December 30, 2024 – Cedar Springs, Michigan –
The West Michigan Sentinels have become the team to beat in the American Premier Hockey League (APHL) during the 2024-2025 season. With an impressive 9-2-0 record, the Sentinels sit at the top of the league standings, a testament to their offensive firepower, defensive resilience, and the emergence of a rookie goaltender who has quickly made a name for himself. This balanced attack, combined with lessons learned from adversity, has positioned West Michigan as the frontrunner in the APHL title race. Scoring has been the hallmark of this Sentinels team, with an incredible 58 goals scored over just 11 games. Leading this offensive onslaught is forward Perry Shiring, whose 16 goals place him not only as the team’s top scorer but also as the league leader. Shiring’s consistency and ability to rise to the occasion in critical moments have been pivotal for the Sentinels. His scoring touch, whether from close range or with a sniper’s precision from distance, has turned him into a player opposing defenses dread facing.
Alongside Shiring, Nick Allen has emerged as a key contributor to the Sentinels’ offensive dominance. Allen’s 13 assists, fifth in the league, underscore his ability to read the game and set up scoring opportunities for his teammates. His role as a playmaker has been instrumental in allowing Shiring and others to thrive, creating a balanced and multifaceted attack. The chemistry between Shiring and Allen has made the Sentinels’ offense one of the most potent in the league. On the defensive end, rookie goaltender Dallas Hurd has been a revelation in his first APHL season. Hurd has posted a 5-2 record, an impressive goals-against average of 1.91, and a save percentage of .888. While his save percentage shows there is room for improvement, his ability to make critical stops under pressure has been vital in securing wins for the Sentinels. Hurd’s composure, especially in high-pressure situations, has quickly made him a trusted anchor in net. His performances have provided stability to a team that thrives on its offensive rhythm.
The Sentinels’ path to success hasn’t been without challenges. Their two losses this season have come against top-tier opponents, providing valuable learning experiences. On December 14th, the Sentinels faced a tough 3-2 loss to the Toledo Mobsters in a tightly contested matchup. The game highlighted the importance of capitalizing on opportunities and maintaining a strong defensive presence. Just a week later, on December 22nd, the Summit City Distillers handed the Sentinels a 6-2 defeat, exploiting gaps in the team’s defensive setup and underscoring the high level of competition in the league. These setbacks have served as important wake-up calls for the Sentinels, reminding them of the need for consistency and adaptability. In the APHL, even minor lapses can be costly, and the team has shown resilience in using these losses as opportunities for growth. With Summit City sitting just behind them in the standings, the Sentinels know they must continue refining their game to maintain their position at the top.
As the regular season extends into March, the Sentinels are focused on maintaining their momentum and building on their early success. Key players like Shiring and Allen will need to continue driving the team’s offense, while Hurd’s development in net remains crucial. With a full roster contributing to their efforts, the team is well-equipped to handle the grind of the season and the challenges that lie ahead. The Sentinels’ success has also ignited excitement within their community. Playing at Griff’s Icehouse West, the team has garnered strong local support, with fans turning out in large numbers to cheer them on. This support has created an electric atmosphere at games, energizing the players and reinforcing the bond between the team and its community. Beyond the rink, the Sentinels have engaged with their supporters through outreach programs and youth hockey initiatives, further solidifying their connection to West Michigan.
As the 2024-2025 season unfolds, the West Michigan Sentinels have shown that they have the talent, determination, and resilience to contend for the APHL championship. Their blend of offensive firepower, solid goaltending, and a willingness to learn from adversity has set them apart as the league’s top team. For fans, players, and coaches alike, the journey ahead promises to be an exciting one, filled with opportunities to achieve greatness and bring a championship home to West Michigan.
