A hot goalie almost assures victory. Novi’s Kevin Michalzuk looked to start a streak against Clarkston on Nov. 9 in a pre-season opening scrimmage at Detroit Skating Club.
‘When a goalie comes up big, it changes the game and that was the case,? Clarkston coach Bryan Krygier said.
The game started out even for the two squads, with Novi jumping on the board first with a goal from Jeff Donahue at 13:15 of the first period. Nearly 10 minutes later, Aaron Podbieski flipped the puck up high on Michalzuk, assisted by Nick Posowatz.
The two teams remained tied 1-1 until five minutes were left in the second period, when the Wildcats poured in three goals, out-shooting Clarkston 16-2 for the period and taking a 4-1 lead in the third period.
Less than a minute into the period, a 28-minute running clock, Jeremy Voelker skated into Novi’s zone nearly uncontested and beat Michalzuk over the goalie’s right shoulder to make the game, 4-2, where it would remain.
The Wolves had the shooting advantage in the last stanza, 10-7, but gave considerably more chances to the Wildcats who held a 33-20 edge.
Krygier said the tone of the game would have been much different if the Wolves had converted a couple of their chances in the third period.
‘It was an even game after one period’in the second period’we fell apart a bit,? Krygier said.
‘With a younger team, you’re going to see let downs.?
Krygier’s brother, Novi Coach Todd Krygier, said both teams played well for the first scrimmage of the season.
‘We were older and more experienced,? he explained.
‘It helped me get an understanding of what some people are capable of and how well our system works.?
The Wolves were not as close in their second scrimmage of the pre-season, falling to Trenton High School on Nov. 15.
The game was close, 3-2, after the second, but the Wolves allowed five unanswered goals in the third period, losing 8-2.
‘We were tired and inexperienced and they beat us to the puck,? coach Bryan Krygier said.
‘We have a lot of younger skilled guys, but juniors and seniors still have to lead the team.?
Ryan Kenerson and Aaron Podbielski scored for the Wolves.
The Wolves will have their first home game of the season against Waterford Mott on Nov. 30 at Detroit Skating Club at 888 Denison Court in Bloomfield Hills.