The Northview Wildcats got off to a great start this past weekend as host of the Cold Turkey Thanksgiving Tournament at Tam-o-Shanter. Wins over St. Francis, Findlay and Gilmour Academy in the round robin games and a second win over Gilmour in the championship game helped the Cats secure the title for the first time since 2008.
The Cats opened their season on Friday night against St. Francis. Cody Estrel opened the 2011-12 scoring on the power play off a feed from Zach Felser for an early 1 to 0 lead. Dalton Carter Would extend the lead to 2 to 0 before St. Francis scored. Carter added to the lead with his second on the game however St. Francis would close to within 1 with a Power play goal. Freshman Josh Koback scored his 1st career goal and Zach Felser found the empty net for the final margin Northview 5 St. Francis 2. Senior Phil Bowles picked up his first win of the season.
The Next Morning the Cats took on Findlay. Senior Zach Felser and Sophomore linemates Cody Estrel and Jacob Koback were electric. Their goal just 12 seconds into the game was a sign of things to come. They combined for 5 of the 6 goals, 4 by Estrel, and 13 points between the 3 as the Cats cruised to a 6 to 1 win. Sophomore Caleb Rau scored his career first and Austin Gryca stopped 31 of the 32 shots he faced to earn his 1st win of the season.
That Evening the Cats took on Gilmour Academy. With both teams already assured of a spot in the championshp game it was a preview for Sunday. Northview gave the Lancers a taste of what to expect on Sunday. A balanced attack of 5 different goal scorers led the way to a 5 to 1 win. Felser, Nick Laplante, Dalton Carter, Brady Storer and Tyler Dewitt alll scored as Bowles stopped 35 shots to earn his 2nd victory of the season.
In Sunday mornings championship game the Cats once again squared off with Gilmour. 4 1st period goals propelled the Cats to a decisive 6 to 2 win and the Cold Turkey title. Dalton Carter and Cody Estrel hit for a pair of goals along with single markers from Laplante and Felser in the win. Gryca earned the victory after stopping 19 of the 21 shots he faced.
The Cats open up league play this Thursday night with a rare weekday game versus St. Johns at 8 followed by a game versus Bowling Green on Friday night at 7. Both Games will be at Tam-o-Shanter.
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