Patriots Defeated!
Novi Hockey Defeats Livonia Franklin 4 - 1
3/2/06 by John Smith and Scott Olson

The Wildcats defeated the Livonia Churchill Patriots 4 - 1 Wednesday evening in round two of the 2006 playoffs. Novi controlled the game, which turned into a defensive battle by the third period, but it was Livonia's goalie who kept the Patriots in the game.

"The Patriot's goaltending was phenomenal, holding us to only 3 goals and making it very tough for all 3 periods," said Wildcat Goalie Coach Dennis Gagnon.

The game started with the Wildcats peppering the Patriots with 16 shots in the first period, while the Patriots managed to return fire only 4 times. Steve Rousseau scored off a Tom Ciaverilla pass to make it a 1-0 Novi hockey game after one period.

"We threw everything we had at them early wanting to shut them down, but they would not fold," explained Coach Malott.

The second period started as the first, as Novi dominated play and scored two quick goals from Senior Captain Steve Rousseau and Sophomore Craig Howell.

"I think at that point of the game the boys thought it might be a stat night, but Franklin's goaltending and their player's 'never say die' attitude kept the game at 3-0 after two periods," said veteran Head Coach Dan Phelps.

The third period was a hard fought defensive battle by Novi as they kept the Franklin scoring chances to a minimum. Ryan Timar scored in the end on the Patriot's empty net to ice the victory.

"Myself and Coach Phelps have been very hard on our blue-liners all year, and I know it has been tough for all of them, especially Morrisette, Walzack and Arnold; however, they have responded well and perform better and better everyday. That is what we need if want to win a championship. They all play with big hearts, and that's what I love about them," said Coach Smith.

Brad Clos kept Novi's net off-limits to the Patriots, and played his usual solid game while stopping 19 shots. Novi out-shot the Patriots 41-20.

The Novi Wildcats now head to the Novi Ice Arena on Friday for a 7pm game vs. Walled Lake Central.

Also on Wednesday:

Hartland 5, Milford 4 (OT)

Novi CC 11, W. Bloomfield 1

Waterford Mott 3, Brother Rice 2 (2 OT)

WL Central 6, Lakeland 2