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Forward doesn?t know meaning of ?quit?

BY SCOTT HUNTER HADDOW [email protected] Taking his second crack at making the Sudbury Wolves this season, Alex Eaton made the most of his chance this time around.
BY SCOTT HUNTER HADDOW

Taking his second crack at making the Sudbury Wolves this season, Alex Eaton made the most of his chance this time around.

The tenacious forward showed up to camp with a great work ethic and a "do anything" attitude, which earned him a spot on the roster.

Eaton has done it all to keep his spot on the team, and in the mean time, has become a tremendous asset to the Wolves.

The raw 18-year-old has hit, fought, played defense, played with emotion, scored goals, played hurt and wreaked havoc in his first 23 games.

He has done all this while maintaining one of the best plus/minus statistics on the team with a plus-3.

For his inspired efforts, Eaton has quickly become a fan favourite.

Last season, Eaton practiced with the Wolves for about two weeks before being sent back to play Triple 'A' Midget hockey in Toronto.

Eaton remained positive and came back this season set on making the club.

"My dream was always to play hockey in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL)," said Eaton. "I was more determined this year to make the team. I got up here and gave it all I had and made it happen."
Wolves head coach and general manager Mike

Foligno watched Eaton earn his way into the lineup with his tremendous work ethic and rugged style of play.

"He came to work hard each and every night and earned his right to be on the team," said Foligno.

"HeÂ?s very fearless and tenacious out on the ice. He will do anything to win for his hockey team and that's a guy we need."

Eaton will not change his attitude.

"I am definitely willing to do anything for the team," said Eaton.

"I have played some defence, but I like being switched around to different positions. I am always ready to do what it takes to help the team out."

Foligno loves Eaton's attitude.

"It rubs off on a lot of people in the dressing room," said Foligno.

"You want that kind of character to be part of your hockey club because these kind of guys are going to be successful and help the team be more successful. We've used him on the penalty killing unit, on defence and on a regular shift. He's done a good job in every area we have put him in because he works so hard at it."

Eaton prides himself on his robust style of play, which he started developing about three years ago.

"I like the physical play," said Eaton. "I like to get under the opponent's skin and stir things up. It usually helps out and everybody gets going off it."

Eaton has found out there's more to the game than just scrapping and supplying pure emotional play.

"I have learned to play smart and simple hockey," said Eaton. "If I get my job done and the other guys do theirs, then the work will get done."

Foligno has seen improvement in Eaton's game since the start of the season.

"He's done everything we have asked of him and he's getting better every day," said Foligno. "He's driving to the net now and getting a few points because of his tenacity and grit around the net."

Eaton is currently taking courses at Lasalle Secondary School and plans to attend Laurentian University next semester.



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