Wildcats Celebrate Senior Night While Aiming for 900th Win in Home Finale

ALPENA, MI – The high school hockey season has quickly flown by. The Wildcats host Petoskey and will honor their three seniors as they take the ice at Northern Lights Arena one last time in their home finale.

It may not seem that long ago, but there’s a certain feeling of excitement that surrounds a young player when they make the varsity roster. Yet, the memories pass by in what feels like the blink of an eye. Now those players are seniors, and they’re about to lace their skates while putting on those Alpena jerseys one final time. “Probably just the atmosphere like all the fans,” said forward Bryce Moe about favorite memory. “Probably the locker room with everyone.”

Through all of the ups and downs of their hockey careers, the seniors look back on their time as Wildcats with nothing but positivity. Between long road trips, overnight stays and hanging out in the locker room… Some special moments stand out more than others. “When we beat Marquette last year,” said goaltender Jonathon Rensberry. “It was a pretty beautiful moment.”

The three seniors leave behind a legacy to 14 underclassmen. They’ve spent all year leading the next generation with a common goal to turn those kittens into cats. “They’re very young so we’re just trying to help them,” said right wing Anthony Thompson. “Like stepping them towards the right path.”

Aside from it being the home finale, Alpena can end Senior Night on an even higher note. The team has the chance to celebrate their 900th win in program history in front of a home crowd. “To be a part of the 900th win as the head coach would be an awesome experience,” said Head Coach Ben Henry. “It would be cool for our town and it’s a hockey town in my opinion.” Heading into playoffs next week with 900 wins under their belts would be a momentum builder. “I think we’re ready to go,” said Henry. “We’re going to surprise some people in playoffs this year.”