Wildcats take another defeat from the Traverse City Central Trojans, losing 3-0
News Photo by Owen Kinzey The Wildcats gather in a huddle during Wednesday night’s game in Alpena against Traverse City Central. AHS lost 3-0 in the long-awaited rematch.
News Photo by Owen Kinzey Goalie Parker Schuldt and teammate Michael Kreis work together to defend any shots taken by the Trojans on Wednesday night in Alpena. The Wildcats unfortunately lost to TCC, 3-0.
News Photo by Owen Kinzey The Wildcats gather in a huddle during Wednesday night’s game in Alpena against Traverse City Central. AHS lost 3-0 in the long-awaited rematch.
News Photo by Owen Kinzey Goalie Parker Schuldt and teammate Michael Kreis work together to defend any shots taken by the Trojans on Wednesday night in Alpena. The Wildcats unfortunately lost to TCC, 3-0.
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ALPENA -- Finally, the long-awaited rematch returned to Alpena on Wednesday night.
The Alpena High Wildcats hockey team (11-9, 5-2 BNC) faced off against Traverse City Central, looking for revenge after getting dominated earlier in the season by the Trojans.
Despite the drive for redemption, Alpena suffered a 3-0 defeat.
"I think we played okay. We got outworked, we got outexecuted, and we got outperformed," Alpena assistant coach Cam Givens said. "We need to work on our puck support and effort, and then I'm sure we'll be right back in it against some of these tougher teams."
Alpena kicked off the game, accumulating early and potentially costly penalties.
Gavin Winterstein found himself in the box two times within the first half of the period.
While these power plays could've had a significant impact, neither side could seem to capitalize.
TCC eventually found a complete breakaway chance: one man with the puck and Parker Schuldt between the pipes.
However, an Alpena defender tripped the Trojan, allowing a wide-open penalty shot for Central.
This penalty shot was fired right above the goal, not requiring a save from Schuldt.
Conversely, five seconds before the first period expired, Garrett Hamp had a one-on-one opportunity with the Trojan's goalie.
Hamp's shot was on-point, but back-to-back spectacular saves on the shot and the rebound kept the game at 0-0 entering the second period.
Like the first period, the second started slow, with plenty of defense from both sides.
Only eight minutes were left in the period; neither team had a great chance to score.
At 8:01, Central got another exceptional opportunity, but once again, Schuldt proved his worth in the net.
Even though he had been outstanding in the net, just two minutes later, the Trojans slipped a shot just past him.
Zander Lorincz buried the puck with 6:43 left in the second to give Central the first lead of the night.
The pressure got to the Wildcats once again just before the end of the period.
With 1:50 on the clock, another Trojan lit the lamp, again coming from Lorincz on an assist from Collin Benedict.
That shot extended the lead to 2-0 before the start of the third.
As soon as the final period began, things began to get even more chippy between the two teams.
Although there was heavy contact, the refs let the game go on, where, ultimately, Alpena had a chance to bring the game within one.
The Wildcats were assigned a penalty shot, where Hamp had the game in his hands.
Central again blocked Hamp's shot, as the Trojans maintained the 2-0 lead.
Around 2:36 left in regulation, the Trojans put the dagger into the Wildcats.
This time, Cole Herzberg knocked in the puck unassisted, leading TCC past the Wildcats by a 3-0 final.
"We know our next game is going to be gritty, and we're going to have to bring the intensity," Coach Givens said. "I think, as a team, we're in a good spot, but those few things that went wrong tonight must be fixed before our next game."
Alpena plays at Cadillac tomorrow.