Dmitri Sokolov the Wolves' import draft pick

The Sudbury Wolves made the most of their third overall selection in the CHL Import Draft and selected one of the top-rated forwards in the draft in Dmitri Sokolov.

The big 6-2, 200 pound forward is a native of Omsk, Siberia, a city that is very familiar to the Sudbury Wolves organization.

"Sokolov had an outstanding U17 World Challenge tournament in Sarnia last November and he instantly became a priority player for us,” said Wolves' GM Blaine Smith, in a press release.

Sokolov led Team Russia to a Gold Medal victory in the tournament and also led Team Russia in scoring with 6 goals and 3 assists for 9 points in six games.

Adding to the Wolves' scouting reports on Sokolov was Wolves' European scout Dan Cuomo. Cuomo attended the World U18 Tournament in Switzerland in April and confirmed that Sokolov was one of the "best forwards" at the tournament."

Cuomo added, "Sokolov was very exciting to watch. He went end-to-end on several occasions and scored some highlight-reel goals. I can assure you that Wolves' fans are going to enjoy watching this player perform at the Sudbury Arena."

In the latest edition of Red Line Report, an independent scouting service, Sokolov is rated as a top 10 pick in the first round of next year's NHL Entry Draft to be held in Buffalo, N.Y. Sokolov is described as a "gifted goal scorer with outstanding offensive instincts."

As Hockey Canada's representative in the 2012 and 2013 World Jr. Club tournament in Omsk, Siberia, Wolves' owner Mark Burgess provided the Sudbury Wolves with the ability to establish many new contacts and new relationships with Russian hockey officials and Russian player agents.

One of those contacts assisted the Wolves with the successful recruiting of Sokolov to the Sudbury Wolves. The Wolves won the gold medal in the 2012 World Jr. Club Championship with a thrilling 2-0 victory over Team USA in Omsk.

Smith confirmed that Pavel Jenys has been protected by the Wolves as one of their two Import players for next season.

Jenys, 19, was the Wolves' leading scorer last season and signed a pro contract with the Wild after playing for their AHL affiliate in Iowa in April. Jenys will attend Minnesota's main camp in September and the Wild will make a decision on his future hockey development in Sudbury. Jenys was one of the Wolves' bright spots last season and he is highly regarded by the Wolves' coaching staff and his teammates.

The Sudbury Wolves will open Main Camp Sept. 3 at the Sudbury Arena.