Wolves snap ugly streak

Sudbury Wolves captain Kevin Baker stepped up this past weekend, helping the club shed their nasty 10-game losing streak.

The Wolves entered the weekend winless since Nov. 16. They took advantage of a depleted Sarnia club to snap the streak with a 4-3 overtime win. Baker played the role of hero scoring the game winner.

The 20-year-old finished the game with two points. Sudbury then hit the road for two games, losing 5-4 to Peterborough Saturday, followed by a tough 4-3 overtime loss to Oshawa on Sunday.

Baker was key in these games as well, scoring three goals and four points. Over the weekend, the captain netted four goals and six points. In his last seven games, Baker has six goals and nine points.

I've heard Baker's name in trade rumours, and with his efforts this past weekend, I'm sure his stock has risen substantially.

If the Wolves must trade their captain, I hope they ask for plenty because he can add a lot to any contending team. Baker has speed to burn, strong defensive skills and experience. He would be a fine fit with any squad looking to bolster their line up.

Baker hit 20 goals on the season, and now has 35 points in 35 games. He sits 14th in goal scoring in the OHL. It's the third straight season Baker has hit the 20-goal mark.

Equally impressive was backup goalie and local boy Alain Valiquette. He got his first win of the season by stopping 46 shots versus Sarnia. The lanky puck stopper showed his true potential against Sarnia and he could be ready for more work.

The Wolves did dip into the trading pool, albeit with their big toe, sending tough defenceman Stephen Miller to Guelph in exchange for 19-year-old defenceman Brandon Greenside.

Miller had a strong run with Sudbury. He helped their farm team, the Sudbury Junior Wolves, win the NOJHL championship two seasons ago and then the Wolves to the OHL final last season. Miller was as tough as they come and had a knockout punch and could deliver a mean body check. My lasting memory was when he knocked out heavyweight Luke Gazdic of Erie last season at the Sudbury Arena. The devastating punch still chills me to the bone.

A big disappointment for Sudbury fans last Friday was the fact former fan favourite and current Sarnia winger Devin DiDiomete was suspended just prior to the game for three games. He received a match penalty after a fight in a game against Sault Ste. Marie.

DiDiomete was heart-broken. He was fired up to play for the Sudbury fans and give them a good show. It was alleged DiDiomete gouged another player's eye. The OHL couldn't find conclusive evidence, but suspended the winger regardless because he was assessed a match penalty.

DiDiomete adamantly denied gouging another player's eye.

It's a shame since it was the only time Sarnia comes to Sudbury this season. It might have been the last chance for DiDiomete to play at the Sudbury Arena again. The feisty forward could turn pro next season and be out of the OHL.