie and Nicko Withey on the Power Play. Just like last years back and forth battle the Cougars would not go away as Danny Nelson would score a Power Play goal with an assist going to Jack Pendery tying the score at 2-apiece after 2 periods.

Danny Nelson would give the Cougars their first lead of the night early in the 3rd period as he scored an un-assisted goal putting the Cougars ahead 3-2. The Rangers continued their pressure in the Cougar zone as Zak Currie would knock home a rebound after a Nick Sarjeant shot from the point once again tying the score at 3-apiece. Both goalies would make big saves throughout the 3rd period with the Rangers out shooting the Cougars 42-18 heading into overtime.

3 minutes and 38 seconds into Overtime Charlie Brewer would take a pass from Zak Currie and fire a low shot that would beat the Cougar netminder sending the Ranger team and Community into a frenzy and a trip to the Regional Finals for a 3rd straight year.

The Rangers take on Jackson Lumen Christi at Southside Ice Arena Saturday night at 7:00 PM.