BY SCOTT
HADDOW
The Sudbury Wolves hit the Christmas break on a strong,
three-game winning streak. Head coach and GM Mike Foligno is
pleased with the first half results of the squad, but he
doesn't want them to ease up in the second half.
Foligno will ask, and expect, even more from his troops during the second half as they make a bid to be in the playoffs again. Hopefully, this time, they go deep into the post season, ending with a championship.
The Wolves ended the first half with a record of 18-13-2-2,
good for 40 points. They sit in third place in the Central
Division and fourth overall in the Eastern Conference.
"The team has responded well in the first half," said the bench
boss. "With the start we had, going to Poland, we had to pick
our team earlier than usual and anticipate who would be the
best fit for us. We knew we were going into the season with a
lot of youth. We got three great overage players back in
Jonathan D'Aversa, Adam McQuaid and Kevin Beech...we also got
Marc Staal back. We had to bring the younger players in
quicker, demand a lot from them and put pressure on our vets to
help them bring their game along. We have looked at this season
as a year where we could accomplish great things and go deep
into the playoffs."
The team has had no shortage of leaders, especially forward
Nick Foligno, who leads the Wolves with 51 points, and defender
Jonathan D'Aversa, who has 38 points.
"Nick has really stepped up and helped lead this team," said
the GM. "Jonathan has also been a leader. He's just a few
points back from the scoring lead for defenceman in this
league...that says a lot about his ability. Not only have they
lead offensively, but these players are reliable
defensively."
Devin DiDiomete's infectious and rambunctious play has endeared
him to teammates and coaches alike.
"He's a real warrior," said Foligno. "No one expected him to
have 17 goals at this point. He's been a pleasant surprise. He
has worked himself into our top-two lines. He asked for it
after last season. He came back with the right mindset and
applied himself. He has set a great example for others to
follow."
The team has leaned heavily, at times, on their rookie players.
Guys like Patrik Lusnak, Jesse Messier, Jakub Korinek, J.K.
Gill, Justin Larson, Jared Staal and Kyle Tarini have all shown
some degree of real promise.
"The rookies have given us their all every game," said Foligno.
"They're improving and making real progress. Jared has made
tremendous improvement since the start of the year. Larson has
been winning draws and playing reliable defensive hockey. JK
bring energy to every game. Patrik and Jakub have adapted well
to the North American game.
 Kyle hasn't played as much, but he belongs in the OHL. He brings a physical presence...he has nothing but time and he will keep improving. Jesse has been strong...coming back from a neck injury and scoring goals for us."
Foligno tipped his hat to Beech, who had a stellar December,
going 5-2 with a 1.81 goals-against-average and .944 save
percentage.
"Kevin has worked hard...he always does," said Foligno. "Kevin
is hitting his groove and handling the challenge."
The Canadian Hockey League announced last week that Beech was
the ADT CHL Goaltender of the Week after posting a 3-0-0-0
record along with a 1.33 goals-against-average and .956 save
percentage in three games Dec. 15, 16 and 17.
With the wins, Beech improved his season record to 15-12-1-2
with a 3.08 goals-against-average and .900 save percentage in
32 games.
In the New Year, Foligno expects nothing but the sheer best
from his players as the schedule gets tougher with the playoffs
drawing closer.
"We have three lines that are rolling strong and the fourth
line is chipping in as well," said Foligno. "We want the
players to keep improving as a team. We don't want them to lose
some of the things that make us a good club. If we can improve
the team by a trade...we will."
For now, Foligno and the entire Wolves organization hope their
fans enjoy the holiday season.
"We wish our fans and supporters a safe Merry Christmas and a
happy New Year," said Foligno.
