Escanaba senior Culley Hayes watches the puck against Houghton on Dec. 13, 2025 at Hannahville Ice and Turf Complex in Wells. (Adam Hinch/Daily Press)

WELLS — A decade had passed since Escanaba defeated Houghton in high school hockey.

The Eskymos changed that in convincing fashion here Saturday night in a 6-2 triumph, marking their first victory over Houghton since 2015 when they took a 1-0 decision from the Gremlins.

“They’re one of the programs we’ve been looking at,” Esky coach Andy Johnson said. “It was a total team effort from our goaltending to our defense. We talked to the boys about playing three good, disciplined periods of hockey. When we forecheck hard in the attacking zone, we can score goals. This is a huge win for our program.”

The Eskymos (6-3), winners of three straight, scored three times within the first six minutes, 45 seconds.

Senior forward Graham Johnson scored the first goal on a breakaway just 79 seconds into the contest.

Freshman forward Chase Korpi scored from the slot to give the Eskymos a two-goal cushion at 3:09 and Johnson’s backhanded shot put them up by three goals, forcing the Gremlins to use their time-out.

“Hockey is a game of momentum,” Houghton coach Micah Stipech said. “We didn’t feel any of this was our goalie’s fault. We hung him out to dry. We had to change the momentum.”

The Gremlins (3-5-1) outshot Esky 8-5 in the opening frame.

“Part of our focus was winning the races and battles, but we made too many mistakes,” Stipech added. “I was really impressed with their speed, quickness and execution. They made us pay for our mistakes. Although, there was no pouting and we continued to work hard. We got a lot of young guys who are willing to work. This is the best Escanaba team we’ve seen in a long time. Hats off to their players and coaches for the level of play they had tonight.”

Esky, however, extended its lead to 4-0 on senior defenseman Owen LaBonte’s shot from between the faceoff circles 4:48 into the second stanza.

Sophomore forward Gunner LaMarche then added Esky’s fifth goal just 18 seconds later.

Freshman forward Henry Sholten concluded Esky’s scoring on a power play midway through the second.

At 10:07, freshman Liam Frick scored Houghton’s first goal from the slot.

The Gremlins scored again with 61 seconds left in the contest when Frick went top shelf from the slot.

“They played great in the third period,” coach Johnson said. “Although, we were playing more defense and taking away their chances. We will enjoy this one until Monday. Then, we have to go back to work and start focusing on Marquette.”

The Gremlins finished with a 29-26 shots on goal edge.

Esky senior goaltender Cully Hayes stopped 27 shots and Houghton junior net-minder Brycyn Nettell finished with 20 saves.

The Eskymos host Marquette Thursday and Saginaw Heritage Saturday. The Gremlins host Hartland Friday and Trenton Saturday.

Scoring plays

First period

E — Johnson (Sholten), 1:19

E — Korpi (Levesque), 3:09

E — Johnson (unassisted), 6:45

Second period

E — LaBonte (Scholten), 4:48

E — LaMarche (Hughes, 5:06 (power play)

E — Scholten (Johnson, Bink), 8:30

H — Frick (Aldrich), 10:07

Third period

H — Frick (Aldrich), 15:59

Shots on goal: Houghton 29, Escanaba 26

Goaltender saves: Escanaba (Hayes 27), Houghton (Nettel 20)

Power plays: Escanaba 1-2, Houghton 0-1.