Pouliot scores hat trick during first game

BY SCOTT HUNTER HADDOW

When Ben Pouliot was returned to the Sudbury Wolves last week from the Minnesota Wild training camp, he wanted to make a loud statement to the

OHL he was back with vengeance.

Did he ever.

In his first game back against Peterborough, one of the better teams in the league, Pouliot scored three goals to lead the Wolves to a 7-4 thrashing of

the Petes.

Pouliot's return seemed to spark the entire squad, especially the offence, which had been slumbering in the first few games of the season.

If Pouliot's first game back is any indication, there's going to be a few opposing teams' defensive players and goalies getting a lot less sleep.

Pouliot must now prove he can be one of the best players in the OHL. He's eager to show he has the right stuff and the right attitude to light up the league with stellar plays and championship leadership.

"We want to go all the way...to a Memorial Cup," said Pouliot. "We have the team to do it and bring a championship here to Sudbury. That's what everyone wants and that's what we want. I would like to put up a lot of points, help my teammates get points and just try and win every night."

Pouliot has a new attitude to boot thanks to the experience he gained in Minnesota.

"I am here to push myself hard," he said. "Last year was a learning experience for me. This year, I know what to expect. I am going to work on my

consistency and not make mistakes."

Pouliot feels no pressure to be the catalyst for the Wolves offence as he's already use to pressure-cooker situations. Pouliot was drafted fourth overall in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft, played in the OHL All-Star game and also played in the ADT Canada/Russia Challenge series last season, and he was always under the media microscope.

"I feel a bit of pressure to perform, but not as much as last year," said Pouliot. "I was a rookie last year and it was my NHL draft year, so that was pressure. This year, it's kind of the same thing, so it doesn't bother me. I will just go out and work hard every night to be better."

Pouliot is happy to be back in the Nickel City. "It feels really good to be back," said Pouliot. "I had a good month in Minnesota, but now I am back here and this is what counts now."

Pouliot relished his opportunity in the big league.

"The best part was getting to play the games in front of 18,000 people," said Pouliot. "It was unbelievable. I went to Chicago and Buffalo. It was just amazing and I was treated first-class all the way. The worst part was obviously being cut. I thought I had a chance of staying, but they think I need another season of junior hockey. That's fine with me. I played with almost everyone up there like Brian Rolston, Alexander Daigle and Wes Walz.

Rolston really stood out. He's a great player."

Wolves head coach and GM Mike Foligno awarded Pouliot an assistant captain honour, which was a natural fit.

"Ben came in and is playing with a sense of leadership," said Foligno. "It's something we expect from him. All his experiences last year and in Minnesota made him realize that he has to work harder and push himself harder. He came back with a great mindset. We want to expand his leadership qualities and be a role model for the rest of his teammates. He's looking to show everybody he's one of the best players in the league.

Game after game we're going to see him bring an incredible effort. He doesn't want to let anyone down."

Pouliot has a vast arsenal of offensive weapons.

"Ben sees the ice very well and has a lot of speed," said Foligno. "His speed creates a lot of scoring chances for our club. He's a good playmaker and he has an accurate shot. I would like to see him use his shot even more this year. He should always be as dangerous a player as possible

every time he's on the ice."