The Sudbury U14 AAA Wolves have seen first-hand the gap that exists.

The goal for this year is undoubtedly to close it, at least to some extent.

New head coach Curtis Gilbert takes over a team, the core of which were part of the group that hosted the 2025 All-Ontario U13 AAA Championships last April.

Finishing with a record of 1-5-0 and saddled with four losses by five goals or more, the Wolves garnered a very clear look at where the talent level sits at the top of provincial rankings.

Thirteen players are back from that squad, with four news faces making the cross-over to "AAA" hockey along with assistant coaches Jeff Portelance and Neil McLean.

The team that will hit the ice in earnest for competition for the NOHL (Northern Ontario AAA Hockey League) Showcase Weekend (September 19th - 21st) will be as follows:

Adam Dabliz, Andrew Polack, Austen Talbot, Ben Dabous, Carter LeClair, Dylan Campeau, Ethan Caetano, Gareth Mead, Graham Chevrier, Keagan Thibault, Lucas McCrory, Massimo Gianfrancesco, Matheos Carriere, Matteo Rocca, Maxim LeClair, Oliver Frantz and Tristan Mann