BY SCOTT
HADDOW
Four Sudbury Wolves players have played four years in the OHL
and have made memories that will last forever.
Defencemen Marc Staal, Adam McQuaid, Jonathan D'Aversa and
forward Justin Donati will all graduate to the pros after the
season is done, but before they go, they want to leave fans
with a truly lasting impression as they have been left with
great impressions themselves.
And as of right now, they're making a lot of noise to back up
that claim as they're currently embroiled in one of the most
exciting runs in Wolves playoff history.
When given time to think about it, Staal had a hard time coming
up with one thing that stands out in his mind from his time
here.
"I've had a lot of fun in my four years," said the
six-foot-four defender. "A lot has happened to me in my
time...I got drafted into the NHL (by the New York Rangers). I
played and won two gold medals at the World Junior
Championships. I've played in OHL All-Star games and the
Russia/Canada series, so to pick just one is too
difficult...it's just been a great experience for me."
Sudbury has been good to Staal and he wants to give back in a
big way.
"It's been an honour for me to be captain of this team for the
last two years," said the 19-year-old. "Hopefully I can
continue to do a good job leading and help this team go really
far. I want to win a championship. We all want to do it. We
believe we can get the job done."
McQuaid also valued what he received while wearing a Wolves
jersey.
"I was 16 when I came to Sudbury and I grew up a lot," said the
20-year-old. "I really learned about how to conduct myself on
and off the ice. Obviously, because of the opportunities I was
given here, I am a much better player, but when I leave, I
leave as a much better person thanks to the organization."
McQuaid has given his blood defending the Wolves net over the
last four years and plans to give some more.
"We don't have a chance to win again at this level, so we're
going to make the most of this final opportunity," said
McQuaid. "I want to know I left everything on the line while
playing here...I owe it to the fans. I will always remember my
first game here...the crowd was huge and intense. I was on the
ice when we scored our first goal and the crowd erupted. It was
an amazing feeling. I want to end my OHL career by winning a
Memorial Cup...I fully believe we have the team to do something
special like that."
D'Aversa never got tired of competing for the loyal Sudbury fan
base.
"I didn't know what to really expect when I came here," said
the six-foot-two defenceman. "I had only been to Sudbury once
when I was younger. To see all the fans at the games...it was
just unbelievable. The fans are the reason why I loved playing
here. I made great friends here...guys like Adam and Marc. I
developed a lot as a player and learned to become more
responsible, not just in hockey but in life too."
Donati, although he's only been here since January, has been
blown away by the city of Sudbury and their love for Major
Junior hockey.
"I've only been here a short while, but wow, it's been hard not
to be impressed by this town and the hockey fans," said the
five-foot-10 forward. "I never played in front of 5,000-plus
fans, except when I came here as an opponent.
It's one of the loudest and best rinks to play in the OHL. I
am fortunate to have had the chance to wear a Wolves
jersey.  I just hope I can help bring a championship to
this city."
Donati was able to echo and sum up what all four players were
feeling while reflecting on their careers in the OHL.
"I think we've all had tremendous experiences playing in this
league," said the Wolves sniper. "We're very fortunate to get
the chance to play in this league. It gives you a lot of great
memories. We got to do community work with kids and make a
difference in their lives. Not a lot of young people get that
chance. Now that it's winding down, it's kind of sad. At the
same time, we all want to go out with a bang and that's done by
winning big in the playoffs...all the way to the league
championship."
