ALPENA - A hat trick by Nate Clisch was not enough Saturday as the Negaunee High School hockey team fell to Utica Stevenson, 8-7, in the Alpena Tournament title game.
The Miners (1-1) of head coach Eric Hill trailed 4-1 in the first period and fell prey to a three-goal outburst by Utica Stevenson in the third in the loss.
"We didn't give up all game," Hill said. "We're happy with the offensive effort, but defensively, there are some things we need to clean up."
He added the Miners had two goals waved off - one in the second period and another in the third - to what he said were "quick whistles."
Dustin Goupille added two goals and an assist for NHS. Teammate Alex Ledford chipped in a goal and a helper.
Dinoi Balsamo notched three goals and two assists for the winners.