Sudbury Wolves head coach and GM Mike Foligno never has to look
far down his bench to give his team a boost during games.
Foligno's eyes scan the players quickly and zeros in on No. 24
- Devin DiDiomete.
All Foligno has to do is tap DiDiomete's shoulder. Nothing has
to be said.
DiDiomete charges over the boards with one mission on his mind
- to get his team fired up big time.
Whether it's a crushing check, a furious fight or a giant goal,
DiDiomete almost always finds a way to get his squad howling
and into the battle.
In his three seasons with the Wolves, DiDiomete has transformed
himself into a true, two-way warrior and a big part of the
heart and soul of the franchise.
The rugged forward got off to a slow start, recording just two
points in his first eight games. In the last 22 games,
DiDiomete had 14 goals and 20 points. (The Wolves played last
night against Windsor, but stats were unavailable at press
time.)
"I am happy with my season so far," said the Stratford native.
"I got off to a slow start but was able to turn it around
because I did extra work at practice. I worked on my shooting
and it helped...I started to score goals. As a team, I think
we're doing all right, but I definitely think we're
underachieving. We're a really strong team in all areas. We
have the potential and ability to be one of the best teams in
the league."
DiDiomete is on pace to eclipse last year totals of 15 goals
and 36 points in 60 games.
After being picked by the Calgary Flames 187th overall in
the 2006 NHL Draft, DiDiomete quickly realized from a brief
stint in Cow Town he still has a way to go in hockey. The
experience also helped him gear up for this season in the OHL.
"It meant a lot to me to get drafted...I attribute a lot to
Mike for it because he gave me a lot of chances," said the
six-foot forward. "Calgary was a great learning experience for
me...I learned what it takes to be a professional. It opened my
eyes. I worked hard over the summer and lost a lot of weight.
It helped with my speed and I play with two really good
players, Nick Foligno and Jesse Messier, so that's helped me a
lot too."
DiDiomete has plenty to motivate him and challenge him at
the OHL level.
"I'm pushing myself every game, every practice," said the
190-pound winger. "I'm working on my first three steps and
skating. Every season I want to win and this year is no
different. I want a league championship."
DiDiomete is a fan favourite for his robust play and is also
praised by the coaching staff.
"Devin has improved in so many areas," said Foligno. "We're
thrilled with how hard he works all the time. He made the
commitment to get into top shape...paid the price and it has
helped bring his best game forward and display it every game."
"He's a heart and soul player for us. He's become a leader
with his solid two-way play. He can generate offence and never
gives up on battles for the puck. He's accountable on defence
and we expect him to keep improving with each game. He's a key
team guy for us and we're glad to have him on our side."
DiDiomete knows how to get his nose dirty as well. He had
106 penalty minutes, a lot due to fighting majors sticking up
for his team.
"I'll score, hit, fight...do anything to help my team," said
DiDiomete. "I expect a lot out of myself."
DiDiomete also has a keen knack for getting opponents off
their game by just opening his mouth.
"I don't know what I really say out there all the time...I
just go out and try and get under the opponent's skin," said
the 18-year-old as fellow tough guy and teammate Akim Aliu
laughs in the background
DiDiomete and the Wolves are on the road tonight as they face the Plymouth Whalers. Game time is 7:30 pm.
