BY SCOTT
HADDOW
The top two teams in the NOJHL meet tonight in a battle for
first overall in the standings.
The Kal Tire Sudbury Junior Wolves host the Soo Indians at the
McClelland Arena in Copper Cliff with first place on the line.
Game time is 7:30 pm.
The Junior Wolves occupy first overall with a record of
20-7-04, good for 44 points. The Indians are literally
breathing down their necks with a record of 20-10-0-2, good for
42 points.
This is the eighth time so far this season the two clubs will
meet. The Soo holds the advantage in the series, with four wins
in the seven games.
The Soo pulled off back-to-back wins over Sudbury in late
December. Sudbury is 3-1 in their last four games, dropping a
6-5 overtime loss to North Bay in their most recent game last
week. The Indians are also 3-1 in their last four games,
including a 4-3 win over Abitibi this past weekend.
Still, despite the incoming enemy, Sudbury head coach Darryl
Moxam has other more pressing concerns.
"Instead of focusing on opposing teams right now, we have to
focus on ourselves in terms of discipline and work ethic," said
the bench boss. "A lack of discipline and work ethic for 60
minutes cost us the game against North Bay. Against the Soo,
our key guys have to be more disciplined and be our leaders for
a full 60 minutes. That's what I am looking for tonight."
With just two points separating the two clubs, tonight's game
could be loaded with fireworks.
"It should be a good game...the Soo is on a roll right now,"
said Moxam. "They're the team that's chasing us in the
standings. It's a big four-point game for us...I expect the
boys to be ready."
Despite being out for half a season, Moxam says not much has
changed in the NOJHL.
"Every team is competitive and it was that way last season,"
said Moxam. "Almost any team can win on any night. The rule
changes are the biggest difference. I have to get accustomed to
them. The players have a good understanding of the new rules,
but we're not great at it yet. It's something we will continue
to work hard on."
Sudbury is getting a boost from forward J.F. Houle. The former
OHL player had just three points in his first five games, but
has exploded for 27 points in his last 11 games.
"He's a key guy," said Moxam. "He has great patience around the
net and his passing ability is second to none in the
league."
