Wildcats Win Baseline Ice Battle
Novi over Northville 6 - 3 at Compuware
12/19/2005 by John Smith and Scott Olson

Coming back after the worst loss in the program's eight year history last week Novi, dominated the Baseline rival Northville Mustangs in all three zones in front of a crowd at the Compuware Sports Arena Saturday to earn a solid 6 - 3 victory.

"We had a video session of the South Lyon game early Saturday morning and threw the tape in the trash when it was over. We are starting a new season with Northville and we are not looking back" said coach Phelps.

The Cats came out with great intensity in the first period, with Shamus Finerty getting Novi on the board off a pass from Andrew Haggerty. Novi was down 2-1 when Senior Captain Steve Rousseau scored on a short-handed goal with 1:06 remaining in the period to tie it at two apiece.

In the second period, Novi showed that they were not going crawl into a shell and call it quits after last week's 9-0 KVC loss to South Lyon by killing off four penalties. Ryan Timar scored a short-handed to give Novi a 3-2 lead after two periods of action.

"Ryan Timar's short handed goal in the second was the spark that got the boys going tonight. His consistent play has made him one of our top leaders in every situation. This was just a prime example of why he has earned great respect in the dressing room from everyone" said Coach Smith.

The third period was a Wildcat barrage on the Mustang's net, with Novi scoring three consecutive goals - two by Tom Ciaverilla and another by Timar - in a 7 minute span, including one shorthanded and one power play goal.

Brad Clos was in net for the Wildcats, and played a great game. He held Northville at bay with several spectacular saves to ensure Novi's victory.

Coach Malott noted, "Our special teams were one of the contributing factors to the victory. We finally played with some great intensity in all three zones."

The Wildcats are off now until January when they head to the tip of Michigan's Upper Peninsula for their annual journey to the birthplace of professional hockey in America.