Huge Win!
Novi dethrones South Lyon Lions 6-2
2/7/2006 by John Smith and Scott Olson

After a 9-0 trouncing by South Lyon earlier in the season at home, Novi defiantly came into Monday's KVC game with a big chip on their shoulder.

"The first match up was unlike anything the Novi coaching staff had experienced in their 8 years with the program," said Head Coach Dan Phelps. "That 9-0 game we actually did not play too bad. We out-shot South Lyon and had many great scoring opportunities that we did not capitalize on. On the other hand, South Lyon did not miss on any of theirs and pounded us every chance they got. Tonight was a different story. Our kids have come a long way since then and are learning that on any given night they are capable of playing at a very high level when they come prepared."

That they did, winning each period and dominating South Lyon at their own game. Novi scored two goals in each period, keeping a victory away from the Lions hands as Novi went home with a huge 6-2 win.

"We were able to beat them to loose pucks and control the play along the wall," said Coach Gagnon. "The best part about tonight is that we got 100% out of everyone on the bench, physically and mentally.

Novi's depth was evident in the game, with six different 'Cats scoring. Jeff Donohue and Steve Rousseau started things off with goals in the fist period. Mike Arnold and Ryan Timar took over in the second period with a goal apiece. In the third, it was Ryan Fox and Andrew Haggerty scoring.
It was Haggerty's first goal as a Novi Wildcat.

Special teams were huge for the Wildcats, as Novi killed 11 of 12 penalties and converted for 3 power play goals. The Novi defense also had a huge game, keeping the Lions at bay, while scoring two goals.

"We did the simple things well and minimized our turnover ratio," noted Coach Travis Malott.

Kevin Michalzcuk played a great game, making 22 of 24 saves as Novi again out-shot there opponent 31-24. Steve Rousseau earned 4 points in the game, Tom Ciaverilla had 3 assists, and Ryan Timar also had 3 points.