Wolves acquire Rangers’ defenceman

The Sudbury Wolves have acquired defenceman Charlie Dodero from the Kitchener Rangers. In return for Dodero, the Wolves sent their eighth round draft selection in 2012 to the Rangers.

Dodero, standing 6-2 and weighing 190 pounds, is a smooth-skating defender who makes a good first pass, according to a press release. He can rush the puck and plays a physical style. Dodero is a native of Chicago, Illinois and will turn 18 this week. Dodero is eligible for the 2011 NHL draft.

“Charlie gives us some good depth on our blueline,” Wolves’ general manager Blaine Smith said in the release. “He is a competitor and isn’t afraid to mix it up. We felt it was important for us to add a competitive player to our line-up that can help us out for the next two years.”

Dodero is the first American player the Wolves have acquired in several years.

“We are certainly making some inroads into places like Chicago and other parts of northern USA,” Smith said.  “Ken MacKenzie (assistant GM) and Norm Robert (head scout) are doing an excellent job forging new relationships with American-born players and we are confident that Charlie will ... help us communicate what Sudbury has to offer to other players in the Chicago area.”

Dodero is expected to join his new Wolves’ teammates for their three-game road swing which begins Thursday night in Saginaw, Michigan.

The Wolves will return home Oct. 8 for a rematch with the Niagara IceDogs at 7:30 p.m. The Wolves will unveil their new third jersey at the game, as well, the 2010-11 Sudbury Wolves “Collector Fridge Magnet” schedules will also be provided to game program buyers” at next Friday’s game.