Alpena hockey is looking to make its home rink, Northern Lights Arena, a destination spot for top Michigan high school hockey action this season. The Wildcats will welcome top teams from around the state — as well as Ohio — in November and December, drawing programs like East Grand Rapids, Mattawan and No. 1-ranked Detroit Catholic Central, as well as Top-10 ranked St. Edward’s (OH).

The first event, the Early Bird Showcase, runs Nov. 21-22th and will feature six programs kicking off their seasons. Alpena will take the ice alongside Bay Reps, Romeo, St. Clair Shores Unified, Sparta and Saginaw Heritage. The two-day event provides each team with a pair of games.

One week later, the Thanksgiving Showcase will bring even more action to The Boom Town. Ten teams are scheduled to participate, including the aforementioned EGR and Mattawan, as well as Cap City, Kalamazoo United, Grosse Pointe South, FNV Griffins, Caledonia, Chippewa Valley United and reigning Division-I state champion, Detroit Catholic Central.

Alpena’s slate of showcases concludes with the Christmas Showcase, just hours after unwrapping presents. This six-team field includes out-of-state programs like St. Edward’s and St. John’s from Ohio, as well as the Tri-Valley Thunder, Utica Eisenhower, Escanaba and Alpena. That action will take place Dec. 26-27th.