BY SCOTT HADDOW
Hey OHL fans, Go Time is official back!
It's been a while since I was able to dispense the goods on
what's happening in and around the OHL with a particular
focus on the Sudbury Wolves.
For its triumphant return, this week's Go Time is going to tackle the good of the Wolves season. Next time, I will cover the bad side of things. There will be no cliché ugly aspect for this series of columns folks. I'm just not that kind of writer or person. I like things cut and dry (insert laugh here).
I'm not going to completely dissect the Wolves season and go over every last thing as I just don't have the time or space to do so. Instead, I will concentrate on a few moments that really made me and fans shake our heads in disbelief or disgust.
Now, for the sake of sanity, let's look at the some of the good things.
I was never more impressed with this young set of pups than on Feb. 8. The Wolves took on the top ranked team in the county, the Kitchener Rangers at home. It was supposed to be a slaughter. A total bloodbath  as the Rangers, who were rolling at the time, were taking no prisoners. It seemed they would do away with Sudbury after building up an astonishing 5-1 lead before the game was even half over. Then the incredible happened. The Wolves fought back and eventually won 6-5 thanks to a goal by Patrik Lusnak with just one second to go in the third period. It was pandemonium and the atmosphere was electrifying. For this green club to make that kind of a statement said a lot about their future potential.
Another character win by Sudbury this season was a dramatic overtime win versus Saginaw at home on Jan. 18. The Wolves had earned leads of 3-1 and 4-2 during the game but just couldn't hold back the Spirit. The game ended in regulation with the score knotted at 5-5. Instead of folding and giving the game away for nothing, Sudbury bounced right back and won the game 6-5 thanks to a big goal at 2:01 of overtime by Lusnak.
My hat goes off to rookie sensation Eric O'Dell. An unknown commodity in the Kevin Baker deal to Oshawa, O'Dell simply stepped into the Wolves line up and hasn't missed a beat and is pacing the team offensively since January. I've heard a few people around the Minto Street Madhouse say they knew this guy was going to be special. To that, I laugh long and hard. O'Dell was toiling away in Cumberland and wasn't on the radar screen for anyone in Greater Sudbury. It's a total bonus he has worked out so well for the club. In his first 24 games, O'Dell racked up 13 goals and 31 points. What's most impressive is the fact O'Dell has a +11 rating. O'Dell also wowed fans with a four-goal effort versus Owen Sound back in February. O'Dell has teamed up with Lusnak and Jared Staal to give the Wolves a bona fide scoring line and presence in every game. The trio has been smoking since January and show no signs of slowing down. O'Dell will certainly be the corner piece for the Wolves as they attempt to rebuild themselves into a powerhouse.
How about rookie defenders Daniel Maggio and Peter Hermenegildo. These two young studs helped Team Ontario win gold at the World Under-17 championship earlier on in the season. Both have played extremely well in the face of great challenge. Maggio has really seemed to gotten better as the season has worn on. He has been playing in every situation and asserting himself well. Maggio is going to be a pure monster in this league as he gets older, bigger and gains more confidence.
I also give a nod to captain Gerome Giudice. This rugged forward has really stepped up as the captain and set a shining example for all Wolves to follow. He plays hard every shift, and through hard work, has enjoyed a career season with 42 points in 62 games. It's a comforting feel knowing Giudice is holding players accountable in the dressing room. Why? Because he does it and expects the best from his teammates.
As stated before, these were just a few things which stood out this season from the good side. See you all next time when I dig up the bad bones from this past season.
