Bryce Moe, Anthony Thompson, and Jonny Rensberry all were honored for their final season.

On senior night, the Wildcats (15-9, 7-2 BNC) hosted Petoskey and pulled away in the final two periods to take a 7-2 victory.

Not only did the win send the seniors off with a home-game win, but it also marked the Wildcats’ 900th goal in the program’s history.

“I obviously wasn’t the coach to start all of those wins or get the total to where it is now, but the opportunity to add to it as much as we have — and as much as we will continue to do — is pretty special,” Alpena coach Ben Henry said.

News Photo by Owen Kinzey Goalkeeper Jonny Rensberry readies to block a shot from Petoskey as the Alpena High School Wildcats hosted their final home game of the season on Friday at Northern Lights Arena.

Although Alpena entered the night hoping for an easy win, Petoskey took it to the Wildcats in the first period.

Senior goalie Rensberry began with a solid start in the goal, making a couple of saves early.

Suddenly, with 8:12 in the period, the Northmen capitalized on a power play chance in which Anderson Ward scored a goal unassisted.

Ward’s goal gave Petoskey a 1-0 lead, their first and only lead of the night.

Four minutes later, with 4:11 on the clock, the Wildcats struck back to tie the match.

A perfect pass into the slot from Lucas Weir set up a shot from Luke Miller.

The game remained tied for the rest of the period as Alpena went into the locker room looking to put more pressure on the Northmen.

While the pressure didn’t come immediately, the Wildcats still came out and played a much stronger period.

Alpena’s first goal chance came with 6:38 left, as Gavin Winterstein shot the puck right between the pipes.

The horn sounded, and it blared again less than a minute later.

That time, Winterstein passed the puck for the assist, and Weir was the one who buried the puck.

At that point, Alpena sustained a 3-1 lead, but, with 3:07 left, the Wildcats defense weakened, allowing a push-back goal from Petoskey.

Again, it was Ward, but it didn’t seem to matter in the slightest.

Twenty-seven seconds later, Miller achieved his second of the game, a precise retaliation to Ward’s goal.

Exiting the second period, Alpena controlled a 4-2 lead.

Henry seemed to preach even more pressure on Petoskey’s goal, as the Wildcats would soon pour it on.

Preston Schuldt and senior Moe scored back-to-back goals to put Alpena up 6-2.

After both goals occurred around the 10-minute mark, the puck was passed around until Garrett Hamp made a quick deke to score.

Hamp faked right and swiftly skated left for the score, manipulating the goalie into a complete misjudgment.

That play served as the dagger, ending the game in a 7-2 final.

“Tonight was a huge night for us as all three seniors were honored,” Henry said. “They’re great leaders. Their size is super helpful, and so is their energy. Their composure on the back end is huge for us, as well, but I’m glad we got to send them off with a home win.”

Alpena plays Traverse City West today.