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Explore the OHL: Sudbury Wolves

The Ontario Hockey League (OHL) is home to 20 teams—17 in Canada and three in the United States. Shifting the focus beyond hockey operations, the OHL aims to highlight the distinctiveness of each member club. The League will showcase how current players and future prospects embrace their junior hockey careers within their respective cities, emphasizing the unique qualities that define each team and its community.

SUDBURY WOLVES

HISTORY

Sudbury, Ontario, is known for its rich mining history, stunning lakes, and as the largest northern city in Ontario, with a population of 171,446. Often referred to as the “Nickel City,” Sudbury’s the home of the Big Nickel, a 30-foot replica of a 1951 Canadian nickel that pays homage to the city’s mining roots. Sudbury also boasts over 330 lakes, adding to the city’s stunning natural beauty.

The Northern Ontario city has prided themselves on being a hockey town dating back to 1892 when the first game of hockey in Sudbury was held during the winter carnival. In the early 1900’s the Sudbury Hockey Club decided to reorganize itself and along with Sturgeon Falls and North Bay by joining the Ontario Hockey Association’s Intermediate Series. In 1919 Sudbury’s teams played in the Northern Ontario Hockey Association (NOHA) and the Ontario Hockey Association (OHA). Sudburians quickly became obsessed with the game and the team and even traveled to watch the games first-hand as citizens would crowd around the telegraph office to hear updates on the team’s progress and were called the “Wolves of the North” by the telegraph operator. Since, then Sudbury’s top team has been known as the “Wolves”. Dating back to the 1920’s Sudbury players have been recruited/scouted to the NHL. In the early 1950’s the Sudbury Arena was completed and was made home to the Sudbury Wolves over the two other teams in the City mainly due to the Wolves affiliations with professional hockey clubs to provided the Sudbury players with opportunities to progress to bigger and better things. Throughout the 1960’s-1970’s, Sudbury became known as a “breeding ground” for professional hockey players and in 1972 the Ontario Major Junior Hockey League franchise – known as the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) today was introduced to Sudbury.

The Sudbury Wolves were established in 1972 and celebrated their 50th anniversary in 2022. The team won an Eastern Conference Championship during the 2006-07 season. Today the Sudbury Wolves parent company Sudbury Wolves Sports and Entertainment (SWSE) delivers the excitement of live sports through basketball, soccer, and football.

EDUCATION

Within the Sudbury Wolves organization, high school players currently attend St. Charles High School while playing for the Wolves. Post-secondary students often pursue their education at Laurentian University, Cambrian College, or Collège Boréal. The Sudbury Wolves organization has a strong relationship with Laurentian University and honour our highest achieving academic player(s) with the Laurentian University Scholastic year end award. The close connection between the local school systems and the Wolves has played a vital role in fostering the development of both students and professionals within the organization.

The Laurentian University Scholastic Awards recognize the academic achievements of individuals associated with the Sudbury Wolves. In 2024, Alex Pharand was honored with the award, following Nate Krawchuk in 2023. Previous recipients include Evan Konyen in 2022, and Ethan Larmand and Nathan Ribau in 2020. Peter Stratis received the award in 2019, while Nolan Hutcheson was recognized in 2018. In 2017, the award went to Shane Bulitka, and in 2016, it was presented to Cole Mayo. The first recipient of the Laurentian University Scholastic Award in 2015 was Michael Pezzetta.

Ivan Tennant Memorial Award (Top Academic High School Student)

2012-13: Connor Burgess

ARENA

The Sudbury Community Arena, located in the heart of downtown Sudbury, was built in 1951 and remains one of the oldest arenas in the OHL. With a seating capacity of 5,000, the arena is not only home to the Sudbury Wolves but also hosts a variety of events, including comedy shows, concerts, and other sporting events. Over the years, the arena has become a vital part of the Sudbury Wolves’ culture, deeply ingrained in the city’s sporting atmosphere and its passionate fanbase. As one of the oldest venues in the league, the Sudbury Wolves have plans to build a new arena in 2028. This new facility will provide players and staff with an upgraded space, offering more room and enhanced amenities to better support the team’s growth and success.

IN-GAME GOALS

The “Wolf on a Wire” is a beloved tradition at the Sudbury Community Arena. After each Wolves goal, a taxidermied wolf with glowing red eyes emerges from its lair and glides along a wire over the ice, pausing above the visiting team’s bench as a wolf howl plays. This iconic celebration has delighted fans for decades. The tradition dates back to the 1950s when the Sudbury Star’s sports department donated a stuffed wolf to the team.

BILLET LIFE

The Sudbury Wolves are fortunate to be supported by a group of dedicated billet families for the 2024-25 season. These families play a vital role in the Wolves organization, offering players a safe, stable, and supportive home environment. In addition to providing room and board, they also offer meals and essential support, helping players settle into their new surroundings while focusing on their development both on and off the ice. The commitment of these billet families is an integral part of the Wolves’ success, fostering a strong sense of community and team spirit.

NOTABLE ALUMNI

The Sudbury Wolves have a rich history of producing standout NHL talent, as well as players who have continued their professional careers in various fields. Over the years, the Wolves have developed numerous NHL players, including Los Angeles Kings forward Quinton Byfield (former OHL and CHL Rookie of the Year), Buffalo Sabres goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen (former OHL Goaltender of the Year and the OHL’s Most Outstanding Player—the first import player to achieve this), and Chicago Blackhawks captain Nick Foligno (former NHL Humanitarian and Leadership Award recipient). A fun fact about Wolves alumni is that Dale Hunter, a notable figure in the League, currently serves as the head coach of the London Knights.

  • Mike Foligno: Born in Sudbury, Mike Foligno was drafted 3rd overall by the Detroit Red Wings. Over his NHL career, he played in 1,018 games for Detroit, Buffalo, Toronto, and Florida. Foligno represented the Sudbury Wolves from 1975-1979 and later coached the team from 2003-2010, leading them to the OHL Finals in 2007. His jersey has been retired by the Wolves.
  • Randy Carlyle: A Sudbury native, Carlyle was drafted 30th overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs. He played 1,055 NHL games with Toronto, Pittsburgh, and Winnipeg. Carlyle played for the Wolves from 1973-1976. As a coach, he led the Anaheim Ducks to a Stanley Cup championship in the 2006-07 season. Carlyle also coached the Toronto Maple Leafs (2012-2015) and returned to the Ducks (2016-2019). His jersey has been retired by the Wolves.
  • Marc Staal: Drafted 12th overall in the 2005 NHL Draft by the New York Rangers, Staal played 1,136 NHL games with the Rangers, Detroit Red Wings, Florida Panthers, and Philadelphia Flyers. He played for the Wolves from 2003-2007 and was part of the 2007 team that reached the OHL Finals. His jersey has been retired by the Wolves.
  • Dale Hunter: Hunter played 1,407 NHL games with Quebec, Washington, and Colorado, tallying 1,020 points. He played for the Wolves from 1978-1980. Currently coaching the London Knights, he has won four OHL Championships (2005, 2013, 2016, 2024) and two Memorial Cups (2005, 2016). His jersey has been retired by the Wolves.
  • Rod Schutt: Schutt played in the NHL for Montreal, Pittsburgh, and Toronto. He was a member of the Wolves from 1973-1976. His jersey has been retired by the Wolves.
  • Quinton Byfield: Drafted 2nd overall by the LA Kings in the 2020 NHL Draft, Byfield has played in 210 NHL games, recording 101 points. He played for the Wolves from 2018-2020 and continues to develop at the NHL level.
  • Nick Foligno: Drafted 28th overall in 2006, Nick Foligno has played 1,186 NHL games with Ottawa, Columbus, Toronto, Boston, and Chicago. He has captained both the Columbus Blue Jackets and the Chicago Blackhawks. Foligno played for the Wolves from 2004-2007 and was part of the 2007 team that reached the OHL Finals. Sudbury remains home for Nick, and he cherishes his time with the Wolves.
  • Marcus Foligno: Drafted 104th overall in 2009 by Buffalo, Marcus has played 829 NHL games and is currently the assistant captain of the Minnesota Wild. He played for the Wolves from 2007-2011 and also considers Sudbury his home.
  • Derek MacKenzie: MacKenzie played 611 NHL games with Atlanta, Columbus, and Florida, serving as the Florida Panthers’ captain from 2016-2018. He won an AHL championship with the Chicago Wolves. During the 2022-23 season, he served as head coach of the Sudbury Wolves and is now an assistant coach with the Nashville Predators.
  • Zack Stortini: Drafted 94th overall in 2003 by the Edmonton Oilers, Stortini played 257 NHL games with Edmonton and Nashville. He played for the Wolves from 2001-2005 and later served as an assistant and associate coach for the team from 2019-2022. Stortini, born in nearby Elliot Lake, has also coached in the AHL with the Tucson Roadrunners.
  • Taylor Pyatt: Drafted 8th overall in 1999 by the New York Islanders, Pyatt played 859 NHL games with the Islanders, Buffalo, Vancouver, Phoenix, the Rangers, and Pittsburgh. He represented the Wolves from 1997-2000.
  • Ron Duguay: Drafted 13th overall in 1977 by the New York Rangers, Duguay played for the Rangers, Detroit, Pittsburgh, and LA. He played for the Wolves from 1973-1977 and has his jersey retired by the team.

WOLVES FAMILY TRADITION

Each year, Wolves owner Dario Zulich and his family host a pre-season homemade meal for the entire team, staff and their host families. Nonna Zulich and the Zulich family prepare a delicious Italian carb-loading feast to help the players gear up for the new season.

This annual event not only brings the team together but also reflects the family values that the ownership and organization uphold in fostering unity.

NOTABLE LANDMARKS

Notable landmarks in Sudbury include Science North, an interactive science museum and educational center that offers engaging exhibits and an IMAX theatre. The Big Nickel is a striking nine-meter tall replica of a Canadian nickel, symbolizing Sudbury’s rich mining history and serving as a beloved roadside attraction. The Bell Park boardwalk is another gem, showcasing the city’s lush green landscapes and scenic waterfront of Ramsey Lake, providing both locals and visitors with a peaceful and picturesque place to walk, relax, and enjoy the outdoors. Until 2001, Ramsey Lake was listed by the Guinness Book of World Records as the world’s largest lake located entirely within a single city. Since then, Sudbury’s larger Lake Wanapitei took over this status approximately only 20 kilometres apart. Sudbury nature, forestry and conservation areas provides lots of outdoor living activities such as golfing, swimming, boating, fishing / ice fishing, kayaking, canoeing, hiking, biking, river rafting, camping, skating / snowboarding, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and so much more.

Additionally, the Sudbury Water Tower was recently transformed into the largest goal light in the world. The water tower also features a captivating light show at night between 6pm – 10pm on the hour adding to the city’s vibrant atmosphere and aiming to bring the community together in celebration.

WHERE TO EAT

The Sudbury Wolves are proud to partner with a variety of local restaurants, offering delicious meals to players and fans visiting the city. These culinary partners include M.I.C., Caruso Club, Shoeless Joe’s, Overtime Sports Bar, Apollo, Laughing Buddha, DiGusto, Gus’s Restaurant, Buzzy Browns, Toppers, Gloria’s, Rizer’s Café, The Townhouse, Peppi Pannis, Beef n Bird, Eastside Mario’s and Mr. Prime Rib, ensuring that everyone can enjoy a taste of Sudbury’s vibrant dining scene!

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