BY SCOTT
HADDOW
Battles are heating up across the NOJHL. Here's a report on the
league and interesting notes about Sudbury-born players as well
as news on Sudbury's entry, the Junior Wolves.
Sudbury
Last week, the Junior Wolves got a big piece of business out of
the way when they named forward Matt Chiupka team captain.
Chiupka, 19, has played the last two seasons with Sudbury,
scoring 12 goals and 44 points in 96 games. In the first five
games this year, the five-foot-11 forward has four goals and 10
points, which leads the NOJHL.
Needless to say, Chiupka is proud to wear the "C" on his
sweater.
"I was happy to be named captain," said Chiupka. "I know I
have large shoes to fill, but I am willing to do anything to
help get this team back to the Dudley Hewitt Cup. I know the
responsibilities are great, but I am ready for this."
The Junior Wolves went 1-1 over the weekend, but showed a
lot of poise. The club was without the services of two of their
top players - Scott Restoule and Brendan Biedermann. Restoule
was nursing an ankle injury, while Biedermann was playing with
the Sudbury Wolves in the OHL.
Both are expected to be in the line up for Wednesday's game versus the Sault Ste. Marie Thunderbirds.
Blind River Beavers
The Beavers have been given a welcomed surprise - goaltender Shawn Sirman, who hails from Blezard Valley. The six-foot goalie has stepped into the lineup and provided the club with some excellent goaltending. Sirman has a record of 1-2, but is playing sharp hockey. In his first game, a 5-4 overtime loss to the Sault Ste. Marie Thunderbirds, Sirman made 45 saves. He then made seven saves in a relief appearance against Manitoulin to pick up his first junior win. This past Sunday, Sirman was great again, making 37 saves in a 2-1 loss to the Soo Indians. Sirman's success has shot him up the rankings in the goalie stats department. His stellar .927 save percentage puts him second overall, while his 3.11 goals-against-average is fifth best in the NOJHL.
North Bay Skyhawks
It wouldn't be a regular NOJHL season without seeing the
Skyhawks enjoying success. The team leapt out of the gates with
a 4-1 record and are tied for second overall with the Indians.
A big reason for the success has been Val Caron native Scott
Faulkner, who has been red hot early on. The five-foot-eight
forward has four goals and seven points in his first five
games. He's second on the team in scoring.
Manitoulin Islanders
The Islanders have stumbled out of the gate, dropping their
first three games. It isn't all bleak on the island. Val
Therese native Justin Hogan has had a great start to his junior
career. After plying his trade with the Valley East Cobras of
the Great North Midget League last year, Hogan has made the
jump to junior hockey with decent success. Hogan has two goals
and four points in his first three games.
Soo Indians
Although they're a new team, the Indians are mopping the floor
with teams. They have gone undefeated in their first four
games.
Abitibi Eskimos
It could be a long season in Abitibi. The Eskimos dropped their
first five games and sit in last place in the standings.
Sault Ste. Marie Thunderbirds
The T-birds are trying to establish their identity, going 2-2
to start the season. The Thunderbirds currently occupy fifth
place in the NOJHL and pay a visit to the Junior Wolves
tonight.
