Despite a solid showing from goalie Graham Payne and a high-intensity offense, the 45ers — Alpena’s new semipro hockey team — couldn’t overcome early penalties and key goals by Muskegon.

The game began with the 45ers taking two penalties in the first period, including a cross-checking penalty on Tyler Thirlby and an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty on Roddy Person. The penalties created an early advantage for Muskegon, with Andrew Taylor scoring the Voyagers’ first goal, assisted by Isaiah Huempfner, with 10 minutes left in the first period.

Muskegon struck again with 46 seconds remaining in the first period as Taylor scored his second goal, pushing the Voyagers’ lead to 2-0.

45ers head coach Myles Grix reflected on the team’s start, saying, “We had our chances on offense, but just didn’t get the bounces we needed. I think the guys had a lot of jitters with it being such a special night.”

News Photo by Leslianne Johns Alpena 45ers player Cam Fisher fights for the puck against a Muskegon player during the 45ers’ season opener on Saturday at Northern Lights arena.

The second period saw continued challenges for Alpena.

Six minutes into the period, Muskegon’s Nick Fuller scored, widening the lead to 3-0. However, the 45ers quickly responded, with Nathan Albrecht scoring the 45ers’ first goal of the season, assisted by Mike Thompson.

The 45ers’ breakthrough showed promise, though Muskegon’s defense held steady.

The 45ers then took another penalty as Cam Fisher was sent off, adding to the team’s mounting penalty count.

Grix acknowledged the timing issues that hindered the 45ers’ progress.

News Photo by Leslianne Johns Alpena 45ers player Nathan Albrecht celebrates the 45ers’ first goal of the season during the team’s opener against Muskegon on Saturday at Northern Lights Arena.

“Our coaching staff has to be better at time management and knowing who’s on the ice,” he said. “We gave up too many goals at bad times that completely switched our momentum.”

As the third period began, Muskegon secured its fourth and final goal, with Huempfner scoring with 14 minutes left.

The 45ers continued to press forward, but Muskegon’s defense held, leading to a 4-1 final score.

Payne, the 45ers’ goalie, recorded several close saves throughout the game, helping to limit the Voyagers’ scoring opportunities.

Despite the loss, Grix highlighted a few key takeaways.

News Photo by Leslianne Johns The Alpena 45ers celebrate after Nathan Albrecht scores the 45ers’ first goal of the season during the teams’ opener against Muskegon on Saturday at Northern Lights Arena.

“The biggest positive from game one is Gibby (Elijah Gibbons),” Grix said. “He stood on his head for us. We had a great crowd last night, and I can’t speak for the team, but I’m embarrassed with our performance. I know we’re a better hockey team than we showed, and we plan to work harder to show this town and all our fans we are here to win.”

The Alpena 45ers travel to Detroit to face off against the Detroit Warhawks on Saturday.