The first period saw Alpena strike first with 1:16 left on the clock. Ethan Walker found the back of the net, assisted by Gavin Winterstein, giving Alpena a 1-0 lead at the first intermission.

Despite an offensive push from Saginaw Heritage, the Wildcats’ defense held firm, keeping the Hawks scoreless in the first.

The second period saw a shift in momentum as Saginaw Heritage capitalized on a penalty situation for Alpena.

With the Wildcats down two players, a Heritage player scored at the six-minute mark to tie the game at 1-1.

News Photo by Leslianne Johns Garrett Hamp prepares to skate through the opposing players on Friday during Alpena’s hockey game against Saginaw Heritage in Alpena.

As the period neared its end, Alpena responded with a goal of their own.

Clark Weir found the net for the Wildcats with just 38 seconds remaining, assisted by Brody Misiak, putting Alpena ahead 2-1.

The third period began with a quick strike from Alpena. Preston Schuldt scored less than a minute into the period, assisted by Walker, extending the Wildcats’ lead to 3-1.

Three minutes later, Winterstein added to the advantage, scoring to put Alpena up 4-1.

The Wildcat defense helped keep the Hawks scoreless that period to secure the win.

News Photo by Leslianne Johns Jackson Birmingham skates around the net to receive the puck trailed by players from Saginaw Heritage on Friday in Alpena. The Wildcats defeated the Hawks, 4-1.

Head coach Ben Henry emphasized the importance of quick puck movement and strong defensive play.

“We just kept it simple, moving the puck fast,” Henry said. “In our zone, we worked hard to keep the puck out of the net.”

Regarding morale during the game, Henry pointed to the team’s speed and intensity as key factors in their success.

“We’re a fast team, and we have a lot of speed up front,” Henry said. “Our defense plays simply, and when they move the puck quickly, it gets back to our forwards, who play with so much intensity that it’s hard for other teams to keep up.”