Chicago Wolves Defeat Abbotsford Heat 7:1

It's early on Sunday morning after a late Saturday night at a Wolves game. Well, at least I think it was the Wolves last night, who were those masked men?

Last night entering the Allstate the vibe was still there, the crowd was expecting great things. Yesterdays effort although a loss still felt good as the team played well. Tonight surely there would be a win, a win it would be. Not a wimpy 3:2 win but a booming Wolves 7:1 win over the Abbotsford Heat. It seems that the changes made this week in the locker room have made their way to the ice.

As a photographer you notice things, this season the team has been skating "tighter" physically. Jaws were clenched, smiles were rare on the ice. As one observer put it there was a total lack of "joy", these guys are lucky enough to be playing a game for a living and there didn't seem to be any emotion beyond frustration on the ice. The team were playing like rookies at a camp. Each one looking for a spot on the team, nowhere near a solid unit yet.

I don't know what to credit, new coaches, a seasoned teammate, but these things seem to be changing. First when looking at the over a thousand photos taken this weekend smiles were back, jaws were unclenched. The defense epically looked more disciplined yet more relaxed. The entire blue line has taken their game up several notches and that to these defense loving eyes is a beautiful thing to see.

This is where the plate of crow comes out, I have been one of the more negative voices regarding the addition of Chris Chelios. Frankly I thought his joining the Wolves was an exercise in vanity on his part and would be a problem with team chemistry. Then I watched him work with the younger players for two games from the glass and studied the photos. For the time he is here it looks like he will be an asset to the team, he is working with the younger players on ice and they look to him. Christopher Chelios is simply a beautiful skater, it is easy to see why he can still play at 47 . As he glides he uses the physics of blades and body so no energy is wasted, last night he used four strides to cross the ice, lovely. My only remaining reservation about Chelios is this PTO, he only has 48 games maximum left on his eligibility, that's if a NHL team doesn't make him an offer. From the way he looks, that is a very big if, how long will Chelios stay with the Wolves?

Here are some images of the game, Wolves next home game is this Wednesday the 28^th against the Rockford Icehogs. It's going to be fun to show them the new Wolves!

Abbotsford goalie David Shantz defends his crease with the help of blueliner Matt Pelch. Meanwhile Wolves Captain Jason Krog looks for a chance to score.

Wolves defense at work, goalie Drew MacIntyre in crease, while Nathan Oystrick and Chris Chelios keep the Heat at bay. This is how it should look, no one between you and your goalie.

This is what a bad day at the office looks like, Joey Crabb gets the puck gets by David Shantz for the last time of the night, score is now 7:1, time to warm up the bus.

"It's fun to stay at the YMCA!" Who could resist this fan?