The defending NOJHL Champion KAL TIRE Junior Wolves are pleased to announce that they have acquired 19 year-old rearguard KYLE HOPE from the North Bay Skyhawks in return for future considerations.

 Hope is a local player that played for the OHL Sudbury Wolves last season. Hope scored four goals and added two assists for 6 points in 29 games with the OHL Sudbury Wolves.  He added 36 penalty minutes as well.

 The acquisition of Hope, allows the Junior Wolves to add another OHL player to their roster. Hope is recognized around the league for his physical presence in addition to possessing one of the hardest shots in the league.

 Wolves’ Vice-President Blaine Smith notes “We have been trying to pry Kyle from the North Bay Skyhawks roster ever since the OHL Wolves acquired his rights from the Barrie Colts in 2005. Kyle will now have the ability to be a leader on the Jr. Wolves blue line and be available to the big club when we need him. It is an ideal situation for Kyle to develop his skills and be in a position to advance to the next level when his junior career ends.”

 The acquisition of Hope also strengthens the Jr. Wolves roster as they are looking to retain their NOJHL Championship title this season. The Jr. Wolves are presently tied with Abitibi for first place in the NOJHL with 37 points. The Jr. Wolves have experienced some key injuries and player departures of late and have won only two of their last five games.

 “Kyle will definitely add a lot of experience and leadership to our blue line” notes Jr. Wolves General Manager Mike Rowlandson. “Kyle is one of the most feared defensemen in the NOJHL due to his size and point-shot. The team is certainly shaping up to be one of the best junior teams that Sudbury has ever seen” adds Rowlandson.

 Kyle Hope will join his new team-mates tomorrow at practice (11 am at the Sudbury Arena) and will see his first action when the Junior Wolves host the Blind River Beavers on Wednesday, January 3^rd at the McClelland arena in Copper Cliff at 7:30. This game has been added to the schedule to replace the game that was post-poned on November 29^th.

 Ref:  Mike Rowlandson – 690-9357 GM – KAL TIRE JR. WOLVES