Last week, the Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) approved the co-op of Grand Rapids Christian and Kenowa Hills for the upcoming season. That expands the Eagles’ current co-op to now include players from as many as seven different schools (Grand Rapids Christian, Cedar Springs, Tr-Unity Christian and Kenowa Hills).

Kenowa Hills dropped out of the OK Conference ahead of last season, opting for independent status. However, this recent move would bring players from the school back into conference action for the 2025-26 season.

The Eagles were already set to return young prospects like Cash Laufer, Drew Bierlein and Oliver Anes. Laufer, in particular, scored eight goals and 22 points in 26 games as a sophomore. But after graduating seven seniors, including starting goalie Brayden Melinn and top scorers Josh Hooper, Brody Baysore and Cam Laufer, GRC’s lineup presents plenty of opportunity for new faces to step up this winter.

Three of Kenowa Hills’ top four scorers from a season ago were underclassmen, including junior Jayden Rockwell and sophomore Theo Partridge. They combined to produce 18 goals and 39 points. Four-year senior Harrison Smith also provides some flexibility and experience, having played forward and defense over his 76-game career. Smith scored 16 goals and 30 points as a junior for the Knights last season.

Grand Rapids Christian finished seventh in the OKC Rue Division last season, and lost to East Grand Rapids 5-0 in the Division-III regional final. Even after co-opping with Kenowa HIlls, the program still remains in Division-III for the state playoffs.