The Sylvania Northview Wildcats are off to a strong start this season and the upcoming Padua Holiday Hockey Tournament provides them with an opportunity to take things to another level.

Northview has won seven of their first 10 games and all three of their losses – to St. Edward, St. Andrew’s (ON) and in overtime to St. John’s last weekend – have been by a single goal.

Head coach Steve Elliott says the Wildcats don’t feel the need to prove anything at the tournament, which draws many of the top teams from around the state.

“The competition is always strong and as much as anything it will continue to help our development as we build through our schedule,” said Elliott.  “As far as proving ourselves we don't worry about that. We like to have the respect of teams around the state but, ultimately, we are concerned with our locker room, staff and players.”

The Northview offense has gone through junior defenseman David Crandall all season.  Crandall produced 43 points (16-27-43) and was the NHC Rookie of the Year in 2017-18 but played for Belle Tire AAA last season.  He has figured in over half of the Wildcats’ goals this season, putting up an astounding 24 points (4-20-24) from the blue line in just 10 games.

In addition to Crandall’s offensive exploits, Northview also boasts three senior defensemen in Seth Orozco, Justin Beaverson and Spencer Atkins.

Seniors Jeffrey Wood and Jimmy Roberts have been driving play at the other end of the rink, combining for 20 goals.

Junior Tyler Clem was the only goalie to appear in the Northview crease last season and has continued his iron man streak between the pipes, playing every minute of every game, stopping 89.1% of the shots he has faced for a 2.51 goals-against average.

Northview went 1-2-1 at last year’s Padua Tournament, finishing in sixth place out of 12 teams.

Get more NHC info in this week’s recap on www.nhchockey.com

--- Scott Harrington for Ohio Hockey Digest