Talent Keeps Shining In West Mich.

KENTWOOD, Mich. (WZZM) - This is the time of year when just about every sport is in full throttle, and it's a very exciting time that gives our sports department plenty to talk about.

So with that in mind, let's run through a few players, coaches and area teams that are making fans stand-up and take notice.

Let's start with Grand Rapids Griffins sensation Justin Abdelkader, who has made a splash playing for the Griffs so far this season. The Muskegon, Mich., native has been named the Reebok Edge/American Hockey League Rookie of the Month for October.

The Mona Shores and Michigan State hockey product racked up a team-high seven goals and two assists in just seven games. Abdelkader also tied for the AHL rookie lead in goals and points for the month of October and recorded his first AHL goal against Lake Erie.

Abdelkader grabbed his first professional hat trick against Norfolk. And I will say that Abdelkader is a heck of a fighter as I saw him drop his gloves in the Griffins home opener at Van Andel Arena. Abdelkader is a rising star who I've had the pleasure of interviewing on two occasions.

Abdelkader made his debut with the Detroit Red Wings in their Presidents' Trophy-clinching contest, and then remained with the club throughout its run to the Stanley Cup championship.

Congratulations go out to the Calvin men's soccer team, who blanked Adrian 3-0 on Wednesday, Nov. 5 to clinch its second straight outright MIAA championship and was coach Chris Hughes' 100th victory. Hughes and the Knights earned a bid to the NCAA III Tournament.

The Knights will receive their MIAA championship trophy Saturday, Nov. 8 at Zuidema Field.

The Calvin men's and women's cross-country teams are seeing their hard work pay off as both wrapped up their championship runs on Saturday, Nov. 1. Both programs ran away with league titles at the MIAA Championships.

The Calvin men's cross country team has now captured at least a share of the MIAA title 22 straight years, which ranks as the second-longest active championship streak in MIAA history.

We can't forget about the Grand Valley State women's soccer team who defeated Ferris State 3-0 on Sunday en route to a another perfect regular season. GVSU (19-0, 14-0 GLIAC) returns to action on Friday, Nov. 7 in the second round of the GLIAC Tournament.

The finals get going on Sunday, Nov. 9 in Allendale, Mich. The Lakers have been ranked No. 1 in the NSCAA/Adidas national poll for the majority of the past two seasons.

The Hope men's soccer team fought it out to an undefeated regular season on its home field by defeating Albion 4-0 on Wednesday, Nov. 5.

The regular season comes to an end Saturday. Nov. 8 at Alma. The Flying Dutchmen will await the announcement of the NCAA Division III tournament field on Monday, Nov. 10