Michigan High School Hockey’s largest league in terms of members, the OK Conference is made up of 18 teams across three different divisions. Not only is there a large number of teams, but an incredible amount of parity between the top, middle and bottom.
The three divisions — Fischer, Baum and Rue — are structured similar to that of soccer in Europe. Based on season-end standings, top teams in lower divisions are ‘promoted’ while bottom teams in upper divisions are ‘relegated.’ That format splits the top 12 programs into two divisions: Rue and Baum. The remaining six compete in the Fischer Division. Win the Fischer Division and get promoted to the O-Show. Finish last amongst the big boys, and drop down to the Fischer. This makes for highly competitive league-play across the board for all teams involved.
For the upcoming season, Hudsonville earned itself a promotion to the Rue after going 10-3-0 in Fischer Division action in ‘22-23. West Ottawa, on the other hand, was relegated for the first time since ‘17-18.