The Northview Wildcats will play in their 4th district final in 5 years Saturday night after an emotion draining 6-5 OT thriller this past Saturday at Tam-o-Shanter. Northview will face the St. Johns Titans at 7 for a chance to go to Columbus for the frozen four.
The Cats jumped out to a 5-0 lead mid-way through the second period and held a 5-1 lead with just over 6 minutes left in the 3rd before a flurry of Findlay goals sent the game into the extra session. Sophomore forward Cody Booth would rescue the Cats and send the Northview faithful into hysteria with the game winner.
Northview held a 2-0 lead after 1 period of play with goals from Booth and an end to end rush from Sophomore defenseman Tyler Harding. Kyle Hymore converted a 2 on 1 with Nolan Culver to push it to 3-0. Northview then took what seemed control of the game by scoring 2 short handed goals for a 5-0 lead. First Hymore stole the puck and beat Findlay goalie Travis Friar with a second effort, then Harding got loose for a short-handed break away and the 5-0 lead. Findlay started their comeback effort with a goal to close out the middle frame and a 5-1 Cats lead.
Northview seemed to be controlling the 3rd period and cruising towards a district final match-up when the wheels fell off at the 6 minute mark of the 3rd. A scrum in front of the net on a Findlay Power play started a series of 4 goals in just over 2 minutes that had the Cats reeling. Northview was able to gather themselves and Coach Jones settled his players for an overtime session. Thats when Booth stole the spotlight and sent the Cats to the district final with his rising shot from just inside the blue line.
Northviews previous 3 district final appearances have all come against St. Francis. This will be the 2nd year that the Cats and St. Johns will meet in playoff action. Tickets for Saturday nights game are on sale at Tam-o-Shanter, and may sell out. Get your tickets early and help support your Cats in their efforts to get back to Columbus. Good luck Cats and Congratulations!
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