BY SCOTT
HADDOW
The Sudbury Wolves are howling loud and proud about their
upcoming 2006-07 season, the 35th anniversary of the
franchise.
And when the Wolves go to war on the ice during the season,
they're going to do it in fine fashion as they have a brand new
jersey to model.
The jersey combines the retro look of the inaugural 1972-73 Wolves club with today's modern suit of cotton armour.
It's the team's third jersey since the club was born.
"This jersey is sharp," said centre Nick Foligno. "It's going to be exciting for all the guys to put this jersey on and wear it with pride. It's unbelievable to be a part of the 35 years of this club. It shows the support from the community.
To be here for 35 years is just outstanding. Our fans are
great to us and it's awesome to always see."
The Wolves are thriving in the Nickel City. A recent
million-dollar expansion to revamp seats and improve fan
service has created a major buzz. The Wolves chewed up the
franchise record for season ticket sales this past season by
surpassing the 3,000 mark, and with 2,000 already signed up for
the new season, it looks like the Sudbury Arena is going to be
packed again.
"When you look back and see what the team has achieved and
how many great players have gone through the system, it really
defines the organization as a storied franchise," said vice
president Blaine Smith. "One of my top memories was when we
finally won a playoff round against the Oshawa Generals in the
early 90s…I remember Ken Burgess lifting me off my feet and
spinning me around like a rag doll. That was the first playoff
victory in 12 years. The Wolves had a losing record in the late
70s and 80s and had come a long way at that time. There have
been a lot of good times and hard times. I really enjoyed my
time with Sam McMaster, when he was here because I learned a
lot from him."
The Burgess family has been involved with the Wolves for 20
years. Current president and governor Mark Burgess couldn't
contain his glee about being involved with the club for so
long.
"It gives me great pride that our family name can be
associated, not only currently but into the future, of a great
organization," said Burgess. "I'm tickled pink. We're still
enjoying ourselves and having fun."
Burgess is still hungry to finally bring a title to the
city, especially since his mother is bugging him about it.
"(I'm) still passionate about bringing a championship to
this city no question," said the owner. "Just recently I was
talking hockey with my mom, and said whatever you want…She said
she wanted a championship. We still want to do it. We try
everyday."
Part of the anniversary celebrations will involve retiring
former Wolves star Ron Duguay's Number 10 to the rafters in
September. Duguay will join fellow Nickel City natives Mike
Foligno and Randy Carlyle to have their jerseys honoured.
"I would like to express my sincere thanks to the Sudbury
Wolves organization and to all the fans who voted for me," said
Duguay in a press release. "I am excited to come home and I
look forward to celebrating the jersey retirement ceremony with
all of the fans."
Duguay scored 361 points as a Wolves player in the 70s.
For current head coach and GM Mike Foligno, seeing the 35th anniversary become reality fills him with pride as well.
"For the organization to go through some tough times over the
years and still be here today, says a lot about the ownership
and the community we live in," said Foligno. "It's our mission
to bring the loyal fans a championship and we want to do that.
The new jersey is beautiful and classy. It's a great way to
celebrate the 35 years."
