Jakov Novak Returns Home a Champion After Kelly Cup Victory

Jakov Novak is back home savoring the moment after helping the Lions de Trois-Rivières capture the Kelly Cup, the ECHL's top prize. The Lions clinched the championship in front of their home fans with a 4-1 win over the Toledo Walleye in Game 5, sealing the series 4-1.

“Beating Toledo at home to win the Kelly Cup, that was the culmination of an absolute grind,” Novak told Powerplay Sports. “We talked all playoffs about investing in every series, every game, every shift—and it paid off. Every hit, every blocked shot, every moment of sacrifice added up, and to finish it off in front of our fans made it all worth it.”

The championship marked a remarkable turnaround for Trois-Rivières, a team that had finished just one game over .500 a year ago and was facing bankruptcy before being rescued by a new ownership group.

This season, the Lions placed fifth overall with 45 wins but stumbled at the end of the regular season, winning just four of their final ten games.

“We didn’t finish the regular season as strong as teams like South Carolina (9-1) or Florida (8-2),” Novak admitted. “But something clicked in the playoffs. We were too dumb to quit, honestly. We had full buy-in from every single guy in the lineup—and even the ones who weren’t dressing. Everyone had a role and owned it.”

Now back home, Novak is taking time to relax and celebrate a hard-earned championship. As for what’s next?

“Going to figure out come July 1st if another AHL deal is in the cards or head overseas to continue my hockey aspirations,” he said.

Wherever he ends up next, Novak will be carrying the pride of a gritty, resilient 8-week championship run with him.