TROY, MI — Troy United Hockey started the new year in dramatic fashion Saturday night, earning a 3–2 overtime victory over the Novi Wildcats on home ice. Novi struck first with a shorthanded goal, but Troy United wasted no time responding. Still on the same power play, senior Breiden Blaeske (Athens High School) buried the equalizer to knot the game at 1–1. Despite several point-blank breakaway chances by Novi in the opening period, Troy United’s goaltending kept the game even. The Wildcats regained the lead in the second period with a power-play goal to go up 2–1. Troy United captain Joey Clark (Troy High School) answered with a shorthanded breakaway goal to tie the game at 2–2. The third period featured multiple scoring opportunities for both sides, but strong goaltending stole the spotlight. Novi’s freshman netminder and Troy United sophomore Noah Dumas (AHS) stood tall, sending the contest into overtime. Overtime brought sustained offensive pressure from Novi, but Noah Dumas continued to shut the door on the Wildcats. With just 27 seconds remaining in the extra period, Troy United’s alternate captains connected for the game-winner. Ben Dumas (AHS) carried the puck into the offensive zone and fed Kaiser Ascencio (AHS), who finished the play to secure the 3–2 victory. The win improves Troy United’s record to 13–2 as the team prepares to enter the most demanding stretch of its schedule. Troy United will be back on the road Thursday, January 8, traveling to face the North Oakland Eagles in an OAA league matchup. Story by: Jason Clark Photo credit: Shannon Blaeske