BY SCOTT
HADDOW
In hockey, typically, the goalie never wears a captain's or an
assistant captain's insignia.
This doesn't mean goalies aren't leaders and capable of guiding
a team to great heights.
On most good teams, the goaltender is the backbone of the team
and demands the most from himself and others around him.
Kal Tire Sudbury Junior Wolves Darren Rowlandson is one of
these goalies.
A four-year veteran in the NOJHL, Rowlandson is in his final
season of junior hockey. He still has a lot left to prove and
wants to leave the league with no regret.
He expects the team to carry the same enthusiasm and passion,
game-in-and-game-out, or he will call them on it.
Accountability is in his blood.
An intense and fiery competitor, Rowlandson challenges the
opposition to beat him and challenges his teammates to be
better.
After all, he wants a national championship, and it's not given
out to a team that looks good, but one that plays a good team
game.
"I want to go to the Royal Bank Cup (Canada's A national
championship)," said the five-foot-11 puck stopper.
"That's the ultimate goal. We fell short last year by one goal...it was tough to lose in overtime at the provincial championship. We could do it this year...we have to play our systems and be more consistent. It was disappointing and we want to get back there at any cost. We learned, last year, how much work it takes to go the next step. Now we have to go out and work harder to realize it."
With numerous veterans gone from last year's club, Rowlandson
was put into the position as a go-to-guy for the squad as they
have reloaded with new and younger players, along with an
entirely new coaching staff.
"I knew I was going to be a leader on this team," said the
175-pound netminder. "I lead by example...I work hard and try
and help the young guys along. I will also be more involved on
the ice because I will play more games."
Rowlandson is impressed with the squad in front of him.
"I think we're just as talented as we were last year...if not
more," said the 20-year-old. "We probably have the two best top
lines in the league...if we pay attention to details we should
do very well. The team is coming together...we had a lot of
building to do. There's always pressure to do well...we're
expected to do well."
Rowlandson always has a raging fire burning inside him.
"I am an intense guy and competitive," said the Cambrian
College business student. "I bring it every night. I try to get
the players to feed off the energy and be intense themselves.
If we lose, it's not acceptable at all. Everyone has to work
hard each game and every practice day in and day out."
Rowlandson has been a model of consistency during his four-year
NOJHL career. He started in 2003-04 for the now defunct
Rayside-Balfour Sabrecats, winning just three games. The
following season, he won just six games as Rayside continued to
struggle as a whole. He joined the Junior Wolves for the
2005-06 season, and forged a solid 13-4-1 record, with a 2.91
goals-against-average (GAA) and .905 save percentage, helping
the team to the Dudley Hewitt Cup. So far this year, Rowlandson
has a stellar 7-3-0-0 record, with a 3.35 GAA and .904 save
percentage.
"It's been fun playing in this league for the last four years,"
said the St. Charles College graduate. "I'm really taking it
all in because it's my last year. I have a few thoughts about
what's next, but right now, I am focused on this year and
winning. If I can play university hockey after, that would be
great. For now, I want to work hard and have no regrets when I
leave...the perfect way to go out would be playing for the
Royal Bank Cup. Dealing with different situations over the
years...it has made me a better person all around."
Rowlandson has also taken Sudbury Wolves 2006 draft pick,
goalie Alain Valiquette, under his wing, showing the 16 year
old the ropes of junior hockey.
"I just try to do what older goalies did with me...help him out
what other teams do and what to expect."
The Junior Wolves are getting full mileage out of
Rowlandson.
"He has done what we expected him to do," said head coach Tom
Faganely. "We wanted leadership, and with his experience, he
has given it to us. He likes to challenge the shooter all the
time and comes out to play the puck. He gives his best and he
wants to win. What more could you ask for? Darren is a big
piece of the puzzle for us."
Faganely has also noticed an improvement in Valiquette's play
with Rowlandson giving him tips.
"They talk a lot and are on the ice together frequently," said
the bench boss. "I see Alain handling the puck a lot better
than he did at the start of the year...and part of it is
because of Darren."
The Junior Wolves next play on Friday, Nov. 3 when they hit the
road to play the Soo Indians.
