Thursday, September 20, 2012

Wolves Name Captains

Press Release The Sudbury Wolves announced their new team captains for the 2012-13 season by naming returning veteran FRANK CORRADO as the club’s new team captain. CORRADO, 19, is entering his fourth and final year in the OHL after the Wolves drafted the Woodbridge native from the Vaughn Kings back in 2009. Joining Corrado as alternate captains are defence partners: JUSTIN SEFTON, CHARLIE DODERO and forward JOSH LEIVO. CORRADO, 6’2”, 195 lb right-shot defenceman was drafted in the 2nd round, 25th overall by the Sudbury Wolves in the 2009 OHL draft year. After two successful seasons in Sudbury, Corrado was drafted in the 5th round, 150th overall by the Vancouver Canucks. Based on his outstanding performance at his first NHL camp, the Canucks signed the Wolves’ rear-guard to an NHL contract. In 190 games played in the OHL to date, Corrado has compiled 8 goals, 57 assists for 65 points and 221 minutes in penalties. Last season, Corrado was one of the league’s top Plus/Minus players with a +26 rating. Corrado was also named as the team’s Best Defenceman and Most Popular Player last season. “I am very happy to announce Frank Corrado as our new Team Captain” says Wolves’ Head Coach Trent Cull. “Frank is not only viewed as a great leader by his peers but I know that Frank is the right choice and perfect fit to be our leader this season. Frank is a great young man and will be able to lead in all situations with his great on-ice play and positive attitude off the ice. I am confident that Frank and his leadership group will do a great job leading our team in the right direction this year.” SEFTON, 19, is also entering his fourth and final year in the OHL. The Thunder Bay native was drafted by the Wolves 5th overall in the 2009 OHL draft and 89th overall by the San Jose Sharks in the 2011 NHL draft. The bruising 6’3”, 225 lb right-shot defenceman has played in 191 OHL games and has recorded 9 goals, 28 assists for 37 points and a whopping 350 minutes in penalties. The Wolves’ defenceman is a feared presence on the ice and a strong leader off the ice. Sefton was named as the team’s Play-off MVP last season. “Justin Sefton was a part-time captain for us last year and we look to Justin to be a strong, physical presence on the ice and helping our young players adjust to Sudbury and the OHL” notes Cull. “Justin was one of our bright lights in play-offs in the last two years and we look forward to him leading us into the post-season again this year.” DODERO, 20, is one of the Wolves returning overage players. The native of Chicago was acquired in 2010 from the Kitchener Rangers and has been a mainstay on the Wolves’ blueline ever since. Dodero had his best season last year with the Wolves recording 2 goals, 24 assists, 26 points, 107 penalty minutes and a +17 plus-minus rating in 66 games. “Charlie was a part-time captain for us as well last year” adds Cull. “Charlie has a fantastic work ethic on and off the ice and we look forward to Charlie leading our young players in their daily routine to become better players - as he does every day.” LEIVO, 19, returns to Wolves for his third and final season in the OHL. The Barrie native was drafted in the 11th round of the 2009 OHL draft by the Wolves, 205th overall. The big 6’2”, 190 lb right-winger quickly developed into one of Sudbury’s most dangerous offensive players. In 130 OHL games played to date, Leivo has recorded 45 goals, 58 assists for 103 points and 98 minutes in penalties. Last season, playing next to leading OHL scorer Michael Sgarbossa, Leivo scored 32 goals and 73 points in just 66 league games. The Toronto Maple Leafs drafted Leivo in the 3rd round of the 2011 NHL draft, 86th overall. “This will be Josh's first year wearing a letter for our team but all of Sudbury has seen the development of his game on the ice for the last two years” notes Cull. “We know he will lead our forward group with his great two-way play and ability to score big goals for us. Josh is a quiet leader but he has been very helpful to the young forwards on our team.” Coach Cull also singled-out overage forward Michael Kantor and the Wolves’ 1994 age-group as being integral parts of the team’s leadership group this season. “We cannot give all of these players letters to wear this year but players like Michael Kantor, Mathew Campagna, Brody Silk and others will be a big part of our success and our overall team leadership this season.” (Nathan can be reached at nathanfournier@mainehockeyjournal.com)

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