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A New Era Begins: Greater Sudbury Secures Strategic Partnerships for the New Event Centre

Noah Vout — Wed, 12 Aug 2026 06:30:58 +0000

The following media release was issued by the City of Greater Sudbury and includes comments from Sudbury Wolves Sports & Entertainment and Oak View Group. The future of entertainment in Greater Sudbury took a major step forward today as the City announced three landmark agreements that establish the organizations that will operate and anchor the new Event Centre. Sudbury Wolves Sports & Entertainment (SWSE) has signed long-term agreements to make the new downtown Event Centre the home of the Sudbury Wolves and Sudbury Five, while Oak View Group (OVG), the global leader in premium live entertainment infrastructure and services, has been selected to manage the facility, as well as provide hospitality, premium services and community partnerships. Together, the agreements mark the most significant milestone in the Event Centre project since construction began in fall 2025, positioning the facility to attract premier sports and entertainment while delivering exceptional experiences for residents and visitors for decades to come. "City Council has always been clear that the investment in a new Event Centre is about more than constructing a building. It is about strengthening our community, creating new opportunities for local sports, attracting major events and entertainment, and providing a place where residents can come together and celebrate what makes Greater Sudbury special. With SWSE and Oak View Group Canada as long-term partners, we are taking an important step toward delivering on that vision," said the Mayor of the City of Greater Sudbury. Sudbury Wolves Sports & Entertainment to Call the New Event Centre Home The new Event Centre will become the home of the Sudbury Wolves and Sudbury Five, ensuring two of Greater Sudbury's most recognized sports franchises continue to inspire fans and bring the community together in a modern, purpose-built facility. For generations, the Sudbury Wolves have been a source of civic pride, creating lasting memories for fans and helping shape Greater Sudbury's sporting identity. Together with the Sudbury Five, SWSE brings thousands of residents and visitors together each year through sport, helping create the energy and atmosphere that will make the new Event Centre a year-round destination. The new Event Centre will elevate the fan experience with modern amenities, improved accessibility and premium seating designed to enhance every game and event. As the Event Centre's primary sports tenant, SWSE will help establish the facility as a vibrant, year-round destination for sports, entertainment and community events. The long-term agreements provide a strong foundation for the Event Centre from opening day, supporting downtown activity, attracting visitors and creating memorable experiences for residents and fans. The Sudbury Wolves agreement has an initial term of 15 years, while the Sudbury Five agreement has an initial term of 10 years. Both agreements include an option to renew for an additional term of equal length. “This is a transformational moment for our community and an exciting new chapter for sports and entertainment in Greater Sudbury. At SWSE, our mission is to engage, unite and inspire Greater Sudburians through sports and entertainment, and this new Event Centre gives us an extraordinary opportunity to bring that mission to life on an even greater scale. The Wolves have been part of the fabric of this community for generations, and the back-to-back champion Sudbury Five have built a remarkable culture of their own, giving our city another team and another reason to come together with pride. We are incredibly proud of both organizations and excited to give their players, fans and future generations a first-class home. This is about much more than where our teams play. It’s about creating a place where families, fans and visitors come together, where unforgettable moments are made, and where we continue to build pride and energy throughout Greater Sudbury. We all play for Sudbury, and we couldn’t be more excited about what comes next,” said Dario Zulich, Owner and CEO of Sudbury Wolves Sports & Entertainment. Oak View Group Selected to Operate the Event Centre Following a competitive procurement process, the City selected Oak View Group to manage and operate the new 5,800 capacity Event Centre. OVG is a global leader in venue management, operating more than 400 venues across North America, Europe and the Middle East and bringing extensive expertise in venue operations, premium hospitality, event programming and entertainment partnerships. In Canada, OVG manages a portfolio of management and hospitality accounts, including TD Coliseum in Hamilton, Ont.; Canada Life Place in London, Ont.; Tribute Communities Centre in Oshawa, Ont.; WFCU Centre in Windsor, Ont.; Penticton Events Centre in Penticton, B.C.; and Vancouver Island Conference Centre in Nanaimo, B.C. OVG's Hospitality team provides services to Rogers Stadium and Enercare Centre in Toronto. By partnering with Oak View Group, the City gains access to established entertainment industry networks, specialized operational expertise and proven best practices from hundreds of venues worldwide. This expertise will support the successful opening of the Event Centre while helping position Greater Sudbury to attract a diverse calendar of sports, concerts and live entertainment. OVG will oversee all aspects of Event Centre operations, including event bookings and promotions, ticketing, premium seating and box office services, food and beverage operations, sponsorships, and facility operations and maintenance. The agreement is for an initial term of 10 years, with the option to renew for an additional 10-year period. OVG will also make a significant capital contribution to the facility, reinforcing its long-term commitment to the success of the Event Centre. "Selecting an experienced venue operator is one of the most important decisions we can make before opening our doors," said Shari Lichterman, Greater Sudbury CAO. "OVG brings the industry relationships, operational expertise and experience needed to position Greater Sudbury for success. Their team will help attract concerts, sporting events and other live entertainment, maximize opportunities for sponsorships and premium experiences, and support the successful opening and long-term operation of the Event Centre." “We look forward to partnering with SWSE and the City of Sudbury on creating a world-class, state-of-the-art Event Centre here in Sudbury designed to attract top-notch entertainment, attract more visitors from across Ontario into Sudbury, and ultimately, generate a boost to the economic impact on the region,” said Tom Pistore, President, Oak View Group, Canada. “Sudbury is ready for a new arena and we’re excited to be part of this project.” Together, the City's partnership with OVG and long-term agreements with SWSE establish a strong foundation for the Event Centre's future. Beyond strengthening sport tourism, increasing visitor spending and attracting regional, national and international events, the agreements also provide the potential to reduce operating impacts through a share of operating profits and protection from operating deficits. These agreements enable the new Event Centre to operate with significantly less reliance on taxpayer funding compared to the current operating model of the Sudbury Community Arena. Construction of the new Event Centre continues to advance, with completion scheduled for fall 2028. As a cornerstone of the City's Transformation Project and Downtown Master Plan, the facility will become a premier destination for sports, concerts, entertainment and community events while helping strengthen the downtown, attract visitors and create new opportunities for residents and businesses alike.

Sudbury Wolves Officially Sign Kash Kwajah, Unveil 55th Anniversary Logo

Noah Vout — Fri, 31 Jul 2026 18:05:39 +0000

(SUDBURY, ON) – The Sudbury Wolves officially welcomed forward Kash Kwajah to the organization on Friday afternoon during a special event at Dynamic Earth, where the club also unveiled its commemorative 55th Anniversary logo ahead of the 2026–27 Ontario Hockey League season.

Surrounded by fans, members of the Wolves organization, media members, and community partners, the event marked the official signing of Kash Kwajah while celebrating the beginning of a milestone season in franchise history.

In addition to the official signing, fans enjoyed opportunities to meet members of the Wolves organization, take photos with mascots Howler and Growler, participate in games and activities, win prizes, and shop official Sudbury Wolves merchandise.

"We are really excited to sign Kash," said Sudbury Wolves General Manager Rob Papineau. "He is an outstanding hockey player and an even better person from an outstanding family. Kash makes the players around him better. He has a very high hockey IQ and vision, and he sees things in the game that many players just don't. We know our fans are going to love him, and we are excited to officially welcome Kash to the Sudbury Wolves."

Head Coach Scott Barney believes Kwajah's skill set will make an immediate impact. "Kash is a player that has exceptional vision and IQ of the game. He makes players around him better, and our staff is really excited to coach him."

Kwajah expressed his excitement about joining the organization and representing the City of Sudbury. "I am extremely excited to sign with the Sudbury Wolves and begin this next part of my hockey career. Seeing how much support the players and fans have shown is making me even more eager for the season ahead. I am thankful for this great chance that I have received, and I am ready to represent the city of Sudbury with honour. I promise not only to myself, but to the Sudbury community, to work hard and develop myself not only as a player, but as a young man every single day. I believe that by doing this, I'll put myself in the best position to achieve not only my goals, but especially to contribute to the team's success. I can't wait to get going this upcoming season and officially meet you guys as a Sudbury Wolf. Go Wolves Go!"

The event also featured the unveiling of the Sudbury Wolves' commemorative 55th Anniversary logo, which will be prominently featured throughout the 2026–27 season as the organization celebrates 55 years of Wolves hockey. The anniversary season will recognize the franchise's rich history while celebrating the players, alumni, fans, and community who have helped shape one of the OHL’s most storied organizations.

The Sudbury Wolves would like to thank everyone who attended the event and helped celebrate the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the organization. The club looks forward to welcoming Wolves Nation back to the Sudbury Community Arena this fall for a memorable 55th anniversary season.

Sudbury Wolves release their Exhibition Schedule

Noah Vout — Tue, 07 Jul 2026 18:00:47 +0000

SUDBURY, ON – Our exhibition schedule has dropped, and fans will have six opportunities to catch the team in action before the start of the regular season. Our first game will be held on Monday, August 31 at 6:30 PM versus the Barrie Colts. This game will be played in King City, Ontario at the Zancor Centre. The team will then travel to Timmins, Ontario on Wednesday, September 2 for a 7:00 PM matchup against the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies at the McIntyre Community Centre. On Friday, September 4, the team will take on the Soo Greyhounds at GFL Memorial Gardens in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. The exhibition schedule continues on Sunday, September 6 at 2:00 PM against the North Bay Battalion at Boart Longyear Memorial Gardens in North Bay, Ontario. Fans in Sudbury will have the opportunity to see the team on home ice on Friday, September 11 at 7:00 PM when the Soo Greyhounds visit the Sudbury Community Arena. The final exhibition game will be played on Sunday, September 13 at 4:00 PM against the Kingston Frontenacs at Stouffville Arena in Stouffville, Ontario.

Names called at the 2026 NHL Draft

Noah Vout — Wed, 01 Jul 2026 15:38:10 +0000

SUDBURY, ONT: During the 2026 NHL Draft, two members of the Sudbury Wolves heard their names called, highlighting the organization's continued success in developing NHL talent. Left winger Adam Nemec was selected by the Ottawa Senators in the third round, 72nd overall, becoming the first Wolves player chosen in this year's draft. Nemec enjoyed an impressive season with the Wolves, recording 14 goals and 21 assists for 35 points in 31 games. Selected by Sudbury in the second round of the 2024 CHL Import Draft, he made an immediate impact both offensively and with his strong two-way play. Adam also becomes the second member of the Nemec family to be drafted into the NHL. His older brother, Šimon Nemec, was selected second overall by the New Jersey Devils in the 2022 NHL Draft. The Sudbury Wolves organization congratulates Adam on this outstanding achievement and thanks him for his hard work, dedication, and commitment throughout the season. We are excited to welcome him back next season and look forward to continuing to watch his development and future success with the Wolves and beyond. Defenseman Finn Kearns also heard his name called during the 2026 NHL Draft, as he was selected by the Seattle Kraken in the fifth round, 131st overall. Kearns spent the majority of the 2025-26 season with St. Andrew's College, where he served as team captain. In 53 games, the blueliner recorded 17 goals and 23 assists for 40 points, showcasing his offensive ability from the back end. In addition to his offensive production, Kearns established himself as a physical presence on the ice, recording 163 penalty minutes throughout the season. His willingness to stand up for his teammates and compete in all areas of the game has become a defining characteristic of his style of play. The Sudbury Wolves congratulate Finn on this tremendous accomplishment and look forward to following his continued development as he begins the next chapter of his hockey journey with the Seattle Kraken.

Four Players Commit to Wolves following Orientation Camp

Noah Vout — Mon, 22 Jun 2026 19:00:41 +0000

GREATER SUDBURY, ON – The Sudbury Wolves are pleased to announce that four players have committed to the hockey club following this past weekend’s Orientation Camp. Defenceman Ivan Belikov, along with forwards Patrik Ula, Colton Colby, and Norman Greene, have officially signed commitments to join the organization. Selected 25th overall in the 2026 OHL Priority Selection, 6’4” right-shot defenceman Ivan Belikov becomes the first player from the 2026 draft class to sign with the Wolves. General Manager Rob Papineau praised the young defenceman’s development and potential.  “We are excited that Ivan has committed to the hockey club and the OHL,” said Papineau. “He was a standout all season on the OHL Cup championship team. He has an exciting summer ahead with USA Hockey and a very bright future with the Wolves.” Hailing from Florida, Belikov’s commitment marks an important early addition for the Wolves’ 2026 draft class. The club also announced the commitments of forwards Patrik Ula (131st overall), Norman Greene (193rd overall), and Colton Colby (213th overall), all selections from the 2025 OHL Priority Selection. “All three of these players had excellent camps last year and followed that up with strong seasons where they each led their teams to success,” said Papineau. “Patrik started in U16 and was promoted to junior in Danbury after a successful stint with us in December. Norman had an outstanding year with the highly regarded Woodbridge U16 program, where he moved from Buffalo and became their captain. Colton was one of the top players with the Oakland Grizzlies, a dominant team in the Detroit U16 area. We welcome all four players and their families to Sudbury and look forward to their future with our hockey club.” With these commitments, Belikov, Ula, Greene, and Colby strengthen the Wolves’ organization as the team continues to build toward the future. ### For more information, please contact: Alexander Hucal Communications and Content Coordinator (705) 675-3941 alexander.hucal@swse.ca

Sudbury Wolves Welcome 15 New Prospects Following 2026 OHL Priority Selection

Noah Vout — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 16:30:24 +0000

Sudbury Wolves Select Kash Kwajah in First Round of OHL Draft

Noah Vout — Sat, 13 Jun 2026 14:30:17 +0000

The Sudbury Wolves used their first-round pick in the OHL Draft to add one of the most productive forwards in minor hockey, selecting Etobicoke’s Kash Kwajah.

Kwajah, a skilled and quick-moving forward from the Toronto Junior Canadiens program, put together a standout 2025-26 season that made him one of the top names available early in the draft. The 16-year-old was on hand at Slush Puppie Place in Kingston, home of the OHL’s Kingston Frontenacs, where he was joined by family, friends, his agent, and JRC teammate and billet brother Khov Long.

The six-foot, 185-pound forward is the younger brother of Jet Kwajah, an 18-year-old defenceman and Brantford Bulldogs prospect. Kash earned attention throughout the season for the pace in his game, his ability to see plays develop, and the puck skill needed to create offence in tight areas.

His numbers reflected that impact. Kwajah scored 28 goals and added 35 assists over 31 games in the Greater Toronto Hockey League U16 AAA loop, earning Player of the Year honours. He continued to produce on a bigger stage at the OHL Cup, leading the Toronto Junior Canadiens to the final with 13 points in seven games and being named to the tournament all-star team.

For the Wolves, the selection brings another high-end offensive prospect into the organization. Kwajah’s combination of speed, size, vision and scoring ability gives Sudbury a forward with the tools to become an important part of the club’s future.

For more details and in-depth coverage following the draft, check in on our site and follow along live on our socials all day Saturday for real-time updates. Fans can also tune in live on Eastlink TV and catch an exclusive interview with Wolves GM Rob Papineau at the end of the draft.

Sudbury Wolves 2026 Home Opener Reveal

Noah Vout — Wed, 10 Jun 2026 14:45:52 +0000

The Sudbury Wolves are absolutely thrilled to announce that our home opener for the 2026-27 season will be taking place on Friday, September 18 at 7:05 PM! Our first face-off of the year will be against the Peterborough Petes. This isn’t the only exciting news we have in store, however! This long-awaited matchup will be preceded and followed by the return of the BIGGEST street festival in Sudbury, HOWLAPALOOZA. Last year’s Howlapalooza was packed with fun, featuring live music, player meet & greets, games, food, and good times. You can expect all that AND MORE at Howlapalooza 2026! Please stay tuned for details - you definitely won’t want to miss this! Tickets and season memberships are available at greatersudbury.ca/tickets! Secure your seats NOW for the most exciting, action-packed season of hockey you’ve ever experienced!

2026 OHL U18 Draft Tracker

Noah Vout — Tue, 09 Jun 2026 01:15:29 +0000

The OHL U18 Priority Selection is a three-round process. Players eligible to be selected are those 2008 or 2009-born U18 AAA players not currently on a CHL member team protected list who were registered within the OHF, HNO or HEO during the 2024-25 playing season.

Round	Selection	Name	Position	Height	Weight	Hometown	Team
1	5	Fischer Ishwaran	RD	6'1	160	Whitby	Markham Waxers U18 AAA
2	25	Cameron Hallett	G	6'3	160	Markham	Toronto Titans U18 AAA
3	43	Colton Sinclair	RW	6'2	190	Elmira	Waterloo Wolves U18 AAA

Fans can follow the U-18 OHL Draft live on our website above or on any of the links below as well as through Facebook, Twitter (@Sudbury_Wolves) and Instagram (@sudburywolvesohl). Scouting Report: Fischer Ishwaran Fischer shows great poise and confidence when controlling the puck in the defensive zone, with little panic under pressure. Fischer uses a strong first pass to start offensive attacks. Skating is excellent, and he is at his best when he uses his skating ability to join the rush. Excellent on his edges, he can evade pressure with a variety of escape moves. Gaps are clean and effective.  Stats: 25/26 Markham Waxers OMHA U18 AAA 10 Games Played | 1 Goal | 5 Assists | 6 Points Scouting Report: Cameron Hallett Cameron is a southpaw and well-built netminder who benefits from his size; he can give shooters little space to work with. Getting centered to shots and challenging quite aggressively at the top of his crease or beyond, he proves difficult to beat cleanly. He is also able to quickly shut down low shots.  Stats: 25/26 Toronto Titans U18 AAA 9 Games Played | 5 Shutouts | 7-0-2 Record Scouting Report: Colton Sinclair Colton Sinclair is a north-south, hard-nosed power forward. Relentless on the forecheck. He is good at positioning his body, and net front presence is excellent. He finishes checks along the boards and in open ice. He moves the puck well and can fire a puck.  Stats: Waterloo Wolves U18 AAA 78 Games Played | 20 Goals | 22 Assists | 42 Points

Sudbury Wolves Announce Partnership with Sudbury Tourism and City of Greater Sudbury Ahead of 2026 OHL Priority Selection

Noah Vout — Mon, 08 Jun 2026 22:00:49 +0000

GREATER SUDBURY, ON – The Sudbury Wolves are proud to announce a partnership with the City of Greater Sudbury and Sudbury Tourism in support of the club’s participation in the 2026 OHL Priority Selection, taking place June 12-13 at Slush Puppie Place in Kingston, Ontario. For the first time since 2000, the OHL Priority Selection will be held in person, bringing together top prospects, families, teams and fans for one of the league’s most exciting annual events. Through this partnership, the Wolves, Sudbury Tourism and the City of Greater Sudbury will help showcase the strength of the local hockey community while promoting Greater Sudbury on the provincial stage. The partnership reflects a shared commitment to celebrating young athletes, supporting the next generation of hockey talent and highlighting the community pride behind Wolves hockey. Mayor Paul Lefebvre shared his thoughts on the significance of the event and the local athletes pursuing their OHL dreams: “On behalf of Greater Sudbury, I’m proud to see our community represented in the OHL Draft. This is an exciting milestone for these talented young athletes and a testament to the strength of our local hockey programs, coaches and families who support them every step of the way. We look forward to following their success as they advance to the next level and continue to inspire the next generation of players here at home.” “The Sudbury Wolves are proud to partner with the City of Greater Sudbury in celebrating these outstanding young athletes. As an organization committed to engaging, uniting, and inspiring our community through sport and entertainment, we believe their success reflects the strength of Greater Sudbury and the power of working together to develop the next generation of talent.” — Andrea Zulich, Chief Operating Officer, Sudbury Wolves and Entertainment The Wolves will be well represented throughout the two-day event as the organization looks to add the next generation of talent to its roster. Fans can follow along with all Sudbury Wolves selections and draft coverage through the club’s social media channels and official website HERE.