Winning Weekend!
Wildcat Hockey wins two big games
2/13/2006 by Scott Olson

The Novi Wildcat Hockey team broke into the top 10 rankings last week. This past weekend, they showed they earned that distinction by securing two huge victories over Sault Ste. Marie and Chelsea in the Michigan Showcase Tournament.

Novi Defeats Chelsea 5-1
The Wildcats out-shot Chelsea 30-14, defeating the #3 ranked Division 3 team by a score of 5-1. Scoring for Novi was Alex Malott, Steve Rousseau, Ryan Timar, Shamus Finnerty and Tom Ciaverilla. Brad Clos was in goal and played an outstanding game.

"It was a tough game and the kids were playing with some serious determination and grit," explained Coach Smith following the game.

Novi Defeats Sault Ste. Marie 4-0
Novi also out-shot Sault Ste. Marie Blue Devils 20-12, defeating their 2001 nemesis by a score of 4-0. It was the Devils that defeated Novi in 4 OTs in Flint back in '01 to win the state semi-final game - the longest semi-final game in state history.

This time around, Novi's goals against the Devils were scored by Steve Rousseau, Tom Ciaverilla, Mike Arnold and Marc Bernier. Matt Waggy played a great game, earning a well deserved first shut-out as a Wildcat.

"The team is really coming together and executing our systems to a T. Our biggest attributes are special teams and the fact that we are getting great shifts from all four of our forward lines. What can we say about our goaltending but perfect," explained Smith.

Coming Up
This week, the Wildcats face-off against the Hartland Eagles Wednesday at 6:00 p.m. at the Novi Ice Arena. It's Senior Recognition Night, so there will be a special presentation following the first period.

Saturday the 'Cats take on Livonia Churchill at Novi at 1:00 p.m.

After three road games, on Monday, February 27th, Novi will take on Plymouth in the first game of the 2006 playoffs. Face-off will be 6:00 p.m. at the Eddie Edgar Arena in Livonia.