New Wolves captain takes over reins

Another OHL season has kicked off for the Sudbury Wolves and recently the team named veteran centre Kevin Baker as the new captain. He takes over from standout defenceman Marc Staal, who has graduated to the pros.

Baker has some awfully big shoes to fill. Staal was, perhaps, the best captain in Wolves history. He led by example every game and stepped up when most needed (see 2007 playoff run in which Staal literally willed the underdog Wolves to numerous big wins).

It will be interesting to see if having the C insignia sewn on his jersey will change Baker into a more complete player.

Baker has always been a highly skilled pivot with great play making ability, blistering speed and a wicked shot (which he needs to use a lot more). He's dependable and responsible when it comes to defence. Baker lacks a real physical edge and, sometimes, the grit, to do the dirty work.

With his speed and size, Baker could easily become one of the more feared players in the league if he puts it all together quickly.

It came as no surprise to most observers that head coach and GM Mike Foligno would name Baker the captain.

Baker has filled an assistant captain's role on the team many times in the past and has done an admirable job. He's a quite leader, but has the intangibles to make his mark. It's all up to him.

Foligno also dished out assistant captain's roles to Gerome Giudice, Stephen Miller and Matt Dias. Giudice and Miller are two types of players who I would have no problem going into war with. These two guys sum up dedication and determination. Both players spent a lot of time jumping from the Wolves to the Junior Wolves their first seasons with Sudbury. They practiced and played games for both teams. They swallowed some pride and developed into solid character players who have a lot to offer young players.

Giudice and Miller really appreciate what it takes to make and stay in the OHL. It took them a lot of effort to reach the OHL and will hold rookie and veteran players accountable all season.

Dias is an easy choice as an assistant captain. It's his third season on the team and he's one of the team's go-to-guys. He's a hard worker and his traits will rub off on youngsters.

Good choices to lead this team in a rebuilding year.

Now for a former Wolves player who has been making some noise in the NHL exhibition season.

Nick Foligno has made another splash at the Ottawa Senators training camp. Early last week, head coach John Paddock called the 19-year-old centre out in the media basically demanding the rookie "pull up his socks."

Well Foligno more than pulled up his socks, he pulled them right off. In two wins over Philadelphia and Washington, Foligno recorded two goals and four points. Included in those performances was an outstanding backhand goal against Washington, which saw Foligno tuck the puck into the top shelf of the net while speeding past the goalie. It was a marvelous goal.

Foligno made a name for himself last year by sticking around to play in exhibition games. It looks like he's going to take the next step and play some regular season games. Based on his performances, Foligno has, at least, earned a cup of coffee trial with Ottawa, even if it's only for 10 games to start the year.

I wouldn't bet against Nick from playing all year with the team.

Former Wolves forward Jessie Messier has been named captain of the Mississauga Majors. Messier is one of the most inspirational players in the OHL, battling back from a severe neck injury to produce a solid career. He was traded last season.