Novi took on one of the best teams
in the state Saturday afternoon and earned a hard fought victory,
5-3 over Division I, #10 ranked Livonia Churchill. Novi is #10
ranked in Division II.
The first period was quite the
defensive struggle. Novi's Ryan Richardson scored the only goal with
assists credited to Craig Howell and Justin Jeffe.
Churchill came out hustling in the
second period scoring three goals. Novi's only goal of the period
came on a blast from the blue line by Brett Walczak with fellow
defenseman Mike Arnold assisting.
Novi entered the third period down
3-2 and remained that way until tieing the game with 4:50 remaining.
Tom Ciaverilla scored assisted by Ryan Timar and Steve Rousseau.
Novi went ahead for good with Rousseau and Ciaverella combining for
a goal with 1:43 left on the clock. Rousseau added an empty net goal
at 1:06 to ice the Novi victory.
Once again, Novi's Brad Clos was
simply huge in goal for Novi.
The Wildcats conclude the 2005-2006
regular season with two road games next week. Monday it's Lakeland
and Wednesday it's Milford. Then, district playoff action starts on
Monday February 27th vs. Plymouth at Livonia's Eddie Edgar Arena.
