TRAVERSE CITY, MI - Three third period goals broke open a tied hockey game as Alpena defeated Mona Shores, 5-3, in the Rick Deneweth North/South Showcase at Centere Ice.  After both teams skated to a scoreless opening period, the Wildcats got on the board early when Anden Marceau intercepted a pass in the neutral zone.  Marceau then fired the puck into the Sailor zone which somehow found its way into the back of the net for a 1-0 Alpena lead.  Cayden Mollema tied the game a few minutes later when he broke in alone on Jimmy Bolanowski.  Jaden Marchlowski gave Alpena the lead again, this time on the power play with assists from Blaise Keller and Evan Kraenzlein.  The Sailors again responded to tie the game after a scramble in front of the net resulted in a rebound goal late in the period.

Alpena would take control of the game in the third period thanks to three goals.  Tanner Orban's hard skating all night was finally rewarded when he scored early in the 3rd Period to Alpena the lead for good.  Brett Ciupka added insurance to the Wildcat lead when he found the back of the net with 13:05 remaining in the game.  Mona Shores would climb back into the game when Trent Benedict popped home a rebound with 1:47 remaining in the game.  Marceau would put the game on ice when he fired a loose puck from the Wildcat zone into the open net to seal the 5-3 victory.  Jimmy Bolanowski finished the night with 29 saves.

Alpena (3-9-2) take on Kinsford Friday 4pm on day two of the Rick Deneweth North/South Showcase.