OHL: Wolves Den

The Sudbury Wolves finished a recent road trip with a devastating 1-0 over-time loss after tossing everything but the kitchen sink at St. Mike's keeper Justin Peters. The Majors' star turned aside 45 shots on goal by Sudbury to earn the shut-out and win. Despite the loss, Sudbury played a strong game, and displayed why NHL scouts are burning a path to arenas across Ontario to look at the likes of Benoit Pouliot, Marc Staal and Adam McQuaid. McKeen's OHL correspondent Doug Evinou was at St. Michael's College Arena for the game and files this report on Sudbury's 2005 draft eligibles.

Benoit Pouliot (2005), LW, Sudbury

Perhaps slowing down a bit after a great start to the season but still plays with competitiveness and composure .. combination of size, speed and skill is second-to-none for the upcoming draft .. has a nose for the net and the quickness to turn the corner on the opposing defender .. has consistently been the target of intimidation by opposing players but has not been dissuaded from playing in high traffic areas .. rarely loses his cool and retaliates .. plays alongside vets Rafal Martynowski and Zach Stortini .. still proving he can score despite being opponents' top defensive priority game in and game but, but since notching a hat trick in September, he hasn't had a major goal-scoring breakout.

Marc Staal (2005), D, Sudbury

Adding a level of nastiness to his game .. stands up for his most talented teammates, such as Benoit Pouliot and Ryan McDonough; not afraid of the rough-and-tumble .. tougher, meaner and is in terrific shape; in a recent match he played nearly every second shift due to an early injury to Ryan Hastings .. a constant on Sudbury's power play unit; moves the puck crisply along the blue line and can get his shot through a crowd .. some offensive upside but his best qualities are of a defensive nature .. a bit lanky but should be an absolute mountain of a man once he fills out .. has already grown two inches since entering the league in fall of 2003 .. pinching in on offense with increased confidence, although he has been seen caught overcommiting .. a leader and shows no mercy with the body along the boards and in open ice.

Kevin Baker (2005), C, Sudbury

Recently acquired from Owen Sound at the trade deadline for another draft-eligible Kyle Lamb .. a small two-way forward is generously listed at 5-foot-11 .. decent speed and good balance .. shows no areas of excellence but can play in all situations and is solid at most facets .. strong on faceoffs; takes many important draws .. a late round pick possibility.

Adam McQuaid (2005), D, Sudbury

A big kid who can really play .. terrific size and has formed quite a duo with Marc Staal on Sudbury's top defensive unit .. very serviceable at both ends of the ice .. lost a rink-long race to the puck against Darryl Boyce in overtime deep in Sudbury's end which led to a game-winning goal .. fine foot work and balance on his skates .. moves well laterally and does not get beat off the rush .. not the type of guy you'll see move the puck up the ice and beat guys with nifty moves .. top speed is rather ordinary but he moves deceptively enough to maintain good defensive positioning .. physical and balanced .. makes guys pay the price near the net with a stick to the back or a glove to the face .. makes smart decisions with the puck, moving it up the ice to a teammate or banking it off the boards economically when a play is not there .. his reputation is growing for the upcoming draft.

Tomas Sample (2005), D, Sudbury

Logs decent minutes on the second pairing for the Wolves .. a stay-at-home type but not as effective as McQuaid or Staal .. throws his frame around and shows a nasty streak .. polished, smart positionally and works hard in the corners .. a long shot to get drafted.

Game Notes

The Majors acquired Justin and Tyler Donati from the Oshawa Generals at the OHL trade deadline in exchange for second year player Cal Clutterbuck and a fifth round draft selection. The twin brothers played a strong game against Sudbury, exerting offensive pressure with smart puck movement, speed, and a willingness to go to the net and pay the price. Majors' GM and coach Bud Stefanski is hoping the move will provide an offensive boost to St. Mike's goal total, which is languishing at the bottom of OHL rankings.