Championship Game

This game turned out to be an incredibly back and forth affair right from the opening faceoff. The two teams went up and down the ice trading scoring chances before the first goal finally was scored. It was the FireCats who got on the scoreboard first, giving them the early lead and a chance to settle in for the rest of the game. The lead turned out to be short-lived, however, as the Eagles tied things up a short time later. As I said, this was a back and forth game, and this went on through the entire period. Novi answered back to retake the lead, only to have Westmoreland answer to retie the game, this time at 2-2. With time winding down on the period, the FireCats snuck one last goal past the goaltender, giving them a 3-2 lead as time expired.

The second period was similar to the first, though this time it was the Eagles getting on the scoreboard first. Their goal knotted the game up at 3 goals apiece. Despite giving up the lead, the FireCats weren't done. They kept attacking, and managed to score their fourth goal of the game to retake the lead. Alas, it wasn't meant to be, as the Eagles would tie the game up once again before the period would end. The game would go into the final period tied at 4-4.

The third period got off to a rocky start for the FireCats, as they allowed the Eagles to score two unanswered goals (the first time that had happened for either team the entire game) to take a 6-4 lead. The FireCats didn't give up, and were able to narrow the gap to one a short time later with a goal of their own. Westmoreland scored once again to return their two goal lead, seemingly icing the game in the process. Time was running out on the FireCats... except this team definitely doesn't have any quit in them. They kept attacking even though the odds of victory were shrinking right before their eyes. They managed to score a goal to narrow the gap to one once again with 1:18 left on the clock. They still kept at it, and they managed to tie the game up at seven goals each before time ran out! On to overtime!

Like each of the three previous periods, the two teams went back and forth in overtime. Finally the Westmoreland team gained control of the puck in the Novi end, and even though it seemed as though the Novi goalie clearly covered the puck with his glove, the refs didn't blow the play dead. That allowed the Eagles to keep attacking, and they eventually succeeded in sneaking one past the Novi goalie to secure victory.

Although the Novi FireCats team didn't win the championship game, they represented themselves very well this weekend. We are very proud of Drew and all of the Novi players. They fought hard all weekend, and displayed a positive attitude regardless of the circumstances. Great job boys, and Go FireCats!

Novi FireCats - Rock N' Roll Cup Championship Game - at Westmoreland Eagles 1 Black

Drew and his Novi FireCats teammates gathered around the net for the final time in the Rock N' Roll cup.

Go FireCats!

Drew charging towards the corner...

...and playing the puck.

Drew playing the puck along the boards.

Drew circling around the zone.

Drew nudging aside a smaller player...

...and knocking him to the ice.

Drew trying to settle down a bouncing puck near center ice.

Drew going towards the puck along the boards.

Although the scoreboard wasn't updated after the overtime game winner, the FireCats found themselves on the short end of an 8-7 score in the championship game.

Drew and his teammates lined up on the blue line for the ribbon and trophy presentation.

Drew hearing his name announced...

...and skating over...

...to accept his medal...

...and shake the hand of the winning team's...

...coaches (and players).

Coach Pavel with the runner's up trophy.

The coaches and players gathered on the ice for a team picture following the game.

A close-up of Drew.

Another team photo.

A shot of Drew with his ribbon.

A closer look at Drew.

Drew and Rodney together on the ice.

Drew showing off the team's newest trophy.

Drew and Rodney with the trophy.