Frank Corrado dons 'C' for Wolves

Returning blueliner Frank Corrado has been named the Sudbury Wolves' captain for the 2012-13 season.

The 19-year-old is entering his fourth and final year in the OHL. The Wolves drafted the Woodbridge native from the Vaughn Kings back in 2009. Joining Corrado as alternate captains are defence partners Justin Sefton and Charlie Dodero, and forward Josh Leivo.

Corrado, a 6-2, 195-pound, right-shot defenceman, was drafted in the second round, 25th overall by the Sudbury Wolves in the 2009 OHL draft. After two successful seasons in Sudbury, Corrado was drafted in the fifth round, 150th overall by the NHL's 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 eight goals and 57 assists for 65 points, plus 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,” Wolves’ head coach Trent Cull said. “Frank is not only viewed as a great leader by his peers, but I know he 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," Cull added. "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 fifth overall in the 2009 OHL draft and 89th overall by the San Jose Sharks in the 2011 NHL draft. The bruising 6-3, 225-pound, right-shot defenceman has played in 191 OHL games and has recorded nine goals and 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 Playoff 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,” Cull said. “Justin was one of our bright lights in playoffs 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 two goals and 24 assists for 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,” the coach said. “Charlie has a fantastic work ethic on and off the ice and we look forward to him leading our young players in their daily routine to become better players, as he does every day.”
 
Leivo, 19, returns to the 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-pound, 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 and 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 third 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,” Cull said. “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.”
 
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.”
 
Captain Corrado and his assistant captains will lead their team on Friday night when the Wolves open the 2012-13 OHL season against the 10th ranked team in the country — the Oshawa Generals. Game time is 7:35 p.m.