NOJHL Report

The Junior Wolves hit the ice tonight looking to get into the win column by bouncing the Soo Indians. Game time at the McClelland Arena in Copper Cliff is 7:30 pm.

Sudbury sits first overall in the standings with a record of 13-5-0-2, good for 28 points. The Indians are right on their backs, with a record of 12-8-0-0, good for 24 points and second overall.

After 20 games, head coach Tom Faganely likes what he sees but knows there's still a lot more to improve before the playoffs start.

"Overall, I'm fairly pleased," said the bench boss. "We're still not where we want to be...still figuring out systems and seeing what works best for our team. We're not there, but we're getting closer. I am happy...we've only lost five games in regulation. My only concern is the effort from some of the guys game-in-and-game-out."

Since the team went to the Dudley Hewitt Cup final last season, expectations were lofty for the 2006-07 season despite losing numerous key players to graduation. Sudbury has had its share of surprises early on.

"One of the biggest surprises was getting more OHL players," said Faganely. "We didn't expect J.F. Houle to be in the fold or Jordan Cheechoo...and they've been good. Some of the rookies have impressed...Jacob Johnston, Jeff Verreault and Alain Valiquette. They've all developed well."

The Junior Wolves are starting to find their own niche.

"We're still working on our identity...but it's a work in progress," said Faganely. "Team chemistry is coming along."
Houle, who returned just recently, has one goal and three points in his first five games.

"He's coming around," said the coach. "He wasn't in the best shape when he returned, but I can see him improving with each game. He's matured a lot. Give him another couple of weeks, and he will be another impact player for us."

Sudbury is close to having a full lineup for the first time all season. Two players, Ryan Mathes and Troy Bertrand, are hoping to return from separated shoulders. Mathes has been out four to six weeks, while Bertrand has been out six to eight weeks.

Soo Indians

As stated above, the Indians are in the hunt for first overall, but are four points behind the Junior Wolves even though they won their last three games. Their top scorer is Sean Farley, who has 14 goals and 21 points in 19 games. The Indians are a potent club, having scored 73 goals for, second most in the NOJHL to Sudbury, which has 83 for.

Blind River

The Beavers are slipping down the NOJHL standings. They have lost their last four games, and now sit in sixth place with a record of 9-9-0-2. Blind River features two main local players - defender Andre Gauvin and goalie Shawn Sirman. Gauvin continues to be a productive rock for the Beavers, with 20 points, all assists, in 19 games. Sirman has been a steady back-up goalie, going 4-3-0 with a 2.89 goals-against-average (GAA) and .915 save percentage, which is good for second overall in the league. Blind River plays Sault Ste. Marie tonight.

Manitoulin Islanders

The Islanders still occupy last place in the NOJHL with a record of 3-15-0-3. The team actually snapped its 13-game winless streak by dumping North Bay last week 1-0. Goalie Billy Stone made 39 saves for the win. One of the more prominent local players on Manitoulin is forward Justin Hogan, who at 16 is leading the squad in scoring. In 21 games, Hogan has eight goals and 19 points. The Islanders are in action Sunday against Abitibi.

North Bay Skyhawks

The once mighty Skyhawks have fallen out of their usual spot of either first or second in the NOJHL, thanks to some rather inconsistent hockey. North Bay has just one win in their last four games. They have a record of 11-6 and sit in fourth place. Local product Scott Faulkner continues to be a bright spot on the squad as he has 10 goals and 15 points in 17 games. Faulkner is third in team scoring. North Bay plays Abitibi tonight.