100 games for Novello
Quietly and with little fan fare, hardworking forward Ethan Novello recently suited up for his 100th regular season game as a member of the Soo Thunderbirds of the Northern Ontario Jr. Hockey League.
Known for his work ethic and team first attitude, the 6-foot-1, 165 pound Novello is a Sault Ste. Marie product who, prior to joining the Thunderbirds in 2020, skated for the local high school hockey champion St. Mary’s Knights.
Novello has had a career season with the Thunderbirds this 2022-2023 campaign with 12 goals, 10 assists, 22 points in 51 games. In 49 games with the Thunderbirds spread out over two seasons prior to this one, Novello had one goal, nine assists, 10 points. Thus, his improvement in the points department from previous seasons to this one is rather noticeable.
“It feels great to be able to contribute to my team and help them win games,” Novello said of his contributions to the Thunderbirds, who are currently a solid third in the West Division of the NOJHL. “I feel like I have gotten stronger in certain aspects of my game throughout the last three years of playing here and it has helped me to contribute.”
With a 2003 birth date, Novello still has one season of junior eligibility remaining after this one. However, he could potentially end up playing for the Sault College Cougars of the American Collegiate Hockey Association effective the 2023-2024 season. To be sure, Sault College head scout and recruiter Charly Murray told Hockey News North that he is looking forward to seeing Novello at the Cougars Spring Skate in early June.
I’ve long been a fan of Ethan in his limited role with the T-Birds. His dedication to the team and his on and off ice work ethic is something all players should follow. Ethan was one of the 1st players to sign up for our Spring Skate and I believe the Cougars will not be disappointed in what he brings to the try-outs. Ethan’s determination will be there for all to see.