Four Top Players Sign-on with Wolves

Press Release

SUDBURY, ON - The Sudbury Wolves are very excited to announce the signing of four young players to OHL contracts. 2012 1st round draft pick CONOR CUMMINS, 2011 2nd round draft pick EVAN DE HAAN, and 2012 3rd round selections FRANCESCO VILARDI and CONNOR BURGESS were in attendance for the media conference held at the TRAVELODGE HOTEL in Sudbury.

CUMMINS, a 6’02, 193 lb defenceman spent last season with the Whitby Wildcats gathering 14 points in 25 games. The smooth-skating Whitby native is a two-way defenceman that plays a physical game and isn't afraid to jump-up into the rush.

“Signing with the Wolves is a dream come true,” says Cummins. “It means the absolute world to me. Playing in this league is something I have always dreamt about, and the fact that it’s with the Wolves really does make it a dream come true for me!”

EVAN DE HAAN, also a defenceman, played last season for the Pembroke Lumber Kings where he had a successful season notching 2 goals and 14 assists in 56 regular season games. The 5’11, 160 lb Carp, ON native is a good skater who plays with a lot of poise with the puck. Evan, 17, is the younger brother of New York Islanders 1st round selection Calvin de Haan.

“Playing in the OHL was one of my dreams growing up and I am really looking forward to making new friends, creating new experiences and opening new doors,” said Evan. “No words can describe how it felt to sign this contract. I want the season to start tomorrow!”

VILARDI, is a skilled centreman that led the OMHA in scoring last season with the Greater Kingston Jr. Frontenacs. Vilardi recorded 60 points in 35 regular season games. Francesco is a fierce competitor that has good mobility and good offensive instincts.

VILARDI will be spending the summer training hard hoping to make an impact come training camp this fall. “I'm just trying to improve all around by getting bigger, faster, stronger and working on all the little things in my game that I need to do to be able play and make a contribution at the OHL level,” stated VILARDI. “I really want to step in and make an impact and hopefully help bring a championship to Sudbury.”

CONNOR BURGESS, a 6’, 170 lb left-winger is a big game player, who also has lots of offensive talent will be looking to crack the Wolves line-up come training camp. Connor spent last season with the Sudbury Nickel Capital Wolves, where he finished second in team scoring with 45 points in 34 games.

Growing up around the Wolves organization means that signing this contract is also a dream come true for Connor. “I’ve always wanted to be part of the team and now my dream of playing for the Wolves has come much closer.”

“We are very excited to announce the signing of these four top prospects” says Wolves’ GM Blaine Smith. “All four players bring unique skill, determination and loyalty to our organization. We look forward to these young players leading the Sudbury Wolves in the near future.”

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