BY SCOTT HADDOW
Sudbury Wolves' winger Devin DiDiomete
doesn't back down from any challenge.
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Devin DiDiomete is scoring big
goals for the Wolves this season, including two game
winners. |
He encourages it and loves it.
If the Wolves need a lift from a big hit, he
will go out of his way to level some opponent.
If the Wolves need a goal, he will try his
best to take the puck hard to the net for a tally.
If an opponent is getting tough and rough
with the Wolves, he will charge in fists flying keeping people
honest.
For this young man who's in his NHL draft
year, it's full steam ahead.
The Stratford native is keeping things simple
this year, his biggest season in organized hockey to
date.
"I am not going to try anything special this
year," said the rugged player. "I am just going to do what I
have done my whole life while playing hockey, and that's
playing a hard-nosed game and whatever happens at the NHL
Draft, happens. I feel no pressure. It's just another year as
far as I am concerned. If I felt pressure, it would probably be
a lot harder to play. For sure I want to make the NHL. That's
every hockey player's goal."
DiDiomete has been like a graceful, but
out-of-control, freight train so far this season, hurling his
robust frame at anyone at any time. He has also been scoring
big goals.
He has six goals and 11 points in 15 games.
Two of his goals have been game winners, while three others
have been first goals. When DiDiomete scores, it usually has a
big impact on the outcome of a game.
His spirited and sound game has attracted the
attention of scouts.
International Scouting Services (ISS) has him
pegged to go 174th overall in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft.
"He plays with passion, works hard, goes into
traffic and will stand up for the team," ISS head scout Mark
Seidel said. "He's a player every OHL team would love to have.
He plays a robust style that creates energy. His exceptional
work ethic may allow him to be a late draft in 2006."
Wolves' head coach and GM Mike Foligno has
been impressed.
"Devin's on a mission here and becoming a
much more well-rounded player," Foligno said. "Last year, he
brought a high energy and physical game while being responsible
defensively. This year, he's expanded his game and added some
offence to it. He's even more comfortable with his defensive
game too, and that has allowed him to spend more time in the
offensive zone and get chances."
The Wolves jersey was a natural fit for
DiDiomete and he brings some compelling traits to the
club.
"His work ethic is very strong," Foligno
said. "It has allowed him to stay here. He's playing a better
game, but he's still bringing the physical edge and not getting
bad penalties. Devin keeps opponents honest. He never backs
down from anything and he's a really good fit on our hockey
club."
The six-foot-one, 200-pounder approaches the
game honest and hard.
"My role this year is to contribute more
offensively, but I still have to stick up for guys," DiDiomete
said. "I just play hard and try to be the hardest worker on the
ice. I am strong on the puck in both zones. If there's trouble,
and I am on the ice, then I have no problem fighting for my
teammates. It's part of the game."
And DiDiomete doesn't pick his spots to back
up his talk. Earlier this year, Oshawa's six-foot-five,
215-pound defender James Delory ran Matt Dias and without
hesitation, DiDiomete gave Delory a sound fist thrashing and
sending a stern message not to mess with the Wolves.
DiDiomete is content to help out the Wolves
any way he can, and looking forward to a run at a
championship.
"It means a lot to me to be scoring a few
more goals this year," DiDiomete said. "I have great line mates
and I feel comfortable now. I think we have a
great team with a lot of great guys. We just
need to mould it together. We have the ability to be one of the
best teams in the OHL."
