Courtesy photo The Alpena Junior Wildcats’ peewee team poses for a photo after securing the Little Caesars Amateur Hockey League Smythe League Championship on Sunday. In the back row from left to right are: Chandler Parker, Nolan Frantz, Head Coach Matt Frantz, Reid Cousineau, TJ Lappan, Finn Bauer Carlson, Asst. Coach Chris Carlson, Henry Burns, Asst. Coach Zac Rousseau, Jackson Beaudoin, Reed Lappan In the front row from left to right are: JJ Ford, Cruz Rousseau, Brantley Ross, Preston Curley, Jaxon Laidlaw, Maccallister Quick, Wyatt Compeau, Gavin Kennedy

TRENTON — The Alpena Junior Wildcats’ peewee team delivered a weekend to remember by finishing its season in dominant fashion and securing the Little Caesars Amateur Hockey League (LCAHL) Smythe League Championship on Sunday.

Riding an incredible 13 game win streak to close the season, the Wildcats showcased resilience and teamwork that has defined the program all year.

The championship weekend began Friday with a strong performance against Jimmy John’s, where Alpena controlled the pace of play and earned a decisive victory to advance.

The momentum carried into Saturday’s semifinal matchup against longtime rival Traverse City North Stars at Kennedy Recreation Center, a game that would test the Wildcats’ determination.

Trailing 2-4 late in the game, Alpena refused to back down. With the stands echoing the familiar “A-L-P-E-N-A” cheer, the Wildcats mounted a remarkable comeback fueled by crisp passing, relentless forechecking, and a complete team effort.

An offensive surge helped to tie the game and force overtime, where Alpena delivered a dramatic 5-4 overtime victory and punched its ticket to the championship game.

Head Coach Matt Frantz talked about his team’s growth throughout the season.

“This group really came together at the end of the season. They trusted each other, moved the puck well, and started playing the kind of team hockey that makes everyone better,” Frantz. ” I’m incredibly proud of the way they supported each other and competed. All the coaches who work with these players knew this level of hockey was possible and it was great to see them capitalize and perform. These are great young athletes, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for them.”

That chemistry was on full display Sunday in the championship matchup against Trenton, a game played on Trenton’s home ice.

Alpena came out fast, aggressive, and focused from the opening puck drop. The Wildcats dominated every zone of the ice, delivering a stellar performance that resulted in a 7-0 shutout victory, sealing the league title.

The championship capped a remarkable season for the Wildcats, which built an impressive resume that included championship titles at the Great Lakes Winter Classic in Holland, the Skyline Cup Tournament in Chicago, and ultimately the LCAHL Smythe League Championship.

The team’s success earned the team a special honor as well.

The team will travel to Comerica Park for Champions Weekend, where they will be recognized on the field during the Detroit Tigers game on April 12, alongside other championship youth teams from across the state.

Closer to home, their accomplishment will also be permanently celebrated with the league championship banner that will soon hang from the rafters at the Northern Lights Arena.

For the team, the banner represents more than wins and trophies–it reflects the dedication of young athletes, coaches, families, and volunteers who continue to grow the game of hockey in Northern Michigan.

“This team played for each other every single shift,” he said. ” Watching them battle, believe, and finish the season the way they did is something we’ll all remember for a long time.”