The Wildcats played well in Pittsburgh over this Past holiday weekend going 3-0-1 but losing in a shootout in the semi-final to Gilmour Academy. The Cats defeated Bowling Green, North Allegeny and Uppser St. Clair in round robin play to reach the semi-finals.
On Friday night the Cats traveled 4 hours to face league foe Bowling Green. Northview was in control of this one from the start. Northview peppered the Bobcats net before finally breaking the ice with a Powerplay goal from Nolan Culver. Ryan Laplante and Aaron Booth would add a goal each in the second frame as the Cats cruised to the 3 to 0 win. Junior goalie Phil Bowles stopped all 17 shots for his 5th shutout on the season.
Just 8 hours later the Cats were back on the ice for a 6:30 a.m. tilt with Pittsburgh North Allegeny. Dalton Carter gave the Cats an early wake-up call as his shot found the back of the net just 2 minutes in and the Cats never would relinquish the lead. Culver pushed the lead to 2 with a 2nd period tally and Austin Gryca did the rest. He stopped 22 of the 23 shots sent his way and the Cats were 2 and 0 on the weekend.
That afternoon the Cats faced off versus Pitt. Upper St. Clair. Perhaps a little weary from the earlier game and drive over the Cats spotted Upper a 2 to 0 lead. The Cats then proceeded to score 6 of the games final 7 goals in route to a 6 to 3 win. Drew Crandall made good use of a brand new stick by scoring a pair of goals and Freshmen Jacob Koback score on a nifty breakaway for his 1st Career goal. Tyler Harding also scored for the Cats and Ryan Laplante saluted Pittsburgh with a pair of insurance goals in the 3rd.
The next morning the Cats would take on Gilmour Academy in the semi-finals. Even though they controlled much of the game the Cats could not solve Gilmour goalie Jason Musarra. He stopped 31 of the 32 shots the Cats sent his way then stopped all 5 shooters in the shootout to eliminate the Cats. Dalton Carter scored a powerplay goal in the second period, but the Cats could not capitalize on numerous scoring opportunites the rest of the way out. Austin Gryca continued his fine play with 24 saves.
The 3 wins and a tie pushed the Cats overall record to 14-6-3. They will return to league play this weekend with a pair of games. On Friday they make their last regular season road trip to Bowling Green. They return home for a game versus Findlay saturday night at 7 @ Tam-o-Shanter. With 3 games remaining in the league the Cats remained tied with St. Francis atop the standings at 4-1.
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