Wildcats down Lakeland Eagles 4 - 3
Haggerty scores short-handed to secure a 'Cat victory
2/1/2007 Submitted to Novi.org

In an exciting KVC conference game on Wednesday night, the Novi Wildcats faced off against the Lakeland Eagles before a packed house at the Novi Ice Arena. The Wildcats dominated play early but were unable to score any goals in the first period due to some great goaltending by the Eagles Mitch Stuble. The Wildcats Joe DeNova turned away everything Lakeland could throw at him through the first two periods including a spectacular save on a clear breakaway in the 2nd stanza.

With Lakeland taking an unprecedented six consecutive, unanswered penalties during the second period, the Wildcats were able to capitalize by scoring two power play goals. Scoring for the Cats were Senior Kyle Potocki with assists going to Shawn Baxter and Adam Szajner, and Senior Captain Robert Lewis with assists credited to Kyle Potocki and Junior Andrew Glancy. The second period ended with the Wildcats holding on to a 2-0 lead.

Coming out in the third period, the momentum appeared to still be on the Wildcats side. With just 32 seconds played in the period, Junior Art Ferriss scored on a tipped a shot from the point by Senior assistant captain Scott Eberline to give Novi a 3-0 lead.

Just 15 seconds later, Novi’s Art Ferriss was called for what turned out to be the first of seven consecutive penalties called against the Wildcats during the 3rd period.

At the 10:05 mark of the 3rd period, the Eagles, taking full advantage of a power play, notched their first goal. Just seven seconds later, after the ensuing face off at center ice, the Eagles buried their second goal of the game on a clear breakaway with Joe DeNova having very little chance to stop the shot.

Just two minutes later with two more Wildcats in the penalty box, Lakeland took full advantage of the five on three power play by racking up their third unanswered goal of the period and tying the game 3 - 3 with seven minutes remaining in regulation. Facing a flurry of shots during the numerous Lakeland power plays during the 3rd period, Junior goaltender Joe DeNova turned part acrobat in his effort to keep Novi in the game.

Suddenly, with another Wildcat in the penalty box and playing shorthanded, Novi Senior and Assistant Captain Andrew Haggerty received a quick pass from Senior Assistant Captain Jeff Donohue while breaking through the neutral zone, and found himself all alone on a clear breakaway. Not wasting the opportunity, Haggerty beat the Lakeland goaltender on a quick shot high in the net to notch the game winning goal and giving the Wildcats another KVC victory.

Final score 4 - 3 Novi.

Coach Krygier said after the game, “This was a win that once again proves to our guys that they have what it takes to be champions by digging deep and finding a way to win.” “Joe DeNova kept us in this game all night long by coming up with the big saves when we needed them.” “I thought our players really worked hard and did all the things we’ve asked of them this season especially having to play shorthanded almost the entire 3rd period.”

The Wildcats next game is scheduled for Wednesday, February 7th at 7:00 p.m. against the Brighton Bulldogs at Kensington Valley Ice House.