Skip to content

Sudbury Wolves' rookies ready for OHL

BY SCOTT HUNTER HADDOW [email protected] The Sudbury Wolves unveiled the future on Wednesday morning.
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"




Comments

Verified reader

If you would like to apply to become a verified commenter, please fill out this form.