News Photo by Leslianne Johns Alpena’s Gavin Winterstein and Garrett Hamp attempt to score against St. Edward on Friday at Northern Lights Arena on Friday. The Wildcats lost 5-1.

ALPENA — The Alpena Wildcats hockey team faced St. Edward (Ohio) during the Blue Line Showcase at Northern Lights Arena on Friday, resulting in a 5-1 loss for AHS.

The opening period began with a measured approach from both teams as they tested each other’s strategies. However, the final four minutes of the first period saw St. Edward seize control.

Carter Smith scored with 4:22 left, followed by a goal from Andrew Feran just over a minute later.

Carson Merryweather added a power-play goal, leaving Alpena trailing 3-0 at the first intermission.

The Wildcats generated several scoring opportunities and had power-play chances in the second period but were unable to capitalize.

St. Edward held its three-goal advantage through the period.

Alpena showed urgency at the start of the third, cutting into the deficit when Gavin Winterstein intercepted a pass and scored just 12 seconds into the period.

However, St. Edward quickly regained its three-goal lead less than 30 seconds later with a long shot that found the net. The visitors added a fifth goal late in the period to secure the win.

Head coach Ben Henry noted areas for improvement after the game, highlighting the need for adjustments to the power-play unit and increased scoring efficiency.

He emphasized the importance of simplifying the power play to make it more effective and stressed the team’s need to improve defensive coverage and capitalize on high-pressure situations around the net.