Northview Hockey Varsity Blog - Sylvania Ohio

Storer’s skills shine during senior season

Coach Elliott — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 18:28:01 +0000

Brady Storer has had an eventful 1st 2 years at Northview. After transferring from Southview following his Freshman year he was ruled ineligible for most of his Sophomore and Junior seasons. He only played in 22 of a possible 64 games in those years. This season with his mind at rest he has let his skills take over to help lead the Cats to a 20-1-3 overall record, 4 and 0 in the league, as they head into a showdown this Friday night versus St. Johns.

Possessing some of the best skills of any defenseman in team history Brady has been an anchor on the power play and helped the Cats post a minuscule 1.29 goals against average this season. His 8 goals and 20 assist rank him near the top of the team for scoring. More importantly for Brady has been his ability to stick with the program through some hard time. In an era where many kids leave to find greener pastures, Brady has stayed. Luckily for the Cats he did. With just a handful of games left in the 2012 season Brady more than anyone else knows how precious this game is.

Congratulation’s Brady on your commitment to your team and to your self!! Good luck with the rest of your senior season and good luck Wildcats!!

Cats League Champs with wins over St. Johns and Findlay

Coach Elliott — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 15:27:01 +0000

The Northview Wildcats claimed the NHC red division this past weekend with wins over St. Johns 4 to 3 and a 3 to 1 win over Findlay. With 2 games left against St. Francis and Bowling Green this weekend the Cats have earned enough points to claim their 7 league championship in school history joining the 2008′,2006′, 1987′,1986′,1982′,1981′ and 1976′ squads.

On Friday the Cats took on the Titans. Dalton Carter staked the Cats to a early 1 to 0 lead with the 1st of 4 power-play goals. St. Johns would answer minutes later as the teams went to the locker room tied at 1. The second period saw the Cats take control of the game with a pair of goals. Carter hit for a second time along with a goal from Cody Estrel to stake the Cats to a 3 to 1 lead after 2. The Titans to their credit fought back to start the 3rd period. Hitting for a pair of power-play goals of their own they silenced the Cat crowed and knotted the game at 3. Both teams fought hard to the end, however the Cats were awarded a power-play opportunity as the Titans were caught with too many men on the ice. After Jacob Koback’s apparent goal was ruled no goal with 42 seconds the resilient Sophomore score with just 29 seconds left to send the Cats faithful into hysteria and propel the Cats to a 4 to 3 win. Austin Gryca picked up the win in net for the Cats.

Saturday night the Cats looked for the league crown versus Findlay. Without the same crowd or energy a lackluster effort saw the Cats behind 1 to 0 after 1 period. Coach Elliott’s son Landon got the crowd going at intermission. His shootout top corner snipe followed by a Tim Tebow Celly electrified the crowed and sparked the Cats! Northview would score the games final 3 goals to skate away with the win. Estrel tied the game in the 2nd and Drew Crandall scored 2 times in the 3rd for the Cats. Phil Bowles stopped all but 1 to earn the victory.

Northview will play at Tam-o on Friday at 7 versus St. Francis before traveling to Bowling Green to take on the Bobcats Saturday.

All Phil Bowles does is win games

Coach Elliott — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 15:38:48 +0000

Phil Bowles started his high school career at St. Francis playing goaltender his freshman year for the junior varsity Knights. When he 1st came to the Cats for his Sophomore season he earned most of his playing time with the Wildcats JV. He saw action in just 2 varsity contest going 1 and 0.

Last year for his Junior season he and his stable mate and fellow senior Austin Gryca split time and Bowles apeared in 16 games. He went 12-2 during last season and tied the single season record for shutouts with 7 while posting a 1.28 goals against avg. and a 93.5 save percentage. This season he has picked up right where he left off. through 12 starts he is 9-1-2 with 5 shutouts a 1.16 goals against avg. and a 94.9 save %. With about 6 starts left in his high school career Phil is 2nd all-time in save % at 94.1 and 2nd in GAA at 1.20. Phil is also in striking distance of the all-time shutouts record of 15 held by assistant goalie coach Craig Trego and will finish in the top 8 in wins.

This past weekend Bowles picked up 2 more wins and another shutout as the Cats won the Midwinter Classic in Chicago. At 18-1-3 the Cats remain #2 in the state poll and look for a strong finish in league and state play.

Gongratulatins Phil on a record breaking career and good luck with the rest of your senior season!!

No excuses as shorthanded Cats win 2 in Indy

Coach Elliott — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 15:29:42 +0000

The Northview Wildcats kept their season moving in the right directions this past weekend with 2 wins out of conference in Indianapolis. Without seniors Zach Felser, Brent Easton and Brad Wadsworth that Cats would not allow for a let down as the next man in line stepped up for wins over Hamilton South East and Cathedral Chatard. The wins push the Cats overall record to 20-1-3.

In Saturdays game versus Hamilton Freshman Ian Clement stepped up to deliver a goal and a pair of assist in helping the Cats cruise to a 5 to 1 win. Kyler Omey also picked up 3 assist and Dalton Carter hit for a pair of goals. Cody Estrel and Drew Crandall also scored in the win. Senior Phil Bowles recorded an assist but lost his shutout bid with just 17 seconds left in earning the win in net.

On Sunday the Cats recorded a 6 to 3 win over Chatard. Carter’s Hat trick along with goals from Crandall, Estrel and Jacob Koback provided enough offense in a penalty filled contest. Austin Gryca picked up the win for Northview.

The Cats will finally return home this Friday night against rival St. Johns. The Cats hold a slight lead over St. Johns in a race for the league crown. Game time is set for 7 at Tam-o-Shanter.

Cats win Mid-Winter Classic in Chicago

Coach Elliott — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 17:36:30 +0000

The Northview Wildcats pushed their overall record to 18-1-3 with 5 wins and a championship in the mid-winter Classic in Chicago. Playing mostly AA travel teams the Cats were able to outlast the Arapahoe Ice Warriors in the final 2 to 1 with a goal by freshman Ian Clement in overtime.

In the 1st game the Cats also took on Arapahoe. goals by Drew Crandall, Xavier Sudlow and Cody Estrel were plenty for the win as Austin Gryca picked up the shutout win 3 to 0. The next Morning the Cats took on the Geneva Cyclones. IS was Phil Bowles turn for the shutout as the Cats rolled 4 to 0. Dalton Carter, Crandall and the Koback brothers all hit for a single goal each in the win. That evening the Cats would face their toughest test of the tournament from Littleton out of Colorado. Trailing for the 1st time as a pass from behind the net hit off of Kooper Carter’s skate and past Gryca the Cats had to rally. Jacob Koback finished off a nice tick-tack -toe play from line-mates Cody Estrel and Zach Felser to tie the game and the Cats would finish the comeback in the 3rd. Dalton Carters blast found the net for the eventual game winner and Felser sealed the win minutes later for the final margin 3 to 1. Already assured of a spot in the final the Cats would finish off round robin play versus the BWW Wild hawks. Sloppy play once again saw the Cats behind at the start of the 3rd period 2 to 1. Nick Laplante’s 2nd of the game tied the score and then Crandall scored off a nice individual effort from Brady Storer to give the Cats a 3 to 2 win. Later that afternoon the Cats would square of with Arapahoe for a 2nd time in the final. After giving up a 1st period power-play goal, the Cats and goaltender Austin Gryca put the clamps down and again capped a comeback in OT. Storer found the net on a power-play goal minutes after senior Zach Felser was lost to a cheap shot. Continuous pressure led to numerous chances but it wasn’t till the OT session when Ian Clement tipped home a shot from Kyler Omey for the game winner 2 to 1.

Northview will head out on the road 1 last time for a couple of out of conference games in Indianapolis this weekend. They will return to Tam-o-Shanter of Frday the 27th to take on St. Johns in a game that could decide the league championship.

Nick Foti is steady on the ice and a force off of it

Coach Elliott — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 17:36:26 +0000

Nick Foti has been with the Wildcats hockey program from his freshman year. However it wasn’t until this year that he has earned a full time role on the defensive core along side 4 other seniors and Sophomore Kooper Carter. His hard work and dedication to the program has helped him earn a spot on the team but it has been his intelligent play on the ice that has helped earn him minutes. Nick’s Strong positional play and ability to pick up the Cats system and made him an integral part of the penalty kill unit that has killed off 89% of opponents power-plays while scoring 7 shorthanded goals. He has also chipped in with 3 assist and the Cats have gotten off to a 13-1-3 start and hold a #2 ranking in the state polls.

However, Nicks biggest attributes don’t happen on the ice. Nick is a top student in the classroom where he has earned an impressive 3.815 accumulated GPA and is awaiting word on a possible acceptance to West Point Academy. Recently Nick had to miss a game, not because of suspension, poor play or even and injury, but because he was being recognized at a dinner by congresswoman Marcy Kaptur.

Congratulations Nick on your persistant career on the ice and your outstanding years off of it. Good Luck on the rest of your senior season and good luck Wildcats!!

Wadsworth returns for 1 last shot to help his school

Coach Elliott — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 15:35:51 +0000

Brad Wadsworth has done a lot in his hockey career. He has traveled up and down I75 as part of travel and AAA teams. He has played in junior games as part of the Toledo Cherokee, but what he has not had a chance to do during his high school years was play in front of his classmates and represent his school. That’s why during his Senior season Brad decided to come back to the Cats and try to help them capture that elusive state title.

Brad has brought with him a sound defensive minded game that has helped keep the opposing teams off the scoreboard. His strong 1 on 1 play and puck moving skills have the Cats off to a 13-1-3 start and 4 and 0 in league play. With his help the Cats team defense has yielded just 23 goals in the teams first 17 games, just 1.35 per game while fellow seniors Austin Gryca and Phil Bowles have combined for 6 shutouts through the halfway point of the season.

The Cats suffered their 1st defeat of the season recently and sit near the top of the state rankings. Brad and the rest of his team head into the 2nd half of their seaon with hopes of a league, playoffs and State championship. Good luck Brad on the rest of your senior season and good luck Wildcats!

Cats lose for first time at Kent State

Coach Elliott — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 15:52:32 +0000

The Wildcats saw their unbeaten string end in the 17 game as they fell to Dublin Jerome 4 to 2 in the Warrior shootout at Kent State University. Prior to that the Cats had defeated Walsh Jesuit and Hamilton South East from Indianapolis and tied Hudson 4 to 4.

In the 1st game the Cats got off to a strong start versus host Walsh Jesuit. 3 Power-play goals and a shorthanded effort carried the Cats to a 6 to 0 win. Dalton Carter and Cody Estrel each recorded a pair of goals and Zach Felser and Nick Laplante each scored in the win. Phil Bowles notched his 3rd shutout of the season in goal.

The next morning the Cats took on Hudson. Down early 2 to 0 and losing senior goaltender Austin Gryca the Cats clawed their way back to salvage a 4-4 tie. Carter, Estrel, Brady Storer and Jacob Koback all scored, but the penalty kill unit faltered for the 1st time all season as the Explorers scored 3 power-play goals.

That evening the Cats took on Hamilton Southeast from Indy. Though they out-shot Hamilton by a 3 to 1 margin they only managed 3 goals in the 3 to 0 shutout win. Estrel scored for the 3rd straight game and Freshman Ian Clement and Junior Drew Crandall also lit the lamp in the win. Bowles picked up his 2nd shutout of the tournament.

In the last game a sluggish Wildcat effort along with inspired play from Dublin lead to the Cats 1st loss of the season. Drew Crandall was the lone bright spot as his pair of goals were not enough as the offense continued to struggle in the 4 to 2 defeat.

The Wildcats have an off week before hitting the road for back to back weekends. 1st the Cats will hit Chicago for the 1st time in program history before heading to Indianapolis for a pair of games the following weekend. They will return home the last weekend of January for a pair of league games. On Friday night January 27th the Cats will take on St. Johns at 7 followed by a 6 O’clock game Saturday the 28th versus Findlay on Senior night.

Cats move to 4-0 in League play

Coach Elliott — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 15:26:46 +0000

The Wildcats pushed their record to 8-0 and 4-0 in NHC play with a 4 to 0 win over Findlay Friday night and a 6 to 2 win at home over St. Francis on Saturday. The 2 conference wins put the Cats atop the NHC Red half way through regular season play.

On Friday night the Cats headed south to Findlay for a match-up with the Trojans. Tyler Dewitt scored off the rush just past the midway point of the 1st period for the eventual game-winner as the Cats would never Look back. Zach Felser and Dalton Carter both hit on the power play and Nick Laplante finished off Findlay with a 3rd period goal as Senior Austin Gryca pitched the shutout.

On Saturday the Cats took on St. Francis. And what a special night it was. Special teams that is. 3 power-play goals along with 3 shorthanded goals helped the Cats power past the Knights 6 to 2. Nick Laplante got the Cats on the board 1st as he converted a nice pass from Zach Felser for an early 1 to 0 lead. Felser made it 2 to 0 with the Cats 2nd shorty of the night. After the Knights closed to within a goal Brady Storer scored off a rush for to restore a 2 goal cushion. St Francis would score once more, but Northview would answer with the games last 3 goals for the final margin. Felser completed his hat trick and Storer added his 2nd of the game as the Cats finished off the 1st half of league play.

The Cats will be on the road for over a month before returning to League play on January 27th. 2 tournaments in Cleveland along with a trip to Indianapolis and the Martin Luther King Tourney will test the Cats and provide a bench mark of how they sit for a run at a league and State Championship. Northview will start this weekend as they travel to the Padua Invitational. Games versus Lake Catholic, University School, Padua and St. Edwards will see how the Cats stack up against the best of he East.

Coach Elliott — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 15:04:49 +0000

Cats win 2 league games

The Northview Wildcats got off to a good start in hopes for a league title this past Thursday and Friday with wins over rival St. Johns and Bowling Green at Tam-o-Shanter. The 2 wins push the Cats overall record to 6-0 and 2-0 in league play.

On Thursday evening the Cats got past the Titans 3 to 1 in a match-up of division favorites. Northview struck first as Freshman Ian Clement picked a opportune time for his career first off a nice feed from Drew Crandall and the Cats would never trail. Senior Brady Storer made it 2 to 0 on the powerplay before the Cats surrendered their first even strength goal of the season to help St. Johns pull to within 1 at the end of the 1st period. The 2nd and 3rd periods saw both goalies step up to stop numerous quality scoring chances. However Dalton Carter would finish of the scoring hitting the empty net for the final Margin. Senior Austin Gryca stopped 22 of 23 shots for his 3rd win of the young season.

In Friday nights game the Cats peppered the Bowling Green cage with 38 shots in route to a 5 to 1 win. Dalton Carter scored his 1st of three to stake the Cats to a 1 o 0 lead after 1 period of play. Zach Felser and Ian Clement’s 2nd in 2 nights pushed the lead to 3 to 0 before BG scored on a 5 on 3 power-play to close to within 2 after 2. Carter finished of his hat trick and the Bobcats with a pair in the 3rd for the final margin. Senior Phil Bowles stopped 13 of the 15 shots he faced to pick up the win in goal.