Northview Hockey Varsity Blog - Sylvania Ohio

The Northview Wildcats were knocked off their high horse this past Friday as the St. Francis Knights scored 6 unanswered goals to route the Cats 6-1.

Northview got on the board first as Brandon Snead scored on a 2-on-1 pass from Carter Bourland to give the Cats a 1-0 lead. St. Francis would even the game on the power play minutes later and score what would be the game winner in the last minute of the first period on a tip-in to take a 2-1 lead to intermission. The second period was back and forth with both teams getting some quality chances. With the Cats poised to tie the game on a 5-on-3 power play the Knights stole the momentum. St. Francis scored a short handed goal near the end of the power play to increase their lead to 3-1 after 2 periods of play. Northview battled to start the 3rd, but a St. Francis goal increased the lead to 4-1 and took the life from the Cats. St. Francis would add 2 more for the final.

The next morning the Cats had to try and rebound versus Mt. Lebanon from Pennsylvania. Carter Bourland, Mark Hall and Tyler Cook scored to provide enough offense. However it was Craig Trego who stole all the glory. The shutout victory was his 63rd win and 15th shutout of his career, both all-time records at Northview. Rocky Muszinski, 1982, held the previos record of 62 wins, while Bob McElheney from 2006 held the old record of 14.5 shutouts. Congratulations Craig!

Northview still controls their own destiny in the league. With 3 games remaining this weekend Northview could earn enough points to claim a 2nd league title in 3 years. The Cats will get a chance to redeem themselves Friday night against St. Francis at 7 P.M. If they are fortunate enough to win that game they must beat both SV on Saturday and BG on Sunday to claim the title. Good luck Cats!!

The tenacity in which Tyler Cook plays the game of hockey reminds you of the energizer bunny, he keeps going and going and going….. If there is one player who epitomizes the way the Northview Wildcats have played hockey this year it would be Tyler. His blue collar, get after the opponent, style of play has proven to be the key to Northview’s amazing run.

Tyler came to Northview in his sophomore year and has been a team favorite from the start. Tyler is the first African American to play for the program. He has had to battle the stereotype that hockey is a white mans sport, while suffering through the occasional racial slur out on the ice. Tyler has handled all of that by simply being a great hockey player and a great kid. Tyler’s carefree enthusiasm for life and hockey are addictive to all those around him. He plays the game with his heart on his sleeve and gives all he has to every shift. So far this season Tyler has chipped in with 5 goals to go along with 9 assists, but it’s his ability to pressure the opponent and deliver a big check that have led directly to goals by his teammates. Few players in the NHC are feared by opposing defensemen the way Tyler is. If you plan on going to a corner with Cook you better bring your hard hat.

Congratulations Tyler! Your play has inspired your teammates and defined your team. Hopefully the Cats can do just like you and keep going and going and going………….

The Northview Wildcats lost for the 1st time all season Sunday in the semi-finals of the Meadville Bulldog Invitational to fall to 22-1-1 on the season.

On Friday evening the Cats were without Carter Bourland and settled for a 2-2 tie. Bob Napierala and Brandon Snead scored for the Cats to earn the tie. The next Morning the Cats squared off with Meadville. After falling behind 2-0 the Cats recieved a boost from the return of Bourland near the end of the first period. Northview scored 6 of the next 7 goals, 3 by Bourland, for the win. Napierala added 2 goals, Nile Culver scored and Cody Booth scored his career first in the win. That Evening the Cats faced St. Ignatius, ranked #5 in Ohio. Napierala scored to get the Cats going and Bourland made it 2-0 with a goal. Ignatius scored a couple of goals in the 2nd to tie it at 2. The Cats played a great 3rd period with Kyle Hymore hitting the game winner and Snead hitting the empty net for the final, 4-2. In the semi-finals the Cats faced St. Eds for the 3rd time this year. Trailing 1-0 after hitting 3 cross bars and a post it looked bleak heading into the last minute. With the goalie pulled the Cats put on relentless pressure. Eammon Reynolds found the back of the net to tie it at 1 with just 52 seconds left. However, St. Eds would not be denied a third time as they hit the game winner in overtime to send the Cats to their first loss of the season.

The Cats will return to league action on Friday at 9 for a first place showdown with St. Francis.