BY SCOTT
HADDOW
Sudbury Wolves forward Nick Foligno played under the microscope
this past season as hockey scouts watched his every move.
The pressure didn't cause Foligno to buckle; instead, he
thrived and produced a solid season in his pro draft year.
His consistent play and high-end skill served him well and
helped him become a top prospect for the 2006 NHL Entry Draft,
which will be aired on TSN.
Foligno is expected to go in the first or second round of
Saturday's pro draft.
Constantly under the microscope, Foligno responded this
season by leading the Wolves in scoring with 24 goals and 70
points in 65 games. He also racked up 146 penalty minutes and
registered a respectable +19 rating.
"It was a special year," said Nick. "The guys I played with
was what made it so special. It was a fun group and I loved
going to the rink every day. The fans were awesome too. I was a
bit disappointed with the playoffs (Sudbury lost to
Peterborough in the second round in four games), but that's
hockey. For the most part, personally and as a team, I thought
we had a great year. I thought I really improved over my first
year."
Foligno hopes he has shown the right stuff for a team to
take a chance on him early on.
"I think I showed I am a player who could play at the next
level," said the 18-year-old. "I have the drive and I am a
hard-working player. I brought those attributes every night I
played."
Foligno's inspired play made an impression on scouts across
North America. Heading into the draft, Foligno was ranked 45th
overall by International Scouting Services (ISS) and rated the
19th best North American prospect by the Central Scouting
Bureau. TSN.ca experts have Foligno being selected 19th overall
in a mock draft.
One thing is for sure, Foligno should be selected in the
first two rounds.
"Nick has played under intense scrutiny from fans and
opponents alike while playing for his dad (Mike)," said ISS
chief scout Mark Siedel. "He possesses some offensive skill and
is a good distributor of the puck, creating scoring chances for
his line mates. He has a high hockey IQ...very quick feet and
understands how to play without the puck."
ISS labels Foligno's pro potential as a solid two-way
forward, who can shut down the other team's top line.
Foligno is cool as a cucumber heading into this weekend's
draft.
"I am not really feeling any pressure...I am anxious though," said the forward. "There's always going to be pressure.
It's going to be exciting because my whole family is going
to be there and share the moment with me. It's a once in a
lifetime thing I will enjoy and have a great time."
Nick developed under the watchful eye of his father and head
coach and GM Mike Foligno.
"Nick showed good leadership qualities," said Mike. "He took
over and was a big leader when the team was missing Ben Pouliot
and Marc Staal to the World Junior Championship, both
offensively and defensively. He sees the ice well, has good
balance and decent hands. He really works well in traffic. He
goes into the corners and comes out with the puck. He also is
an unselfish play-making forward and will take the body."
Mike, who was drafted third overall in 1979 by Detroit, is
thrilled to see his boy pull on a NHL jersey.
"The family is looking forward to it and we're nervous for
him," said Mike. "We're full of pride too. He has worked hard
for this opportunity and it's his first step towards his pro
dream."
Foligno had an eye-opening experience playing in the CHL Top
Prospects Game, which featured the Top-50 prospects playing
Canadian Major Junior hockey.
"It really showed me where I was at compared to guys in my
own age group," said the 190-pound player. "It was a tremendous
experience and a lot of fun to see how I matched up against my
peers. I have a few attributes I can do better than certain
players. I tried to do the things I do best and hopefully it
was enough to get some attention from the scouts in
attendance."
Foligno doesn't have a preference at all when it comes to
what team will take him.
"None at all...I know it sounds political, but it doesn't
matter to me what team picks me, it would just be awesome to be
drafted."
He is well aware of the criticisms that follow his game, as
scouting reports have questioned his lack of discipline at
times.
"That's the style of game I play," said Foligno. "I am gritty and in your face. Sometimes I have to learn how to control it. I am an emotional guy and my emotions run high, but that's the way I am and that's the way I play. I have to cut down on the undisciplined penalties."
