NORTHVIEW HOCKEY HISTORY

The Sylvania Hockey program was established with the original Sylvania High School in 1972-73. Roy Vivian was the coach of the original program. Phil Matora took over the next year before Vivian returned as coach in 1975 with a second team, The Jr. Cats, forming and being coached by Jim Cooper. In 1976 Sylvania split into two schools Northview and Southview. Many of the original Varsity players followed coach Vivian to Southview and Coop was hired to be the coach of the Varsity at Northview.

Sylvania High School and subsequently Northview High School have enjoyed many successful years both locally in the NHC and Statewide. Team accomplishments include league Championships in 78,81,82,86, 87 and 2006. Final four appearances in 76,81,82,86,87,89, 90 and 2006, and 4 state runners up teams in 1976, 82, 90 and 2006. Many other teams finished near the top of the conference and advanced to the district finals.

Jim Cooper has been the model coach for Sylvania and Northview for 32 years. He has enjoyed great success on the ice as evidence with his over 500 career victories and 4 state runners-up years. But it has been his unparalleled work off the ice with his hockey family that holds him in such great esteem. He has worked with over 200 players and 25 Assistant coaches.

Sylvania and Northview players have enjoyed many personal successes as well. Many players have been voted to all-league teams. Furthermore many players have continued their hockey careers in junior hockey with 8 Alumni (Brett Molnar, Gary Sutherland, Bob Napierala, Jeff Ladrow, Steve Ott, Dusty Monasmith, Mike Jones & Justin Kearns) earning playing time at the collegiate level. Mike Jones and Justin Kearns were then signed as free agents and played years of professional hockey.

Northview continues to produce a very competitive team year in and year out and will continue to strive for excellence both on and off the ice for the coming years.