Vets need to start producing to stop Wolves’ skid

The time for moral victories is over for the Sudbury Wolves.

Those are the words from Head Coach Dave Matsos after his team finished last weekend with three more losses, extending their losing streak to seven games in a row.

It was expected there were going to be some growing pains, but they’re now 21 games into the season and there aren’t a whole lot of signs this team is ready to turn the corner anytime soon.

In fact, if you look at the recent results, they appear to be heading in the opposite direction. Losses to North Bay at home and then defeats on the road in Peterborough and Mississauga — outscored 19-6 and shut-out by the Steelheads.

Add insult to injury, the Wolves are the first team to allow 100 goals against this season.

There is no question the work ethic is there every night, but unfortunately that doesn’t seem to be resulting in wins.

It all comes down to execution and for whatever reason the Wolves just can’t seem to score goals. Whether “ice cold” or “dried up” — you take your pick — the bottom line is the offence has to get back on track sooner rather than later.

Looking for the top performers thus far, it’s not the players you might think.

Instead of third- or fourth-year guys leading the way, it’s the newcomers who seem to be the most consistent. Dmitry Sololov, Alan Lyszczarczyk and David Levin are the players most noticeable night in and night out.

Michael Pezzetta is another young player who has seen his game improve. A rookie last year, Pezzetta took the steps forward you expect from a skilled player in his second year.

What the Wolves need is for the veterans to up their game.
Matt Schamlz and Pavel Jenys had 24 and 15 goals respectively last season. So far this year, the same two players have two and four goals, well below what was expected for these NHL-drafted players.

More is also needed from Jacob Harris. As an overage player, Harris provides leadership, but he’s also expected to use his experience to help the offence. He has contributed five goals, but considering his role in the line-up, those numbers have to be higher.

The Wolves defence has to be better, too. Patrick Murphy and Kyle Capobianco have been hot and cold, but the team needs them to be consistent at both ends of the rink.

If you want to find two veterans performing as expected, look no further than Danny Derocher and Chad Heffernan.

Desrocher has been good defensively and has upped his offensive game, while Heffernan is playing his game and providing the kind of grit needed on the team.

Hockey is a team sport and for the team to be successful it takes all 20 players working together every night.

The Wolves did show signs of improvement in October, so it’s baffling to figure out what has changed since then.

What I do know is the talent is there and I have no doubt a few wins will allow the players to get their confidence back. Winning is contagious, but it will take dedication to detail and total team effort to get there.

Stew Kernan is the radio and television voice of the Sudbury Wolves, and the News Director at KiSS 105.3 and Q92.