TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. – For the third straight season, the Traverse City Hounds have clinched first overall in the MWJHL standings.

Friday night, the Hounds defeated the Decatur Blaze 4-2 at Centre ICE to run their season record to 34-1-1-1.

Greg Meuser scored two goals, while Buddy Rose and Jacob Gillis each added a goal and an assist for Traverse City, who has now earned a first-round bye in the Veteran's Memorial Cup Playoffs.

“It feels pretty good,” said Meuser (pictured). “Some weight is now lifted off our shoulders, but just because we clinched first doesn't mean we can slack off. For the rest of the weekend, we have to keep playing our game and we will stay focused.”

“We played well and we need to come out and play the same game tomorrow,” Gillis added. “Clinching first place was a nice bonus to today's game, but we still have two more to focus on this weekend.”

Hounds’ goaltender David Krejcik made 22 saves and also contributed two assists in the win.

“It was a great team effort tonight and we played well – the passing game was good,” said Hounds’ head coach Jacek Wilk. “It's great for us to clinch this early. The rest of the year, we will try to work on different systems to be ready for the playoffs and this will keep us focused on the rest of the season.”

Dylan Farmer posted a goal and an assist for the Blaze and Nathan Zoellner scored the other goal as Matt Hatcher finished with 43 saves between the pipes.

The two teams meet again Saturday night at 7 p.m.

“Clinching the top spot and home-ice advantage in the playoffs is obviously one more step towards our goal,” said Traverse City forward Cam Givens. “We played well tonight, but the key is playing consistent going into playoffs.”

Photo/Rich Meuser