In the first round, 31st overall, the Wolves selected 17-year-old Finnish right-winger Samu Tuomaala. The 5-foot-10, 165-pound forward played for the Karpat U20 team last season, picking up 15 goals and eight assists through 40 games. He also suited up for Finland’s National Team at the U17 and U18 tournaments last season, including the World U17 Hockey Challenge where he scored 3 goals and added 2 assists through five games.
“We were very excited to be able to select Samu in today’s draft,” said Sudbury Wolves VP and General Manager Rob Papineau. “He’s an elite player in his age group in the world and was a standout at the World U17 Hockey Challenge last fall. He has excellent speed, a pro shot and is a top-rated prospect for the 2021 NHL Draft.”
With the second pick, 91st overall, the Wolves selected 19-year-old Slovakian left-shot forward Dominik Jendek. The right-winger suited up for both the U20 and men’s HC Slovan Bratislava teams last season. In 13 games with the U20 team, Jendek scored seven goals and added six assists while additionally scoring four goals and adding three assists in 39 games with the men’s team.
“We were also pleased to be able to draft Dominik today,” said Papineau. “He’s a 19-year-old who has already played with men in Slovakia, as well as played at the U20 World Junior Championship. He is a strong skater with an outstanding work ethic.
“We were able to add these draft picks to go along with Frederik Dichow and possibly Matej Pekar, which sets our hockey club up well for the upcoming season.”
Tuomaala and Jendek join the list of possible import players to suit up for the Wolves this upcoming season as Dichow and Pekar remain on the team’s frozen protected list.
The Wolves would also like to thank Kalle Loponen for his commitment to the hockey club last season. Loponen has opted to return to Finland next season to pursue pro hockey and the entire organization wishes him the best of luck in his future hockey career.
For more information, visit sudburywolves.com.
