Expectations for Jenison Hockey this upcoming Fall
October 6, 2022
After finishing 15-11-1 last season, the Jenison hockey team has even greater expectations. Making it to the semi-finals of regionals last year, the 2022 team this year is aiming even higher.
They are a young group still who is bringing back a lot of talent from last year.
Players
Senior Co-Captain Cole Williams said a goal of this year was, “To beat hudsy, and to win regionals for Jenison’s first time.” He believes that the conference we are in will get us ready to battle come march when regionals start. Would be the first time Jenison hockey has ever won the regionals and what other way than to go out with a bang. Also, he wants to beat Hudsonville one last time. “Beating your rival school is one of the best feelings.” Cole has around 12 trophies from hockey. But his biggest would be knowing he was on the 2022 team that gets hung up in the rink and in the school gym.
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“To beat hudsy, and to win regionals for Jenison’s first time.”
— Cole Williams
Third-year player Owen Ballor, also a senior says he loves the game and can’t wait for it to start. When I asked him if he enjoys the game, he had this to say, “Yes I enjoy it, every part of it.” Owen loves to be the enforcer and play the body and that’s gotta be his favorite part. But even on the bad days he still likes the game. Nothing will beat the family bond we have with each other. Everyone enjoys winning and the big moments. But you also need to enjoy the process and work to be a successful team. Owen has been playing for several years now and expressed his journey. Starting at Griff’s youth to now Jenison that nothing will top the Jenison team.
Hayden Blik, a third-year player said “From my first coach, Bruce George to know Coach Jack Williams I have learned so much in that time. Playing for now 13 years all my coaches had taught me so many little things, how to be a good person and to love the game.” Without working hard you can never get to your best. But determination and playing through adversity can you seek your ceiling. Blik has shown that year in and year out now and he can’t wait to be back wearing the green sweaters again.
Excited and Ready
From the seniors leading the team for one last ride to the upcoming freshman and sophomores. This winter is going to be something Coach Jack has wanted for a long time. To be able to win regionals would mean so much to him. The work he puts into the program and the love he has for the kids. Winning the summer rooster showcase was one of the biggest smiles I have ever seen on his face. He said after the game, “We usually come here for 4 straight years and go 0-3 or 1-2. And for us to slip into the semis and show up and play Mona. Come back a couple of hours later and beat Portage in OT, you don’t understand how proud I am for you guys.” The Jenison hockey team is ready for their season to get underway with big shoes to fill in from last year.
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“Yes I enjoy it, every part of it.”
— Owen Ballor