Manistique senior Alex Noble earns a save against Big Rapids on Jan. 6, 2024 at Little Bear West Arena in Manistique.

MANISTIQUE — Alex Noble’s 32 save shutout led the way for Manistique hockey in a 1-0 victory over Big Rapids on Saturday at Little Bear West Arena.

Big Rapids came up empty on eight power-play opportunities as Noble held strong throughout for the Emeralds.

“My guys on the penalty kill unit did awesome tonight,” Noble said. “The game was called really tough. We had to just keep giving everything we had to get the win.”

With 11:21 to go in the first period, Emeralds’ junior Dawson Bosanic was hit with a tripping penalty. Only 11 seconds into the Cardinals power play opportunity, Emeralds junior Carter Deatsman got the unassisted short-handed goal.

“It was great to get it in,” Deatsman said. “Alex was the guy for us tonight. His play in the goal was huge for us today.”

Emeralds’ senior Austin Hinkson was hit with a tripping penalty with 4:35 to play in the first period.

With 14:56 to go in the second period Emeralds’ senior Carsyn Hinkson fired a shot on goal that was saved by Cardinals goalie Ari Ziska. Deatsman was hit with the fourth Emeralds’ penalty with 12:54 to go in the second period.

“It was an interesting game,” Emeralds assistant coach Ben Rahilly said. “Alex was our rock between the pipes tonight. He had huge saves in really tough situations tonight.”

Late in the second period, Austin Hinkson got the puck on a breakaway and fired a shot that was turned away by Ziska. Austin Hinkson then get another shot at the goal but saw the one-timer go just wide.

Carsyn Hinkson and Gavin Nutkins were called for a double penalty with 13:28 to go in the third period. Frustrations came out at that time as Emeralds’ coach John Nutkins was ejected from the game.

Austin Hinkson was called for an interference penalty with 8:35 to go in the third period. Big Rapids again came up empty on the power play. Big Rapids would get one more power play opportunity with 2:36 left in the game Emeralds’ senior Carsyn Hinkson was called for tripping. The Cardinals got three shots on goal in the final opportunity but were unsuccessful.

The Emeralds return to the ice on Tuesday as they travel to Escanaba where the puck drops at 7 p.m.