Nowak, Northview end Findlay's postseason run

BOWLING GREEN – Sylvania Northview's hockey team scored three goals in the first period, had a 5-1 lead early in the second, and held on to eliminate Findlay from the regional tournament with a 6-3 win in Bowling Green. Jack Nowak had a hat trick for the Wildcats, and Noah Spence had four assists as Northview improved to 25-9-3. Nowak got things rolling 7 ½ minutes into regulation, converting assists from teammates Spence and Noah Ellis. With less than two minutes left in the opening period, Southview scored twice. Steven Gillenwater scored off assists from Zac Crandall and Ellis, then, about 30 seconds later, Kolten Omey found the back of the net off a Carter Tillman assist for a short-handed goal. Early in the second period, Findlay struck back. Ethan Jerew scored off a Jackson Biggs assist, and the Trojans pulled within 3-1. Northview had an answer. Actually, it had two. With a little under seven minutes to go in the second and Northview on the power play, Liam Elliott gave the Wildcats a 4-1 lead, converting off assists from Boston Kopke and Spence. Twenty-one seconds later, and on the power play again, Nowak delivered his second goal, off Spence's third assist. Omey also had an assist on the goal. Down 5-1, Findlay scored consecutive goals to pull closer. Colin Somerville scored off a Draven Wilson assist 12:11 into the second, and then, less than 40 seconds later, Louis DiBerardino knocked in a goal off assists from Somerville and Wilson. With less than 90 seconds remaining in the eventful second period, Nowak scored his third goal off Spence's fourth assist. Omey also was awarded an assist on the goal. Northview outshot Findlay 27-23. Brett Flanagan made 21 saves for the Trojans, who ended the season at 18-16-1. Gavin Smith was in goal for the Wildcats, and made 20 saves. Toledo St. Francis, the No. 1 seed in the region, defeated Oregon Clay 10-0 in Thursday's other regional at BG. Northview, the second seed, will meet St. Francis Saturday at noon in the regional final, back at BG. SCHEDULE BOYS BASKETBALL Division V Margaretta vs. Bluffton at Lakota, 7 Division VI Van Buren vs. Seneca East at Liberty-Benton Marion Local vs. Ada at Wapakoneta, 6 Patrick Henry vs. Colonel Crawford at Willard, 6