The Sudbury Wolves are back in action and off to a great start after defeating the Soo Greyhounds 6-2 in the team's first exhibition game at the Sudbury Arena Tuesday evening.
"Good way to start the exhibition series off with a win," said head coach and general manager Mike Foligno.
Rookie John McFarland, the first overall draft pick this season, was also off to a good start with three goals and two assists to kick off his debut with the team.
"It was a nice debut for a guy by the name of John McFarland," said Foligno. "He played very well for us, and I think everyone else really contributed as well."
McFarland said he was a little nervous playing, but noted he was pleased with his performance.
"The main thing is just to win hockey games right now, that's all I really care ... whatever I can to help the team achieve that, whatever that means each night," said McFarland.
McFarland said his teammates have been really great helping him adjust.
Foligno added that this year's training camp was very successful.
"I thought it was one of our best camps as far as work ethic, as far as competitiveness and even physicality," Foligno said.
"A lot of guys were working really hard trying to show us that they wanted to be a part of this team. And that's really important as a coach when you see that kind of competitive commitment from the players ... It makes the decisions on who to keep a little easier because they pull away from the rest of the pack."
Adding to the Wolves six points last night was Marcus Foligno, newcomer Sergei Sheleg and Eric O'Dell. Matt Dias played well with four assists.
Goalies Andrew Loverock and Alain Valiquette minded the net and played extremely well, according to Foligno.
Wolves will play their next exhibition game at home Sept. 5 against the Niagara Ice Dogs at 7:30 p.m. at the Sudbury Arena.
