Novi ices Clarkston in state quarterfinals
OUT OF ICE: Clarkston's Brad Pizzey and the Wolves were ushered from the postseason Wednesday in a 9-1 defeat to second-ranked Novi.
BY DAN STICKRADT
SENIOR EDITOR
dan.stickradt@northoaklandsports.com
FLINT — They way Bryan Krygier saw it, his Clarkston hockey team would have to play a perfect game against Novi in order to gain access to the Final Four. As it turned out, Novi was the team that played near-perfect hockey.
The Wildcats made quick work of the Wolves, scoring four times in the first 10 minutes of the game and cruising to a convincing 9-1 win over Clarkston in a Division 1 state quarterfinal at Perani Arena in Flint.
The Wolves, who were making their fifth appearance in the state quarterfinals in 12 years, were out-matched by the second-ranked Wildcats, who already defeated top-ranked Novi Detroit Catholic Central and fourth-ranked Howell in the regionals.
Taylor Howell scored twice, while Zach Mohr and Joey Ferriss added goals as Novi took command early and were relentless in punishing the unranked Wolves.
“I didn’t expect to beat Novi. They are an explosive team, very talented hockey team,” offered Krygier, Clarkston’s veteran coach. “I think they are the best team left in the tournament. They already beat Catholic Central and Howell, and that says a lot. They have some great players.”
Novi (22-5-1), coached by Todd Krygier, Bryan’s brother, will face Lake Orion at 6 p.m. Friday at Compuware Arena near Plymouth in the Division 1 state semifinals. The Dragons defeated St. Clair Shores Unified, 4-3, to advance to the Final Four for the first time.
Howell, who finished with five goals, and Jon Mencer added goals early in the second period to put the game way.
Dillon Drayer, who scored a hat trick in Clarkston’s 5-4 regional final win over Bay City Central Saturday, stopped the bleeding temporarily with a goal in the second period. It was a little too late for the Wolves (16-10-1).
Howell scored twice more in the second period, while Ferriss, considered a Mr. Hockey candidate, netted a third-period goal to ice the game. Ferriss finished with two goals and four assists, while Nolan Valleau chipped in with four assists in the game.
The Wildcats, making their second Final Four appearance, outshot Clarkston a commanding 24-7 margin.
“They are well-coached team with a lot of very skilled players who can put the puck into the net,” said Krygier. “They scored some quick goals on us and kind of took us out of the game.”
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Category: Clarkston, Prep Wraps
