Warhounds Fall 5-3 in Home Opener

đŸș Warhounds Battle Hard in Home Opener, Fall 5–3 to Sentinels

Gaylord, MI — October 25, 2025

The Northern Michigan Warhounds officially opened their inaugural APHL season Friday night at the Otsego County Sportsplex, hosting one of the league’s top programs — the West Michigan Sentinels. In front of an energized home crowd, the Warhounds showed grit, speed, and potential in a 5–3 loss that marked an encouraging start to the 2025–26 campaign.

West Michigan opened the scoring early in the first period when #8 Brandon Bihn struck with assists from #13 Ryan Morse and #77 Hunter Ellens. The Warhounds quickly answered, as #27 Sam Barnitz made history by netting the first goal in Warhounds franchise history, assisted by #10 Caden Wurzbacher.

The Sentinels regained the lead in the final seconds of the period with a power play goal from #91 Josh Elwood, taking a 2–1 advantage into the intermission.

Northern Michigan continued to battle in the second period. #8 Ryan Caiola tied the game at 2–2 off helpers from #46 Brian Hannafin and #10 Wurzbacher, before the Sentinels responded with goals from #13 Ryan Morse, #11 Quentin Roseboom, and #8 Bihn to pull ahead 5–3. The Warhounds’ #18 Jaden Bull, assisted by #17 Roberto Matias, added another tally for Northern Michigan, keeping the game within reach heading into the third.

The final period saw strong pressure from the Warhounds, but the Sentinels’ defense held firm to preserve the 5–3 result.

Though the scoreboard didn’t reflect it, the Warhounds’ debut showed flashes of promise — and the early signs of a team beginning to find its rhythm.

“We’re proud of how far this team has come in a short time,” said Warhounds ownership. “This season is about development, teamwork, and putting all the right pieces together to build a roster that can compete with anyone in this league.”

The Warhounds will look to build on their performance as they travel across the border to Ridgetown, Ontario, Canada on Saturday, November 1st, to take on the Ridgetown Royals. Puck drop is scheduled for 5:00 PM.