Whenever Sudbury Nickel Capital Wolves forwards Deven
Stillar, captain Mathieu Lecours or Stefan Herrington step onto
the ice at the 2008 TELUS Cup, a buzz goes through the throngs
of people in the stands.
Much like all of the players on the team, including workhorse
Denis Restoule, grinder PJ Taus, and sniper Craig Laliberte to
name a few, the three players mentioned beforehand have
endeared themselves to the fans.
Their spirited play has captured the hearts and imaginations of
the people attending the national AAA midget championship.
Thanks to the competitive play of players such as Stillar,
Lecours and Herrington, Sudbury is the sentimental favourite.
Everywhere I walk, fans are talking and asking about the
Sudbury boys.
They have done the City of Greater Sudbury and the province of
Ontario mighty proud and they deserve to be applauded for their
work.
After Sudbury's fourth game - a 3-0 win over Cole Harbour -
Stillar, who was the player of the game, was leading the
tournament in scoring with three goals and eight points in four
games.
Lecours was second with three goals and seven points.
Herrington was fifth with two goals and six points. (Restoule
was sixth with three goals and five points.)
DEVEN STILLAR
Stillar has proven, in my mind and from covering OHL hockey
over the past six years, he can play OHL or NCAA Division I
hockey.
He's fast, crazy gritty and can create and finish scoring
chances.
Stillar, 17, initiates hard contact with opposing foes and
doesn't back down when driving the net. He could easily
translate his game to the next level if someone gives him a
chance.
MATHIEU LECOURS
Lecours has totally impressed me with his leadership and solid
two-way play.
Lecours may be just five-foot-seven and 155 pounds, but he's
all heart and desire. He also has a genuine sense of care for
his team and teammates.
He finishes checks and scoring opportunities with equal aplomb
and never hesitates to engage an opponent physically or
verbally.
Lecours is 18 and deserves a chance to showcase his talents at
the next level as well.
STEFAN HERRINGTON
Herrington has been the talk of the tournament between a lot of
scouts. They're impressed with his play-making ability, which
at times is simply amazing.
Herrington is 16 and could generate enough excitement around
him and find himself with a shot at the OHL in the fall.
Considering scouts have labelled him as one of the best players
at the TELUS Cup, it would be fitting.
Courtesy of this stunning run to the TELUS Cup event, we might
see some of these fine young men in the OHL or NCAA next
season.
I hope so.
