Warhounds Take Preseason Opener with 9–3 Win Over 45ers

GAYLORD, Mich. — The Northern Michigan Warhounds opened their preseason Saturday with a 9–3 win over the Alpena 45ers at the Otsego County Sportsplex, giving fans an early look at a lineup of new and returning players ahead of the MIHL regular season.

Cody Bourdeau scored four goals to lead Northern Michigan. Cameron Pfeiffer and Cooper Schroder added two apiece, while Matthew Heim scored on the power play.

The Warhounds built a 4–1 lead in the first period behind two goals from Bourdeau and one each from Pfeiffer and Heim. Schroder scored twice in the second, and Bourdeau completed his hat trick to make it 7–2. Pfeiffer and Bourdeau added third-period goals to close out the 9–3 result.

Goaltenders Andy Peck and Dominik Benvenuti split time in net as Northern Michigan used the preseason matchup to build chemistry before league play.

For Warhounds owner Megan Hacker, the energy inside the Sportsplex was as memorable as the score.

“The Otsego County Sportsplex was electric tonight. You could feel how excited everyone was to have hockey back in Gaylord,” Hacker said. “The team looked strong. We still have work to do and chemistry to build, but we have a great foundation.

“It was especially exciting to welcome new fans tonight. Several told us they plan to come back, and that means a lot. We’ve always wanted Warhounds hockey to be something fun that brings this community together. Seeing the support from Gaylord and the surrounding areas tells us we’re building something special.

“Thank you to everyone who came out and made so much noise. We can’t wait to hear that goal horn and our song again. And I have to recognize our volunteers. Putting on a game takes an incredible amount of work, and we couldn’t create nights like this without their time and effort.”

Northern Michigan returns to the Sportsplex on Saturday, October 10, to host the Muskegon Voyagers in its regular season home opener. Doors open at 5 p.m., and puck drop is at 6 p.m.