Marquette, MI – March 2nd, 2026 – The Houghton Gremlins are headed back downstate with another opportunity to reach the state championship. Houghton advanced to the Division 3 state semifinals during the 2022–23 season, falling in a tight 2–1 overtime contest to East Grand Rapids. They returned again in 2023–24 but were defeated 5–0 by Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook Kingswood. Now, the Gremlins are back for a third straight appearance and are determined to break through. Houghton will take the ice March 6 at 11:00 a.m. at USA Arena in Plymouth, where they will face Traverse City St. Francis in the division three state semifinals. A win would send them to the state championship game the following day at 3:00 p.m.
The Gremlins’ season began November 14 with a 2–2 tie against rival Hancock Bulldogs. After going 4–5 over their next nine games, Houghton found its stride. Over the following two and a half months, the Gremlins lost just once in a 19-game stretch. That lone defeat came to Hancock on January 6, a loss they later avenged in the postseason.
Houghton’s offense has been led by Connor Arko, who recorded 54 points in 26 games with 21 goals and 33 assists. Noah Maillette added 43 points, including a team-high 27 goals. Additional production came from Jack Sayen (30 points), Brody Donnelly (27), Braden Kari (21), and Gunnar Gullstrand, who tallied 21 points in just 11 games played. Click the link to explore additional statistics, including detailed postseason data.
In goal, Houghton has relied on a steady rotation. Cooper Flachs appeared in 13 games, posting a 9–2–1 record with a 2.06 goals-against average and a .878 save percentage. Brycyn Nettell played 15 games, finishing 11–4–0 with a 2.66 goals-against average and a .884 save percentage.
The playoff run began with a statement 5–0 shutout over Hancock. In the regional final, the Gremlins dominated Calumet, scoring seven first-period goals in a 9–1 mercy-rule victory to claim the Region 17 title. Houghton then defeated Marquette 4–0 in the quarterfinals after breaking open a scoreless game in the third period. Now they head back to Plymouth with unfinished business, the Gremlins look to turn experience into a long-awaited trip to the state championship game.
