As his number is retired, a look back on Marc Staal’s time in Sudbury
This year marks 50 years of the Sudbury Wolves and as part of the celebrations, the team is retiring the jersey of a gifted former player at Friday’s game.
Marc Staal has been a pillar in the hockey community for decades and this week’s Rastall OHL file takes a look back at his career and how his former team is celebrating his success.
Born in Thunder Bay, Staal began his OHL career in 2003 at age 16 in Sudbury playing for the Wolves. Two decades later, his Wolves No. 14 jersey is set to be retired at the Sudbury arena while he’s still in the NHL with the Florida Panthers.
"What he did in his career as a Sudbury Wolf just deserves to live in the rafters," said GM Rob Papineau.
“You know, moving forward no one will wear No. 14 again, that’s going to be Marc Staal’s honour and it’s something that will be up there for future Wolves to look up and aspire to.”
Staal has gone on to play more than a thousand games in the NHL. Looking back at Staal’s OHL career, Papineau said he stood out early.
“He started to look like a man playing with boys,” he said.
“He started to look like there was a difference in what he was able to do on the ice, controlling the play, controlling everything, and as a defenceman that’s rare. It’s special.”
Papineau said Staal was also a great ambassador for the Wolves and also for Sudbury, the north and the hockey community at large.
“You don’t realize how rare it is to be named the Most Valuable Player in the playoffs and not win the championship,” he said.
“I think Connor McDavid has done it since but it’s a very small group of people that have done it. You know he was a two-time gold medalist for our country, representing both Canada and the Sudbury Wolves when he was there he was named a top defenceman at that level.”
In front of what the Wolves hope will be a full house, Staal will be joined by his family for the ceremony to watch his number being raised.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.