Wildcats secure third shutout victory

ALPENA — The Alpena Wildcats have done it again, earning their third shutout of the season Friday night against Grosse Pointe North. Last season the green and white only completed one shutout victory. The game started as a battle on defense in the first period, with Alpena senior Cooper Black saving 9 shots on goal. Then his teammates stepped up in the second.

Senior Forward Ian Scheiner shoots and scored, but officials waved off the goal. Next attempt, Charlie Halleck found Colby Plowman flying in to light the lamp taking the 1-0 lead.

“It’s probably that Thanksgiving dinner you know. It was slowing us down a bit,” said Plowman. “I think we were ready for the game after the first period. We picked it up a bit.”

Less than 30 seconds left in the second period, senior center Kyle VanDusen attacked the net, but the puck slipped off the stick. VanDusen passed down to Alex Cosbitt, back to VanDusen through the five-hole for the one timer. Alpena took the 2-0 lead and never looked back securing their third straight shutout win. The Wildcats are now (3-0) for the season.

“It’s something special. My team definitely helped me out,” said Black. “I think I only had 13 14 shots, so I mean that’s huge help.”

Head Coach Chris Limback knows the spark on offense starts with the defense.

“Keeping it simple, and again he’s (Cooper) just looking strong out there,” said Limback. “Anytime he plays like that we have a great shot to win.”

Up next, the Wildcats face Gabriel Richard Catholic at Northern Lights Arena on Saturday, November 24th at 11 a.m. The green and white will be looking for revenge after losing to them in 2017 2-1.

“I know they’ve got some real good players,” said Black. “It will be a good challenge.”