LAST SEASON: 12-5 overall, 10-1 in conference, tied for best record in O-K Rainbow Tier 3 conference, but lost championship to Jenison on a tie-breaking formula. Won first round regional game over Jenison, then lost to Forest Hills Northern in regional semifinals.
RETURNING PLAYERS: Seniors Jack Bahorski (faceoff/midfield), Owen Greiner (attack, midfield), Ian Wright (midfield), Gavin Wright (goalkeeper), Gage Bouwman (defense); junior Cohen Beck (attack).
TOP RETURNEES: Ian Wright is coming off an All-Conference season, Gavin Wright performed very well in goal last year, Greiner is expected to be the team's top offensive threat and Bouwman is the only returning defensive player who will play a big role on the back end.
PROMISING NEWCOMERS: Sophomore Braedon Monette is an attacker who is expected to be a scoring threat. Freshmen Hunter Adams also has the potential to provide offense while also being a strong defensive player.
REST OF THE ROSTER: : Ryan England, Trent Plummer, Corbin Nummerdor, Gerry Kinsella, Gabe Feirick, Rohan Moyer, Zack Kuerth, Blake Kiel, Austin Freed.
ROSTER BREAKDOWN BY CLASS: Six seniors, four juniors, four sophomores and three freshmen.
PRESEASON OUTLOOK: The Rockets had a great run last year, when they finished tied at the top of the conference standings and at one point reeled off nine straight wins. It was a big rebound season following a 4-12 campaign in 2023. This year R-P will be much less experienced after losing a huge group of seniors to graduation, including Kyler Brainard, who finished with more than 100 career goals and broke the team record for goals in a season. The six returning players have a lot of experience and definitely bring some skills, a few new guys could make big contributions right away, but overall it could be a learning and growing year for the Rockets.
THE OPPOSITION: R-P Coach Josh Robidoux says Jenison and Grand Haven will be very tough conference opponents this season. The Rockets will also have tough non-conference games against West Ottawa, Mona Shores, Spring Lake and Kenowa Hills.
FIRST GAMES: Wednesday at Kenowa Hills, Friday at home against Northview.
COACH COMMENTS: "I'm excited about how coachable, hard-working, and passionate this group of guys is! We have players willing to shift positions and fill in wherever they can, which is a testament to their willingness to put the team first. We have a lot of catching up to do in terms of experience playing at the varsity level, because of how young our team is compared to last year. With only six players that have seen this level of competition, coaching them up for the intensity and pace of play is crucial right now. We'll also have a much smaller roster than we had in previous years and tougher competition too, but these guys are up to the challenge." - Josh Robidoux