Wolves add experience to line-up

The youthful Sudbury Wolves line-up received a much-needed “dose of experience” this week as the team confirmed the addition of two 20-year-old players to its roster, according to a press release.

Andrew Loverock recently returned from the NHL Columbus Blue Jackets try-out camp. The Elmvale native recorded 20 wins last season, posted a 3.67 goals against average and a .903 save percentage. In the playoffs, Loverock recorded a 2.67 goals against average and a .930 save percentage in six games against the Belleville Bulls.

According to the release, the goaltending tandem of Loverock and 19-year-old veteran Alain Valiquette provides the Wolves with one of the best pairings in the OHL.

The Wolves have also added left-wing/centre and four-year OHL veteran Daniel Lombardi. Lombardi, 5-10 and 175 pounds, has played 174 OHL games with the Sarnia Sting and has scored 32 goals and 44 assists, and served 215 penalty minutes. He is considered a “pesky” forward who likes to play a physical style and use his speed to his advantage, the release stated. Lombardi is a former second round selection of the Sting.

Loverock and Lombardi are expected to make their season debut this Friday night when the Wolves host the first-place Barrie Colts at 7:30 p.m.

The Wolves are still awaiting word on the possible return of overage player John Kurtz to the team’s line-up. Kurtz, 20, was injured during the Maple Leaf’s training camp and is awaiting word on a professional contract offer from the Toronto organization.