BY SCOTT HUNTER HADDOW
The Sudbury Wolves 2005 draft prospects are
set to howl for the first time in the Nickel City this
weekend.
This Saturday and Sunday will provide Wolves
fans a chance to see the latest crop of Wolves' hopefuls,
as the organization holds it's annual summer mini camp for
rookie prospects at the Countryside Arena.
All 2005 prospects, excluding third round
pick Gerome Guidice, who's out with a leg injury, will be
in attendance, showcasing their skills to the fans.
There will also be prospects from past drafts
that have yet to don a Wolves jersey in attendance.
All together, there will be 23 young
prospects skating.
The players hit the ice at 2 pm sharp for
on-ice practice. All season ticket holders are also invited to
a free BBQ from noon to 2 pm at the arena.
Fans will also get a chance to see first
round selection Brett Parnum, and what he can do, as well as,
lanky forward Justin Vaive, another third round
selection.
Vaive, the son of former NHLer Rick Vaive,
presents an interesting case, and should delight fans with his
raw scoring ability.
At six-foot-three, the younger Vaive,
according to scouts, has his dad's lethal knack for scoring
goals thanks to an accurate, blazing shot.
Rick Vaive played 13 seasons in the NHL for
Vancouver, Toronto (where he had his best seasons), Chicago and
Buffalo.
In 876 games, Rick tallied 441 goals and 788
points.
If Justin has even a speck of his
father's ability, he should make some major noise in the
OHL.
The camp is designed to allow the next crop
of Wolves players to get accustomed to the franchise.
Â"It's a chance for the players to get
comfortable with the coaching staff,Â" said Wolves head coach
and GM Mike Foligno. Â"They will get to know our systems and
what we are all about. It's also a good chance for the
players to see where they stand amongst their peers. It's
more of a fun weekend for the players.Â"
The players will be back on the ice on Sunday
at 11 am.
During the mini camp on Saturday, interested
people will have the opportunity to purchase used Wolves
equipment such as official game-worn helmets, practice jerseys,
pants, elbow and shin pads and much more.
The sale will run from noon to 2 pm.