Junior Wolves hungry for Skyhawks

BY SCOTT HADDOW

First place overall, and more importantly, a bye in the first round of the playoffs is what awaits the Sudbury Junior Wolves tonight if they beat the North Bay Skyhawks.

Game time at the McClelland Arena in Copper Cliff is 7:30 pm.

The Junior Wolves can wrap up first overall in the NOJHL with a victory. It would mean a bye in the first round, which is crucial at playoff time.

"It's enormous," said head coach Darryl Moxam. "It would give us a bye and there's nothing more important going into the playoffs healthy. It's a big thing.

The bye would give our guys a chance to rest and they want it big time."

Clinching first overall, which would be the first time in the Junior Wolves history, would also benefit Sudbury.

"It's also crucial because the first round of the playoffs will be tough on teams with injuries and fatigue," said Moxam.

Beating the Skyhawks isn't as easy as just showing up. Sudbury is going to have to get intense.

"North Bay is a physical club with a great defence corps," said Moxam. "It's not easy scoring goals on them. We have to match their intensity to start with. From there, we have to do the tough things and score some dirty goals."

Forward Brenden Biedermann has been causing a buzz lately, jumping back and forth between the Junior Wolves and the Sudbury Wolves of the OHL. He hasn't missed a beat, and has shown he has the skill to play at the OHL level, while maintaining his assertiveness at the NOJHL level.

Biedermann has 15 goals and 55 points in 31 games.

"In the last year-and-a-half, Brenden has developed into a premiere player in this league (NOJHL)," said Moxam. "He's put himself in position to take the next step. He played with the Wolves and then came down to us and logged a ton of minutes against North Bay. It really sums up his character. He loves to play and is committed to our team. He's showing why he's a leader on our club."

The Junior Wolves made history with their latest win, a 3-2 nipping of North Bay on Feb. 19, to set a new franchise record for wins with 33 and points 67. "There has been a tremendous effort put forth by the coaching staff, players, volunteers...everyone to break this franchise record," said GM Mike Rowlandson. "The players have given a honest effort everyday at the rink and it's reflected in the number of wins we have. It's outstanding to see us break the record."

Rowlandson makes no bones about the fact the Junior Wolves, who lead the NOJHL standings, should be a force to be reckoned with come playoff time.

"Our goal is to win everything," said the GM. "We want to still be playing hockey in May at the Royal Bank Cup."