Column: I still have some hope for the Wolves

No one will deny it has been a tough couple of months for the Sudbury Wolves, but while not a lot has gone right, it hasn’t been all bad.

Since that ugly 13-game losing streak came to an end, I’ve seen three examples of how the will to win has been stronger than the alternative.

While I will be the first to admit there have been many nights where I have left the rink shaking my head after an awful performance, I left the rink after the Nov. 8 game versus the Belleville Bulls thinking that just maybe there is some hope for this team.

That game was the night after a 9-2 loss to the Barrie Colts — the Wolves’ 13th loss in a row, and a game that set a new franchise record for futility.

It didn’t look like much would change as the Bulls had a quick start and looked like they would cruise to an easy win. After all, Belleville was up 6-3 with 6:43 left in the third period.

Cue the comeback. The Wolves dug down deep, scored three straight goals to get the game into overtime and then won it, sending the Sudbury Arena crowd into the kind of frenzy many thought would never happen this season.

There were two other examples this past weekend that the will to win might be in there somewhere.

The first was an individual effort.

Overage defenceman Jeff Corbett has suffered through an injury-filled OHL career that started with so much promise. Various bumps and bruises, two concussions and a case of mono saw him drop off every scout’s radar.

During the three game road trip last weekend, Corbett time and time again found himself flat on the ice after a bone crushing hit or after yet another shot block. But instead of heading to the dressing room, Corbett regrouped and was ready for his next shift. It wasn’t until a hand injury in the last game of the road trip that Corbett finally had to end his night early.

Corbett set a stellar example for his teammates, especially the younger players, of what it takes to be successful in this league.

Then, the weekend ended with an improbable win against the Kitchener Rangers. It wasn’t that the Wolves beat the Rangers so much as the fact they won at the Memorial Auditorium.
The Wolves hadn’t won there during the regular season since October 1995.

So, what did the Wolves do? They went out and probably played their best all-round game of the year and ended that losing streak with a 3-2 shoot-out win. Yes, it was only their fourth of the season, but since ending the 13-game losing streak, the Wolves have a record of 3-4.

These three examples, while small, tell me the players do care. And while they have a lot of work to do — a lot of work — to turn the season around, I think the will to win is there and that’s a good sign.

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