Looking into the Wildcats

The Elliot Lake Wildcats officially took the ice as a team on Wednesday September 10th to take on the Sudbury Nickel Barons in the Barons home barn. The Wildcats started the game with goaltender AJ Smith and between the pipes for the Barons was Kevin Labelle. The Barons would hold on in a close game and take their second win in a row with a final score of 7-4 and final shot tally of 44-38 favouring the Barons.

Although the Wildcats fell short in their league debut, plenty of skill and emotion was shown from each player as an individual and as a team. We learnt the Wildcats will soon determine their set of captains for the season, and you can expect the names Chiarelli and Campbell  to be on that list.

 Chiarelli displayed leadership on and off the ice, from start to finish. Chiarelli lead by example on the ice as he was the defensive anchor for the Wildcats in their first game, and in the same night made Wildcats history with the first goal.

Campbell lead with a different style.With a relaxed and focused attitude, he seems to slow everything down when he's in control of the puck. Campbell will give you everything you need from a D-man. Campbell can start the rush from behind his own net, while his footwork can create scoring opportunities and also save them. He isn't afraid to get physical.

The third captaincy spot in my mind is still open for the taking, but Wildcats top forward Spencer MacLean may already have a hand on it. MacLean is the type of player that any team would want to have. His 6'4 frame allows him to play a physical, gritty game and win those battles in the corners while still being strong defensively. MacLean has the scoring touch to be a first line forward for this team and put up top numbers. He lead the team in shots putting up a multi-point night in his first game recording two assists. Spencer MacLean is a player on the rise who has yet to reach his full potential and peak as an elite forward in this league.

MacLean during the Wildcats first game.