Big third period carries GH hockey to victory

Grand Haven’s varsity hockey team exploded for four third-period goals in Wednesday’s 5-2 victory over Forest Hills Northern/Eastern.

The Buccaneers led 1-0 after two periods of play, thanks to Tom Zelenka’s second-period goal, assisted by Ian Hibbard.

Forest Hills tied the game early in the third, but Grand Haven responded as Jordan Klaassen scored back-to-back goals to make it 3-1 Buccaneers. Hibbard assisted on both of Klaassen’s goals, with Hayden Gerwig also assisting on the second.

Jacob Steggles then scored, assisted by Matt Nalley and James Dyksterhouse, to make it 4-1 Bucs.

Forest Hills snuck one past Grand Haven goalie Zach Kooi to make it 4-2, but Hibbard finished off the victory with a goal late in the third.

The victory was a key O-K Tier I win for Grand Haven, which improved to 2-3-1 in league play and 8-4-2 overall.

Kooi faced 27 shots, making 25 saves. The Bucs’ five goals came on just 20 shots.

Grand Haven  returns to action on Saturday in a non-conference clash with Clarkston at the Holland Edge Ice Arena.