BY SCOTT HUNTER HADDOW
The Sudbury Wolves unveiled the future on
Wednesday morning.
2004 first round pick Ryan McDonough and 2004
second round pick Jesse Messier signed contracts with the
Wolves and are gearing up for their
debut season in the OHL.
Wolves head coach and general manager Mike
Foligno sees the young studs potentially boosting the offence,
which scored only 185 goals last season, fourth last in the
league.
Â"You're looking at two players that can
provide a little more offence than what we have had in the
past,Â" said Foligno. Â"McDonough is a guy that explode in a
game and open it right up. We're looking at him to continue
his offensive abilities. He's a player who lives for the
pressure moments. He has delivered in pressure situations in
the past. Messier is a bull of a player. He's very strong
and a real hard worker. He goes to the net hard and often. A
lot of the players we drafted have a solid work ethic. A key
aspect to our team is we out work teams, and now with this
added skill, it will give us a great chance to be
successful.Â"
McDonough, chosen fifth overall, brings a
level of excitement with him. He's advertised as a scoring
force with eye-popping speed to burn. At the
Wolves rookie camp earlier this summer, he
didn't disappoint, scoring five goals during one session
and surprising fans with his impressive offensive skills.
McDonough can hardly wait for the season to
start.
Â"I hope to do what I do best, which is win
face offs, make good passes and finish my checks,Â" said
McDonough.
The 16 year old sees himself as a
playmaker.
Â"I can set up players for goals, making the
right plays and being a leader on and off the ice.Â"McDonough
is proud to don the Wolves jersey.
Â"It feels astonishing signing with the
team,Â" said McDonough. Â"Coming to the OHL, especially a good
hockey town like Sudbury, is something to look forward
to.Â"
McDonough will block out the pressure that
accompanies most high first round picks.
Â"You have to leave the pressure on the
sidelines and go play hockey,Â" said McDonough. Â"This has
always been my dream and it's what I have always wanted to
do.Â"
Messier, who's built like a truck, comes
in with solid credentials himself. A responsible defensive
player, who can play an offensive game, prides himself on
playing a physical game and driving to the net to create
scoring chances.
Â"I feel I can contribute some offence, but
it will be easier for me to play the defensive game, but I will
try hard to put up numbers on offence,Â" said Messier.
Messier sees himself as rugged, fearless
player.
Â"I work hard in the corners and I am not
scared to go after the puck.Â"
Messier was also honoured to put on a
Wolves' jersey.
Â"It's unbelievable,Â" said Messier. Â"I
have a lot of family here to begin with. I have aunts, uncles,
cousins and grandparents that live here. It will feel like a
second home to me. I will be comfortable living here.Â"
Playing OHL hockey is the dream.
Â"I never thought this day would come and I
can't wait to start.Â"
McDonough and Messier, both 16, represent the
future of the franchise.
Â"We're building for the future,Â" said
Foligno. Â"We started last year and we want to continue. We are
going to help these players by bringing in veteran players to
help them develop.Â"