GRAND RAPIDS, Michigan- The schedule to start the season wasn't an easy one for the 2025-26 Bird Dogs hockey team, but it's only made them better and more motivated. It's also left them hungry for a win. The Capital City Capitals based out of DeWitt entered the game with a 6-1 overall record; another tough matchup for FHNE hockey. Capital City scored the game's first goal in the 2nd period, followed by a Justin Halverson power play goal scored for the Bird Dogs to tie it at 1-1. Nolan Geno would score the next goal for FHNE to take the lead, and Graham Verker would score an empty net goal from the opposite end of the ice to secure the victory for the Bird Dogs. Forest Hills Northern Eastern will play Traverse City St. Francis on Saturday at 3pm in the West Michigan Showcase.