ALPENA, Mich. - Greg Meuser’s goal 2:34 into overtime lifted the Traverse City Hounds to a 5-4 win over the Alpena Flyers Sunday afternoon at the Northern Lights Arena in both teams’ MWJHL regular-season finale.

Cole Cosbitt had tied the game for the Flyers with his goal at 12:03 of the third period.

"As the last regular-season game, we just tried to have fun with it," said Meuser. "(On his OT winner), the rebound popped out a little behind the net and I just shoved it back at the goalie trying to bank it off him and it actually worked."

Austin Flores tallied two goals and two assists for the Hounds (40-3-1-2), while Buddy Rose also had a four-point game with a goal and three assists.

"We played OK today," noted Traverse City head coach Jacek Wilk. "Team Puffball outplayed Team Porkchop and we ended up with the win."

Grant McCormack added the other Traverse City goal, Kevin Hansen collected two assists and goaltender Justin Abdelhak finished with 29 saves.

"To be honest, I really couldn't track the puck today, but I had great defense to help me out," Abdelhak said. "Just glad we finished the season with a win."

For the Flyers, Brett Farley, Garret Bailey and Reed Hamp also scored and Cosbitt added an assist for a multi-point game.

Mitchell Kazmierczak posted a pair of assists for Alpena and Connor Kassuba made 42 saves between the pipes.

Traverse City, by virtue of finishing first overall, has earned a bye for the best-of-three first round of the Veteran’s Memorial Cup playoffs that begin next Friday.

Alpena finishes in fifth place (18-22-3-3) and will travel to play the Detroit Fighting Irish at the Brownstown Sports Center next weekend.

Meuser photo/Rich Meuser