Kernan

For most of us, June 30 was just another day. But for Wolves forward Nick Baptiste, it was the culmination of a lot of hard work. It was NHL Draft Day in Newark, New Jersey and, for Baptiste, it was almost as if the day was scripted just for him.

Often a team’s success can have a lot to do with the kind of moves they make in the off season. It usually comes in the form of a player — either a signing or trade — but for the Wolves it could very well be a move made behind the bench.

With the off-season well underway for the Sudbury Wolves, you can bet the wheels are turning on some big decisions for the 2013-2014 OHL season. Some decisions have already been made when it comes to the coaching staff.

“Wait until next year.” It’s a phrase that has been heard often around Sudbury Arena, but I think this time there is cause for optimism.

The Sudbury Wolves’ team-first mentality in the first round of the OHL playoffs really helped them in their five-game series win over the Brampton Battalion. It might sound like a cliché, but you can’t argue with the stats.

After six months and 68 games, the Sudbury Wolves are right back where they were one year ago — getting ready for a first-round playoff series with the Brampton Battalion.

With a playoff spot secured, the Wolves have the last 10 days of the regular season to get ready.

While getting my notes ready for a recent broadcast, it came to me that the Wolves' improved play over the past few weeks has been more than just impressive.

Now that the dust has settled after the busiest and most significant trade deadline in recent memory for the Wolves, the debate continues on what it all means. First off, it’s a real change of philosophy for the organization.

The winds of change have blown through the Sudbury Wolves roster in a big way.