Season-Ender
Novi Hockey Stung by Hornets 3-2
3/8/06 by Roger Jaussi  -  Ann Arbor News coverage

Before a packed house, the Saline Hornets edged Novi 3-2 in a thriller at the Novi Ice Arena Tuesday evening.

A prized spot in the "final four" was at stake as the puck was dropped to begin the game. The first period featured both teams playing crisp hockey with pinpoint passing, crushing body checks and stellar goaltending. Saline scored first with 4:14 remaining only to have Novi answer with an unassisted power-play goal by senior Tom Ciaverilla. The period ended tied at one.

Novi stormed into the second period with Andrew Haggerty scoring after just 1:13 had run off the clock. Tom Ciaverilla was credited with the assist. Novi enjoyed a one goal lead until Saline scored a power-play goal with 4:34 left in the period. As with the first period, the second period ended with the score deadlocked.

The intensity continued in the third period. Saline regained the lead with 7:45 remaining. Novi had a number of scoring chances with a power-play with 5 minutes remaining, but couldn't get past the Saline goalie. Novi continued the pressure for the rest of the period but just could not find the scoring touch. Saline hung on to win 3-2.

Brad Clos was in net for Novi and played a great game.

Both teams played extremely well exhibiting the passion and intensity one expects in the playoffs. Saline prevailed and advances to Thursday's state semifinal at Compuware.