This past weekend the Cats traveled to the Padua Invitational. Facing off against some of the best teams in Cleveland the Cats managed to make it to the Championship game, but were unable to solve University school. Northview finished the weekend with 1 win over Lake Catholic, 2 losses to University School and a pair of ties versus Padua and St. Edwards.
In the first game Northview took on defending state champions University School. Trailing 2 to 1 on a goal from Aaron Booth the Cats were on the recieving end of a couple of tough calls. 1st a Universtiy School forwards fell into Northview goaltender Austin Gryca pushing both the goalie and the puck into the net for a 3-1 U.S. lead, then Ryan LaPlante had his 1st goal waved off as the refs determined he had kicked the puck into the net. U.S. would add a late goal for the final, 4 to1.
The next morning the Cats would square off with host Padua just 9 hours after stepping off the ice against University School. The Cats found thier power play with 3 goals, but Padua would score with just 4 seconds left to earn a 4 all tie. Dalton Carter scored a pair of goals along with single goals from Brent Easton and Mark Hall. Matt Stevenson made 21 saves in the net.
That evening the Cats took on Lake Catholic. Austin Gryca played very well in nets and Aaron Booth and his teammates took over in the 3rd period for a 5-0 shutout win. Nolan Culver opened the scoring in the 1st period with a power play goal. After a penalty filled 2nd period Northview tallied 4 times in the 3rd for the final. Aaron Booth connected for a hat trick and Zach Felser scored a single marker.
The Cats went into the final game with Ed’s needing a few point in the modified scoring system to secure a spot in the Championship game. The Cats played some of their finest hockey for nearly 2 periods before giving up 2 unanswered goals in a 3 to 3 tie. Dalton Carter snipe into the top corner opened the scoring for Northview and Nolan Culver and Felser extended the lead to 3-1 early in the 2nd, but the Cats lost some momentum giving up a shorthanded goal late in the 2nd and the equalizer in the 3rd for the final score.
2 hours later the Cats took on University School in the final. After a scoreless first period the Preppers wore down the tired Cats. Senior Jordan Jones provided the only offense as the Cats were handed a 2nd loss in just over 40 hours to U.S. 5 to 1.
Overall the Cats had moments of greatness mixed in with some inconsistent play. Playing against some of the most decorated programs in the state gave the Cats an idea of what is needed if they have hopes of a league, district or State title.
Northview wil be off until they travel back to Cleveland after Christmas for the St. Ignatius Invitational. Their next home game will be Jan. 2nd versus Bowling Green.
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