Cats vs. Cats
Novi Silences Plymouth Wildcats
4 - 2 in 2006 Playoff Opener
Donohue and Rousseau each earn 2 points
2/28/06 by Scott Olson

The Wildcats (15-8-2) traveled to Livonia's Eddie Edgar Arena Monday evening for the first playoff game of 2006 against the Plymouth Wildcats (14-8-3). After a shaky start, Novi came home with a 4-2 victory, and a chance to continue to the Frozen Four.

The first period started off tough and physical. Novi got on the board first with a goal from Steve Rousseau, off a Jeff Donohue / Andrew Haggerty pass. Then big defenseman Kyle Mouch put one between the pipes off another Donohue pass, with an assist from Ryan Fox, to make it 2-0 Novi. Plymouth managed to score with 30 seconds to go in the first period to make it a 2-1 hockey game after one period of play.

In the second period, Novi took a pounding from Plymouth but held strong. Plymouth managed a fluke goal to even up the game, as the puck bounced off a Novi skate into the net. That made it a 2-2 playoff hockey game, and ensured the fans would see an exciting third period.

In the third, both teams played desperately to move ahead in what for one team would be the final game of the season. Novi was focused and capitalized on Plymouth's breakdowns, scoring twice on power plays: Ryan Timar moved Novi into the lead off a Tom Ciaverilla pass. Then, Rousseau sealed Plymouth's fate, scoring off a Timar / Greg Morisette pass. Novi's defense held firm, frustrating Plymouth at every opportunity.

Brad(this net is) Clos(ed) handled Novi's goal, stopping 24 Plymouth shots, and ensuring Novi's victory.

The Novi Wildcats return to Eddie Edgar Wednesday to face Livonia Franklin at 6:00 p.m. The winner of that game heads to the Novi Ice Arena on Friday for a 7:15 p.m. game.

Also in hockey play-off action Monday:

Canton 3, Salem 1

Grosse Pointe South 4, Warren De La Salle 1

Northville 4, South Lyon 3

Novi Catholic Central 4, Farmington Unified 1

Orchard Lake St. Mary's 4, Clarkston 3