BY SCOTT
HADDOW
Sudbury Wolves forward Gerome Giudice comes by his hard work
naturally. One could say he was born with it.
Raised in Brampton, Giudice spent his childhood years like any
other hockey player, hitting the ice as much as possible.
At six years of age, Giudice was already working hard playing
house league and AAA hockey at the same time, while also taking
up power skating.
Giudice has kept this keen self-accountability to always work
hard with him every step of his hockey path. Even when he's
been dealt a bad hand.
It has proven to be his most trusted and most important
talent.
Drafted in the second round of the 2005 OHL Draft, Giudice came
into the organization with people expecting a lot.
Giudice had to swallow some of his pride his first year in
2005-06 and started with the Wolves' farm club, the Sudbury
Junior Wolves.
It wasn't for a lack of effort.
"I had knee surgery…and was out about five months heading into
that first training camp," said the 17-year-old. "I knew coming
into camp it was going to be tough…I wasn't able to do any
weights on my legs all summer. I gave it my all anyway, and the
coaches offered me a spot with the Junior Wolves. They told me
if I kept working hard they would give me a shot with the
Wolves."
Giudice didn't need anyone to twist his arm to continue doing
what he had done all his life.
"I was willing to do whatever they wanted me to," said the
stocky five-foot-11 forward. "When you get to this level, you
can't pick what you want to do…or they'll tell you to take a
hike. I did what was asked of me and it worked out for the
best."
Giudice got his first call up after two weeks and from there he
went back-and-forth trying to earn a regular spot in the big
team's lineup.
He played 25 games for the Junior Wolves, and another 39 with
the Wolves. He also got in 10 OHL playoff games, scoring his
first career goal.
"It was awesome," said the 200-pound player. "I got my first
taste of the OHL and I liked it. From there…it just got better.
Playing for both teams really took a lot out of me. I was
practicing and playing games with two different teams…I was
busy and it was tough, but it helped me a lot."
Finally becoming a regular affirmed Giudice's belief in his won
skills and he has just started proving his worth.
"It means so much to me to play in the OHL," said the Lasalle
Secondary student. "When I was younger, I always watched
Brampton play. Just being at the games, I don't know how to
explain it…was just such a great feeling.
Playing is huge for me. Now, it's more than just dressing and hoping to play. I feel I have a lot to offer and can make the team better when I am playing well. I am a tougher, defensive forward. I can also chip in with some points. I finish my checks…and will fight if I have to. I will not put up 80 points…but I will do whatever I can. It's what I believe in."
Giudice's impact can't be measured in mere statistics alone. He
has one goal, three points and 52 penalty minutes this season,
and league-wide respect as a true defensive, in-your-face
rugged customer. He has been one of the key shut down players
for the Wolves, typically drawing tough assignments to cover
and stymie opposing snipers on the penalty kill unit.
"Gerome's tenacity stands out the most," said head coach and GM
Mike Foligno. "It always has. He's very gritty…and has some
skill. He's a solid checking-type forward who can hit and gets
in people's faces. Yet he plays within the rules. He's genuine
and a straight shooter. What you see is what you get. He gives
you an honest effort every game and day…never taking a shift
off."
Giudice is eligible for the 2007 NHL Draft, but he has bigger
fish to fry right now.
"Personally, I've always been a team-first guy," said the Acton
native. "I want to win a championship. It's my second year, so
I want to show more leadership and improve my game overall. I
also want to make sure I'm doing well in school. I am trying to
keep the NHL Draft off my mind…and just keep working hard and
hopefully it will work out."
