The Sudbury U12 AAA Wolves had already carved out an impressive reputation in the province at the "AA" level these past two years.

Exactly what that means as they look to trade punches with the big boys, this year, remains to be seen - though it does seem clear that if nothing else, it's already helping to open some doors early in the 2025-2026 season.

Joining a very nice cross-section of teams that ranked between #10 and #25 in Ontario to close out last season (at U11 AAA), the Wolves are being allowed to bypass the NOHL (Northern Ontario AAA Hockey League) Showcase next weekend in order to honour their invitation to the 99ers Pre-Season Rumble in Brantford.

The tournament boasts two five-team pools with Sudbury contesting their first four games against the Oakville Rangers, Central Ontario Wolves, Brantford 99ers and Ajax Pickering Raiders.

The top two teams in each pool will advance to semi-final action next Sunday.

The U11 AA Wolves closed out last season as the top ranked team in Ontario in their grouping, though the Soo Jr Greyhounds were right on their heels. Those teams will go toe to toe for the first time in a three-game set in Sault Ste Marie on December13th and 14th.

Sudbury U12 AAA Wolves: Goaltenders Sebastian Boyer and Jack Laporte-Alexander; skaters Arlo Angus, Nathan Arnold, Brodie Robichaud, Hudson Yasko, Harrison Trebb, Jaxon Wicklander, Nico Brujic, Hudson Gray, Jack Obonsawin, Weston Chevrier, Bennet Gertz, Luca Apolloni, Alex Brujic, Huxley Leclair, Logan Pitre and staff members Damir Brujic, assistant coaches Jon Arnold, Robbie Gertz, Steve Brujic, Kyle Gray, Jeff Wicklander and team manager Erica Gertz.