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. A second team, The Jr. Cats, was formed and coached by Jim Cooper. In 1976 Sylvania split into two schools Northview and Southview. Many of the original Varsity players followed coach Vivian to the newly constructed Southview and Coop was hired to be the coach of the Varsity at the original Sylvania that became 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, 2006, 2008, 2012, 2020 & 2023. Final four appearances in 76*,81,82,86,87,89, 90, 2006, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2019 and 2023. 6 state runners up teams in 1976*, 82, 90, 2006, 2010, 2013 and 2 state championships in 2012 and 2014! Many other teams finished near the top of the conference and advanced to the district finals.

Jim Cooper was the model coach for Sylvania and Northview for 33 years. He enjoyed great success on the ice as evidence with his then state record 585 career victories and 4 state runners-up years. But it was his unparalleled work off the ice with his hockey family that holds him in such great esteem. He worked with over 200 players and 25 Assistant coaches. After 33 years  Jim Cooper stepped down as head coach and former professional and  Wildcat hockey player Mike Jones took over following the 2008 season. Coach Jones continued the great tradition as the Cats made the final four in 4 of his 8 seasons claiming the 2012 and 2014 state titles. After the 2016 season Coach Jones stepped away to spend more time with his growing family. 19 year assistant coach and 1992 graduate Steve Elliott took over as head coach for the Cats for the 2016-17 campaign and looks to build on the successes of his mentors and predecessors.

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 14 Alumni (Larry Willard, Dalton Carter, Brian Wadsworth, Mychal Monteith, Tim Hurst, Alden Hirschfeld, 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, Justin Kearns and Alden Hirschfeld all signed as free agents and played years of professional hockey. Hirschfeld and 2008 Graduate Brent Bain are Currently assistant coaches for the Toledo Walleye.

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

*1976 State runner-up team was before the tournament became official.