Hermenegildo heats up

Hey sports fans, it's time to lift the lid off the local athletics scene and see what's cooking.

I'll start with a football note first. I was talking to Scott Kirkwood recently, father of Kyle Kirkwood, and he has told me Kyle had successful knee surgery to fix the damage and will make a full recovery. The B.C. Lions drafted Kirkwood in the 2007 CFL Draft . He didn't play a game this past season, but hopes to make a big impact in 2008.

Now, some volleyball to chew on. Sudbury's Kristina Fabris wrapped up her NCAA Division I career in fine fashion by being named an all-star. Fabris played for the University of South Florida. Fabris made the All Big East Conference Second Team All-Star squad in the outside hitter position. Fabris enjoyed her best season this past year, posting 3.60 kills per game and 3.04 digs per game. Fabris ranks sixth all time at the university in kills and digs.

Now, the main course, which consists of Sudbury Wolves morsels and OHL notes.

There will be more than a few teams kicking themselves for not drafting defenceman Peter Hermenegildo. Sudbury scooped up the five-foot-10, 196-pound defender with their third pick, 47th overall, at the 2007 draft, and he has rewarded the franchise with some strong play early on this season.

Hermenegildo has five goals and 12 points in his first 22 games. In his last nine games, Hermenegildo has four goals and nine points and a +3 rating. He has taken over the lead as the top scoring defenceman on the Wolves and is looking more and more confident every game. Hermenegildo, along with fellow defender and teammate Daniel Maggio, were both recently selected to play for Team Ontario at the upcoming World Under-17 Hockey Challenge in London. Hermenegildo will get his chance to shine on the big stage at this event, and hopefully show scouts he has what it takes to be an impact player at the OHL level.

The Wolves called up local boy Alain Valiquette for full-time duty last week. He got his first regular season start this past Saturday night against Plymouth. Valiquette was solid, making 40 saves in a 5-3 loss. Valiquette is tabbed as the next starter for the Wolves once incumbent Sebastian Dahm is traded or graduates.

Speaking of local goalies, Hanmer's Tyler Beskorowany is getting his due with the Owen Sound Attack. In seven starts, Beskorowany has a 3-4 record with a 4.29 goals-against-average and a .900 save percentage.