Saturday, November 12, 2011

Wolves Assign O'Neill

Press Release

The Sudbury Wolves reduced their roster by one today by assigning 17-year-old goaltender BRENDAN O'NEILL to the Strathroy Rockets Jr. B team of the GOJHL.

O'Neill, 6'4", 190 lbs, has been with the Wolves since the start of the season and saw action in five of the Wolves first 16 games. O'Neill will join the Rockets Saturday and is expected to see game action as early when the Rockets host Wolves' draft TYLER PRONG and the Sarnia Legionnaires in GOJHL action.

"With the return of Joel Vienneau we have three healthy goaltenders for the first time this season and it was getting a little crowded in the goal crease" notes Wolves' GM Blaine Smith. "At only 17 years of age, we believe it is important for Brendan to gain as much game experience as possible this season and we are confident that the Strathroy Rockets will give him that opportunity."

Another factor in the decision was the solid play of Wolves' 19-year-old import goaltender JOHAN MATTSSON. The 6'4" Swedish goaltender earned 11 consecutive starts heading into Friday's game in Kitchener. JOEL VIENNEAU, 19, received his first start of the season in Kitchener Friday night after missing the last six weeks with injury.

O'NEILL is expected to return to the Wolves' line-up this season on an affiliation basis. The Wolves may see O'NEILL back in Sudbury as early as December should MATTSSON get the call from Team Sweden to play for his country at the World Junior Championships in Alberta.

(Nathan can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)

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