Alpena drops Traverse City Wednesday

The Traverse City North Stars expended much energy in coming back from an early 4-0 deficit on Wednesday at Northern Lights Arena.

So much so that when Zach Hitch levied his second rapid-fire marker early in the third period, the visiting Stars lacked the resources to get over the proverbial hump down the stretch, falling 7-4 to Alpena.

After the IceDiggers had raced to a 4-0 first period lead a mere 12:36 into the contest, Traverse City forged a mini-rally, cutting the deficit to 4-2 at the 3:26 mark of the second stanza on goals from Nick Von Bokern and Mike Glaesmer. Matt Hughes and Joe Greener assisted on Von Bokern’s power-play effort just 2:55 into the period, while Von Bokern and Kory Kaunisto set up Glaesmer’s goal.

Alpena got a goal midway through the second, but the Stars opened the third with a pair of Hitch goals to make it a 5-4 affair with 14-plus minutes to play. That was when the IceDiggers pulled the plug on the visitors’ comeback.

Todd Rudasill scored twice and added an assist, Nolan Craner earned three assists, Zach Barron and Eric Roman each had a pair of assists and Ricardo Yesue, Drew Pierson, Taylor Doorlag, Justin Stadler and Carl Nielsen added single goals.

Mike Jarboe took the win in net with 25 saves, while Martin Iberer and Stefan Shively combined for 38 stops in the TC net.

Traverse City (13-24-5) plays host to the Team USA Under-17 squad this weekend at Centre ICE arena, with Friday and Saturday games facing off at 7 p.m. The IceDiggers (27-10-2) head to Marquette Friday night and host the same Rangers Saturday night.