Hockey vs. Northview Recap

Another sold-out crowd was on hand at The Cube to watch two of the top teams in the state duke-it-out between the #11 Findlay Trojans and #4 Sylvania Northview Wildcats, and the crowd were given a dazzling display of skill between two great competitors in Findlay goalie Seth Russell (28 saves) and Northview goalie Austin Nowak (25 saves and shutout)

In the end though the Wildcats (16-8-3 7-1-1 NHC) came out with a hard fought 2-0 win over the Trojans.

Trojans Hockey is ON as scheduled: @NviewAthletics travels to Findlay tonight for a 5:00 JV contest with varsity to follow at 7:00. FAHA NIGHT! Tickets: https://t.co/tuMWAePflg. Stream: https://t.co/QRFMkkXaoq - Only Stream. Let's Go Trojans!!!! #TrojanTrue pic.twitter.com/VMqsBXQ8xN
— Findlay Trojans Athletics (@FHSAthletic) January 27, 2023

Findlay early game woes are still bothering them. In the first period Northview would start out with some early pressure and were able to get the first 6 shot off in the game before the Trojans were finally able to get their offense going and get a few chances of their own. Midway through the first period Northview took the first penalty of the game and Findlay went to work. The Trojans were able to get some good looks at the net with chances by Senior Ethan Lammers and Senior Kellen Wetz but all the chances were swallowed up by the Northview goalie. After killing off the Findlay power-play the Wildcats rattled off the next few chances of the first period but Findlay net minder Junior Seth Russell was up to the task and the first period ended 0-0.

To begin the second period the Trojans took their first penalty and had to kill off the Northview power-play. The Wildcats looking to get momentum were able to get off 5 shots on the power-play but Russell was strong in goal again for Findlay and was able to keep the game scoreless. More back and forth play in the second period came late in the period as both teams were opening each other's defense up but were unable to beat the respective goalies. Defenders Junior Kaleb Haubert and Junior AJ Savage were playing their part for the Trojans in keeping the game scoreless. Haubert would make 5 blocks and Savage was able to come up with 4 takeaways and 3 block shots, and the game headed to the third 0-0.

The third period is when Findlay would really turn it on and put the pressure on Northview, but again Nowak was stopping everything for the Wildcats. The Trojans would outshoot the Wildcats 11-6 in the third period with great opportunities for Senior Ross Trenkamp and Junior Nate Riegle in front of the net but Northview shutdown those opportunities. At 2:16 of the third period Nothview was able to break the scoreless tie on a shot by CJ Lehman with assists to Tryston Harrell and Landon Elliot. Findlay goalie never had a clear look at the shot as Northview put a lot of traffic in front of him and the shot went right past Russell's outstretched pad. With :50 remaining in the game Mason Crandell would ice the game with an empty net goal for the Wildcats and give them the 2-0 victory.

Northview goalie Austin Nowak on the night "Wow, what a game huh? This is a tough arena to come in to and leave with a win." "When I'm back there in the goal I want to give it all for my team, I just remember all my training sessions and keep the puck in front of me." "Seth Russell is a great young goalie who has the future ahead of him, we train together in the off-season so we both know each other well and he is someone who is great to compete against."

Findlay goalie Seth Russell on the night "We knew what we were up against and it was a hard fought game, unfortunately the game didn't go our way but we showed that we can go toe-to-toe with the top teams." "We had good looks but it wasn't our night offensively, tomorrow we will get back on track and get that offense going again." "Austin Nowak is an awesome competitor, we challenge each other in off-season training and since we started working together I've looked up to him and want to be at his level."
Findlay Assistant Coach Darryl Somerville on the Trojans effort "It was an evenly played game between two really good squads, unfortunately at the end of the day we didn't get the win but the effort and intensity we are looking for is there."

From here Findlay (15-10-0 3-4-0 NHC) will travel to Tam-o-Shanter Arena to take on Toledo St. Francis in another conference match up. The next home game for the Trojans is February 3 vs. Toledo St. John's Jesuit at 7 PM.
3 Stars of the Game

Third Star: Findlay Kaleb Haubert 5 blocks
Second Star: Findlay AJ Savage 4 takeaways 3 blocks
First Star: Findlay Seth Russell 28 Saves

JV Findlay 4 NV 1

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Players Mentioned

#1 Seth Russell: 6' 3"; Junior

#5 Nate Riegle: 6' 2"; Junior

#10 Kellen Wetz: 5' 8"; Senior

#12 Ethan Lammers: 5' 11"; Senior

#13 Ross Trenkamp: 6' 2"; Senior

#21 AJ Savage: 6' 4"; Junior

#32 Kaleb Haubert: Junior

Players Mentioned

#1 Seth Russell
: 6' 3"; Junior

#5 Nate Riegle
: 6' 2"; Junior

#10 Kellen Wetz
: 5' 8"; Senior

#12 Ethan Lammers
: 5' 11"; Senior

#13 Ross Trenkamp
: 6' 2"; Senior

#21 AJ Savage
: 6' 4"; Junior

#32 Kaleb Haubert
: Junior