Northview Hockey Varsity Blog - Sylvania Ohio

Winning ways continue as Cats take over 35 Alumni Tourney

Coach Elliott — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 16:47:09 +0000

The Wildcat Alumni team continued the winning ways for Northview as they captured the 35+ championship in the annual alumni tourney this past weekend at Tam-o. The Cats 10-4 win in the Championship game vs a mixed squad from Central Catholic and Woodward gave them the title. Earlier in the day the Cats cruised by St. Johns 7 to 1 in the semi-final. Northview also defeated Bowling Green and Macomber. The Cats started sluggish Friday night versus Whitmer when they found themselves down 4 to 0 after the 1st period before rallying for the 6 to 6 tie. Overall the Cats outscored their opponents 49 to 14 for the tournament. The roster for this years team were: Tim Suter 82′, Bob Felser 84′, Mark Spencer 85′, Rick Felser 88′, Bryan Ortyl and Steve Leamy89′, Steve Elliott, Jaan Kanellis and Steve Wolfe 92′, Justin Kearns 94′, Jimmy Roberts, Jason Gurzynski, Mike Fielding and Ben Kirkbride 95′.

This week the Cats look for a clean sweep in 2012 with the 21 and older playing at Tam-o. Stop out to say hi and see some old freinds.

Cats set or tie 6 team records in earning 1st state title!!

Coach Elliott — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 19:20:45 +0000

The Northview Wildcats Captured the programs 1st state title, after 4 previous heart breaking defeats in the title game, with a 5 to 2 win over nemesis St. Edwards Sunday at Nationwide Arena in Columbus. Skating in front of a strong group of Students, fans and alumni the Cats methodically played their systems in building a 4 to 0 lead before sealing it with an empty net goal in the final seconds of the 3rd period. St Ed’s had beat the Cats in the title game in 1990 and eliminated them in back to back years in the semi’s in 86? & 87?.

In the state semi-final on Saturday senior Phil Bowles set a single season shutout record with 8 and tied the career mark with his 15th in leading the Cats past Olentangy Orange 6 to 0. Freshman Ian Clement staked the Cats to a 1 to 0 lead, with the eventual game-winner, near the 10 minute mark of the 1st period. Zach Felser hit for a power-play goal and a shorthanded goal in the 2nd as the Cats built a 3 to 0 lead outshooting the Pioneers 28 to 5 through 2 periods of play. Drew Crandall and Dalton Carter hit for 2 more short-handed goals and Xavier Sudlow put an exclamation point on the day with a power-play goal for the final margin. Bowles did the rest. The senior completed an amazing career as he posted his 8th shutout of the season breaking a record he held at 7 with Craig Trego 08? and 06? graduate Bobby McElheney. For his career Phil finished with a 28-3-2 record,15 shutouts and a 1.16 goals against average, incredible.

On Sunday Phil tagged off to goal tending partner Austin Gryca. Told that a rotational goalie situation would never work, the coaching staff stuck with the recipe that got them to the dance. Fresh legs and a fresh mind Gryca delivered for his team. Northview would strike just 1:15 into the contest as Sophomore Cody Estrel hit on a 3 on 2 rush feed from Zach Felser for the early lead. After Gryca stoned the Eagles on a couple of chances Estrel hit for a 2nd time in the final minute for a 2 to 0 lead. His tap in goal off a beautiful tick-tack-toe play from cousins Jacob Koback and Zach Felser gave the Cats a little cushion heading into the 1st intermission. Drew Crandall pushed the lead to 3 to 0 with a very fitting game-winner and Dalton Carter pushed it to 4 to 0 with his top shelf snipe early in the 3rd period on the Cats lone power-play. With Names like Carter, Crandall and Felser it was like going back in time for many of the fans of the program. Ed’s wouldn’t quit as they scored at the 5 minute mark to close to within 3. Northview would have no part of a comeback on this day. After a late goal closed the game to 4 to 2, Junior Nick Laplante sent the crowed into hysteria with a empty net goal to seal the win. Gryca stood tall in the nets as his 28 saves gave the Cats and the school the 1st state title of any team sport. Gryca became the only goalie in school history to play in 2 state final games. He also was in net for 3 district final games during his brilliant 4 year career while finishing with 45 career wins good for 6th all-time.

The Cats defense kept the Eagles from generating much in the way of quality scoring chances. With the 2 goals against on Sunday the Cats surrendered just 3 goals in the state playoff run epitomizing what they had done all season. Northview gave up just 46 goals on the year smashing the old mark of 61 goals against set by the 2004-05 squad. They recorded a 1.31 goals against avg. for the season. They also set records for most shutouts in a season with 12, least amount of defeats with 1 and tied the most wins in school history with 31.

This team bought into a plan laid out by the coaching staff back in June. While other teams and all their friends slept in and went to the lake, the Cats were up at 7 running and lifting weights. They had a singular focus with only the team in mind. It didn’t matter who scored the goals or who got the wins. When Bowles secured the semi-final win, it was Gryca who was the 1st to congratulate him. The Defense took pride that if you gave up zero goals you couldn’t lose. They did it as a team and they did it the right way. Boys you have made all of us Coaches, Alumni and Fans proud to be Wildcats!!! Thank you for putting that final piece to what we all know is the greatest hockey family in the world!!!

PHOTO GALLERY: CLICK HERE TO SEE MORE PICTURES

Northview vs. Olentangy Orange

Coach Elliott — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 16:04:23 +0000

CONGRATULATIONS NORTHVIEW WILDCATS 2011-12 NHC REGULAR SEASON, LEAGUE PLAYOFF CHAMPIONS and DISTRICT PLAYOFF CHAMPS!!!!!!!

KOOPER CARTER AND AUSTIN GRYCA LEAD THE CATS INTO STATE FROZEN FOUR!!!

If you were taking bets on who would score the game-winning goal for the Wildcats in their district final game versus the St. Johns Titans this past Saturday many people would have guessed Carter, And they would have been right!! What they would not have been right on was it wasn’t Dalton Carter who scored but his Sophomore cousin Kooper who hit the game winner in the early stages of the 3rd period. The goal propeled the Cats into the state frozen four for the 2nd time in 3 years and 3rd time since 2006.

Kooper’s 1st career goal came with 10:55 left in the 3rd period and gave the Cats a 2 to 0 lead. Earlier Junior Nick Laplante staked the Cats to the 1 to 0 lead midway through the 1st period as he intercepted a cross ice pass before skating in and blasting a shot past St. Johns goalie Mike Barrett, who otherwise played a stellar game. Austin Gryca did the rest. The Senior allowed just 1 goal on a 5 on 3 disadvantage as the Cats made it a clean sweep of northwest Ohio in 2011-12 with the 2 to 1 win. Northview’s team defense again played big. Led by the defensive group along with Gryca and Bowles the Cats surrendered just 1 goal in the district tournament and defeated the Titans for the 4th time this season. Northview has now allowed just 44 goals in the teams 33 games while moving to 29-1-3 overall.

The Cats will move on to Columbus to play Olentangy Orange on Saturday at 3 p.m. in the state semi-final. Olentangy was able to slip by Dublin Jerome 3 to 2 Saturday in the 4th overtime to claim their first ever trip to the frozen four. Northview will be making their 9th official trip and 10th trip overall. Tickets are on sale now at the School and available at the Nationwide ticket offices.

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Captain Kyler Omey would give his Left eye for his Teammates!!

Coach Elliott — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 15:14:58 +0000

That’s saying something for a kid who is legally blind in his Right eye! Joking aside when you think of a consummate professional, a person who would put the good of his team 1st and his own well being and personal accolades last look no further than Kyler. Its the reason he was chosen captain of the 2011-12 team and was given an alternate captain on the 2010-11 team. Kyler is not a player who stands out on a score sheet. He will not dazzle you with his tremendous skills, but at the end of a game players and coaches of opposing teams will tell you what a pain in the butt he is. It’s why recently even though he didn’t register a single point in league play he was selected to the 1st team in the NHC red division for defense.

Kyler came to the Cats for the start of his sophomore season. Part of a solid group of defenseman, Kyler never complained when early on that season his playing time was low. From the beginning it was never what was owed to him or any sense of entitlement. It was always what he could do to get better and to help make his team better. By the time mid-season of that sophomore season had rolled around Kyler was earning his minutes and making his team better. The Cats went to the state final game that year and Kyler along with blue line partner Graham Kelsey made up 1 of the top defensive pair in the state. Last year Kyler continued his strong play while helping to lead the Cats to a 2nd place finish in the regular season before capturing the league playoff tournament championship. However a loss in the district semi-finals kept the Cats from a return trip to states. This year Kyler wants more from his team and so far they have delivered. After capturing league and playoff championships in the NHC along with 3 other tournaments the 28-1-3 Cats sit 1 game away from a return trip to Columbus and the state Frozen Four! For that dream to become a reality it will take #4 patrolling the blue line and shutting down the opponents top players.

Congratulations Kyler on doing it the right way. Your morals and team oriented beliefs will help make you a success in all that you do. Good luck on the rest of your senior season and good luck Wildcats!!!!

Bowles ties own single season shutout record helps push Cats into district final

Coach Elliott — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 15:28:33 +0000

Goaltender Phil Bowles matched his own single season shutout record of 7 he shares with Bobby McElheney and Craig Trego in helping the Cats dispose of the Findlay Trojans 9 to 0 this past weekend and send the Cats into the district finals this Saturday night versus St. Johns.

The Cats actually came out a little slow in the 1st 3 or 4 minutes before Jacob Koback and Drew Crandall scored on a couple of fluky goals in the 4th and 5th minute to give the Cats a jump start. 1st Koback cleaned up a rebound off of the side of the net for a 1 to 0 lead and then Drew Crandall took care of a mix up between the Trojans goalie and defenseman for a 2 to 0 lead. Brady Storer and Cody Estrel would make it 4 to 0 before the end of the 1st period and the Cats would never look back. Nick Laplante scored a pair of goals in the 2nd along with single goals from freshman line-mattes Josh Koback and Ian Clement as the Cats led 8 to 0 after 2. Senior Brad Wadsworth capped off the night with his 1st career goal in the 3rd for the final margin 9 to 0. That was more than enough for Bowles. The Senior stopped all 20 shots he faced as the Cats recorded their 11th shutout of the season.

The Wildcats will face the Titans on Saturday night at 7 for the right to head down to Columbus for the state Frozen Four. Tickets are on sale at both the High school athletic office and at Tam-o-shanter this week.

2nd Generation Carter looking for unfinished business

Coach Elliott — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 14:00:41 +0000

The Carter family is 1 of the more well known names in Sylvania Wildcat hockey history. They have seen a lot of big games and been a part of a lot of big wins. They have been in 2 state final games with Dalton in 2010 and his father Roy in 1982. Uncle Doug (Current Northview Assistant) helped the Cats to back to back league championships and final four appearances in 1986 & 87. But there is one victory that has alluded this hockey family and the Northview Hockey family. With a victory in last nights 2nd round of the districts the Cats have pushed their win streak to 14 straight games in claiming both the league regular season and league playoff championships. To claim that ultimate victory they will have to push it to 18 games.

Dalton came to the Cats for his freshman season where he started as a defenseman. For his Sophomore season he was moved up to center and has taken off. During that Sophomore season Dalton registered 28 points and finished 3rd on the team in scoring. He also helped lead the Cats into the state finals where they eventually lost 4 to 1. Last year Dalton again recorded 28 points as the Cats claimed the league playoff championship over eventual state champion St. Francis. This year Dalton has taken his game to another level. His 31 goals not only lead his team but his 52 point is closing in on doubling his previous 2 seasons combined. Recently Dalton went over the 100 career point mark. Last week the other head coaches recognized his efforts as he received 1st team honors and was awarded Player of the year in the northwest hockey conference. Someday Dalton will get a chance to look back on those individual honors and feel proud, but for now his focus is on accomplishing that unfinished team goal his Father started 30 years ago.

Congratulations Dalton on carrying on the family name with pride and good luck as you head into the last weeks of your Senior season!!

Cats into the district Semi with win over Perrysburg

Coach Elliott — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 16:58:26 +0000

The Wildcats easily moved into the district semi-finals after a 10-0 win over Perrysburg in the 2nd round last night. A host of Wildcats lit the lamp including a pair from Dalton Carter and Zach Felser. Kyler Omey scored his 1st of the season along with Jacob Koback and Brady Storer. Junior Brandon Bihn joined the varsity lineup and scored the his career 1st and 2nd goals while Austin Gryca needed to stop just 3 1st period shots to earn the shutout. However this night Belonged to senior Labinot Elmazi. After picking up the game just a few years ago, Labinot has dedicated himeself to being a better hockey player and a great Wildcat. His goal was the icing on the cake and finished of the Yellow Jackets in the early moments of the 3rd. A fitting reward to never giving up on oneself and to never quitting on the program. Congratulations Labinot!!

The Wildcats will take on the winner of the Bowling Green/Findlay game this friday night at 7 for the right to play in the district finals.

Battle tested Gryca ready to lead his team into playoffs

Coach Elliott — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 16:00:36 +0000

Austin Gryca has been through it all as a Wildcat. From a freshman who played in 23 games battling for playing time to leading his team to the state finals and everything in between! He has been great and he has had his bad games. Those are the things that come with playing perhaps the hardest position in sports. Through it all Austin has weathered the storms and reaped the praise. As he heads into the final weeks of his senior season the Cats know they have a goalie that has been there and seen it before.

Austin Came to the Cats for his freshman season following in the footsteps of goalies Bobby McElheney (06?) and Craig Trego (08?). Those 2 were 1st and 2nd in all-time shutouts and 1st and 3rd in career wins for the program. Austin stepped in and has helped keep the program up with the best in the state. His freshman year the Cats fell in double OT in the district final and Austin nearly stole that game for Northview as a 14 year old. His Sophomore season he backed the Cats through the state playoffs pitching a shutout in the state Semi-final before losing in the state finals. This season he along with his teammates support the best goals against average in team history. This past weekend Austin was at it again in helping the Cats claim the League playoff championship for the 2nd year in a row. At 26-1-3 the Cats are having the best season record wise in team history. They have also won the league regular season crown, the Cold Turkey Tournament, the elite Padua Invitational and the Mid-winter classic in Chicago. There is however 1 more goal for Austin and his team. A goal no other team has accomplished and that is a state championship. With State playoffs beginning next week for the Cats it is going to take all 23 varsity member’s pulling on the same rope to make the dream come true. A battle tested Austin is sure to be pulling his weight!

Good Luck Austin in the quest for that state title and congratulations on an incredible 4 year career!!!

2 Wins over the Catholics give the Cats the league playoff championship

Coach Elliott — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 15:14:42 +0000

The Wildcats improved to 26-1-3 this past weekend and took home the championship trophy in the end of the year league playoff tourney win wins over St. Francis and St. Johns both by a final score of 5 to 2.

On Saturday night the #1 seeded Wildcats took on the #4 seed St. Francis Knights. Freshman Ian Clement’s 2 goals and 3 points helped lead the way to the 5 to 2 win. Clement scored the 1st of the game on the power-play near the end of the 1st and then off a nice feed from Senior Brad Wadsworth in the 2nd for a 2 to 0 lead. Nick Laplante also scored a pair of goals converting twice on 3 on 2 breaks for the Cats. Zach Felser chipped in with the final marker and Austin Gryca made several nice saves when the Cats needed him to help send Northview into the title game.

On Sunday afternoon the Cats jumped all over the #2 seeded St. Johns Titans in route to the 5 to 2 win in the Championship game. Brady Storer opened up the scoring on the power-play as his shot through traffic gave the Cats a 1 to 0 lead. Dalton Carter made it 2 to 0 minutes later as his snapper from the slot found the top shelf of the Titans net. Storer and Carter would each score in the 1st 4 minutes of the 2nd period to push the lead to 4 to 0. 1st Storer scored off a feed from Zach Felser on the power-play and then Carter scored of a nice cycle and give and go with linemattes Nick Laplante and Drew Crandall for a 4 to 0 lead. Undiscipline play led to a rash of penalties and the Titans scored near the end of the 2nd to close to within 3 after 2 periods of play. After a 2nd Titans goal in the 3rd, Sophomore Cody Estrel hit the empty net to end any thoughts of a comeback and give the Cats back to back league playoff championships. Phil Bowles stood strong in the nets and the Cats made it a perfect 7 and 0 vs their Catholic rivals St. Johns and St. Francis this season.

Northview will open up the State playoffs next Monday the 20th at 8 vs the winner of Maumee and Perrysburg in the 2nd round of the playoffs. The #1 seed Wildcats earned a 1st round bye. Tickets for all state playoff games are $7 for students and adults.

Felser is the Datsyuk of the NHC

Coach Elliott — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 15:16:08 +0000

When you look at Zach Felser play he reminds you of the Detroit Red Wings Pavel Datsyuk. What catches your eyes is his flashy puck control ability and offensive game. But what sets him apart from the other great offensive players in the league is his determination as the premier defensive forward in the league.

Zach helped the Cats to the state finals during his sophomore season and last year helped them capture the league playoff championship, but both of those came as a role player capable of taking over the game. This season Zach has taken his game to the next level and has been dominant. His unselfish play has him atop the team in assist and made sophomore line-mattes Cody Estrel and cousin Jacob Koback flourish. However it is his tenacious back-checking and help in the d-zone that has made the biggest improvement in his teams play. The 24-1-3 Cats have surrender just 39 goals in the teams 1st 28 games. That 1.39 goals against per game has helped the Cats capture the NHC red division and has them in position as the #1 seed heading into both the league tournament and state playoffs. Zach’s passion for the game, his team and his school is sometimes misinterpreted, but his coaches and his team know that the success of the team is the reason for that passion. If the Cats are to capture the teams 1st ever state championship, Zach Felser will be an instrumental part of that journey. This past weekend Zach scored 4 goals on Friday night to lead the Cats past St. Francis those points also pushed him over the 100 point mark for his career!

Congratulations Zach for your love of this game and your team!! And good luck with the rest of your senior season!!

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