Veteran Alpena group ready for another run at the Big North, state hardware
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ALPENA - The Alpena Wildcats return 17 players, including 10 seniors, as they look to build on last year's 21-7 record and second Big North Conference title in three seasons while chasing a deeper playoff run.
Head Coach Ben Henry said the core of the roster has been together for several years, which should help chemistry as the team replaces the scoring production of graduated seniors Clark Weir and Gavin Winterstein.
"We want to continue our success in the Big North and have an opportunity to win the conference championship," Henry said. "The goal-scoring aspect of things is going to change, losing Weir and Winterstein. It's a lot of scoring to make up for, but I have faith in the group we have this year."
"We can't rely on one or two guys to take over that many points," Henry added.
Henry highlighted team speed as a major asset this season and said the group is older and more experienced overall. Defensively, nearly the entire unit returns, with only freshman Travis Anderson joining the group. Ethan Walker, a senior, will wear the captain's "C."
"Ethan Walker, he's going to have the C on his chest this year. He is our captain. He's a great leader, a great kid, and he competes at a high level," Henry said. "One of the best defensemen, in my opinion, in the state of Michigan. An amazing athlete."
Other returning defensemen include Nolan Parris, Karsen Liske, Cole Deschamps, Vernon Klein, and Jacob Krey. Henry noted that the group has solid size, with most returning players standing over 6 feet.
Offensively, most lines remain largely intact from last season, with limited turnover. Newcomers include freshman forward Nick LaCross, sophomore forward Rylan McConnell, freshman goaltender Jacob Romel, and senior transfer goaltender Andrew Achilles.
Team goals remain consistent: win the Big North, capture a regional title, and advance to the Final Four in Plymouth. Henry said individual goals focus on development for underclassmen and helping the large senior class move on to the next level, whether that is college hockey or simply college.
"We always set goals as a team," Henry said. "Our in-team goals are obviously to win the Big North, to win regionals, and to get down to Plymouth. We have a lot of, like I said, we have 10 seniors, so obviously my number one goal is to get those 10 seniors a new home next year as long as they want to continue their path in hockey or further in college."
Early schedule tests include a season-opening matchup against a loaded Cranbrook team next week, followed by the Traverse City Bear Reps. The Wildcats then open Big North play at Petoskey. Home showcases feature Lake Orion, Grandville, Saginaw Heritage, and two private schools from Ohio.
Senior Forward Joe LaCross, who moved to Alpena from the Milwaukee area in first grade, said it feels great to be back with friends for his final season.
"I'm just looking forward to playing hockey, really. It's the last year I got to go out with my boys, and I think we're going to be pretty good this year," LaCross said. "Just to make it all the way. We got a good set of guys. It'd be great to make it all the way for the last season."
LaCross spent the summer working on stickhandling, shooting, and strength training and is open to playing college hockey.
Sophomore Forward Beckham Winterstein is eager for the season after skating with teammates over the summer. He focused on edge work and one-timers, particularly for the power play.
"Just win. Last year in the playoffs, obviously we had a great team, but we just didn't make it far," Winterstein said. "Obviously hoping to go farther, make it to the Final Four, make it to the finals, and then just do what I need to do -- score goals and get assists and just win all the games."
Senior Forward Brody Misiak said last year's abbreviated postseason makes this campaign feel more significant.
"Last season was cut a little short, so this one means a little more to us. Last year here, looking for one last ride," Misiak said. "Our goals are set pretty high. The last couple years we've done pretty well, so we're looking to repeat that one more time."
Misiak emphasized improving his speed and agility and hopes to help lead the team toward a state championship. He described Alpena hockey as "brotherhood" and "classy, looking to win."
Captain Ethan Walker, a senior defenseman who also plays baseball, said the reunion of the full team after other sports seasons felt special.
"It's amazing. Like, everybody else had other sports they were playing, and now it's everybody together," Walker said. "I've been with this team for four years now. We're all so close. Everybody also says we are like a family, but we're tighter than a family. We're always hanging out."
Walker worked extensively on his shot after recording seven goals last season and has set a personal target of 50 points. Team goals remain the Final Four and a state title.
"One goal I have is, obviously, to go to the Final Four, win the state championship, but I'm hoping to hit 50 points this year as a defenseman," Walker said.
Henry said the early schedule will provide immediate measuring sticks against strong competition, and he expects the experienced group to compete while continuing to develop depth and defensive structure.
Josh Jambor can be reached at jjambor@thealpenanews.com.