Northview hockey team advances to state

Sylvania Northview's Zander Pryor (19) moves the puck against St. John's goalie Mike Barrett (29).

In a blink of an eye, the defending state champion Northview hockey team saved its season and earned a return trip to Columbus with a dramatic 3-2 win over St. John's Jesuit tonight.

Senior Zander Pryor scored two goals 14 seconds apart with less than four minutes remaining as the Wildcats rallied from a 2-1 deficit before a sellout crowd of 1,650 at Tam-O-Shanter.

Xavier Sudlow scored the first goal as the Wildcats grabbed a 1-0 lead early in the second period. But St. John's scored the next two goals to take a 2-1 lead into the third period.

The Titan's Austin Kelly had a goal and an assist, while Colin Suter scored the go ahead marker.

Northview goalie David Marsh stopped 34 shots to get the win in the district final.

Pryor's first goal came on a wild scramble in front of St. John's goalie Mike Barrett (15 saves) to tie it with 3:51 left. On the ensuing face off, the Wildcats rushed up ice and Pryor beat Barrett again.

Northview (26-6-1) makes a return trip the state final four next weekend in Columbus.

St. John's (26-8-0) finished the regular season ranked No. 2 in the state, while Northview was fifth.