Inside the Wolves Archives

A couple of new guys and a few of the old ones...

Freddy Meyer has signed a two -way contract with Atlanta, During his college years he had a reputation as  a bit of a Captain Hook since then he has accumulated groin, and back injuries. He will probably see time in Chicago.

 

Mark Matheson #20 in Milwaukee colors, 4/10

Trading blue for maroon, Mark Matheson,inked a contract with the Wolves.  This defenceman scored 17 points last season with the Admirals, sounds good to me!  

Back Again: Patrick Galvin and Jamie Hunt, both looked good last year. welcome back guys.

New Guy: Former Wisconsin Badger Michael Davies.

Peter Maninno  has reached a multi-year contract with Atlanta .

Another Atlanta acquisition Clint Malarchuk, possibly remembered by many hockey fans as the goalie who had his throat slashed during play when he was a Buffalo Sabre.  has been signed by Atlanta as a goal tending consultant.". 

Where are they now???

Brad Larson: Was named Assistant Coach of the Springfield Falcons American Hockey League affiliate of the Columbus Bluejackets.  Good luck to him as he starts his coaching career.

Longtime Wolves Blueliner Brian Sipotz will be playing in Italy this season.  Bonna Fortuna.

 

Mike Hoffman keeping order during the 08-09 season.

Classic enforcer Mike Hoffman is going to help Sean McMorrow fill out his dance card in the Elites. Hoffman has just inked a contract with the Belfast Giants, details of the contract were not announced.  The Giants season starts September 11 against the Coventry Blaze for those looking for an early dose of hockey the game will be available on the web here is the link. http://www.giantslive.tv/

The Giants will also be facing the Boston Bruins on October 7th in a friendly matchup game time is 2:00 pm Central time the game is scheduled to be webcast.

 

Mike Hoffman and Sean McMorrow now both of the Elites will soon be facing each other in Scotland and Ireland.

 

 

 

Chicago  Wolves have announced the signing of three fresh faces from last year.  Earlier this week Patrick Galvin and Jamie Hunt inked their contracts with the club.  Today former Belfast Giant and Rockford IceHog David Phillips signed an AHL contract with the Wolves, no other details were disclosed.

Last year Phillips told ChicagoNow he was impressed with the training regimen of the Icehogs and the physicality of the AHL game. The ice may be smaller in North America but the hits are definitely harder and the pucks faster.  Philips now in his sophomore year in the AHL is adjusting well to both American culture and the NA game. A popular feature during the Rockford games last year were video segments "How would Davy say it?" After one such segment the word kurfuffle became part of Rockford vocabulary. 

Welcome to the Wolf Den Davy.

Andre Deveaux,is returning to the Chicago Wolves. Deveaux a center and classic enforcer has spent the last two years with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Welcome back Andre number 13 is waiting for you.

The last time the Chicago Wolves had their names engraved on the Calder Cup the "Hobbit Line" was front and center. Darren Haydar, Jason Krog and Brett Sterling were a front line that although none stood 6 foot were giants on the score board. Today the Wolves announced that former Captain Darren Haydar has signed a 2 year contract to return to the Wolves. Current Captain Jason Krog is entering his second year of his 2 year deal. Unfortunately Brett Sterling has left for pastures greener and there will be no reunion of the Hobbit line. However, with these two senior talents perhaps a pair of young legs is what the need to make a new line work.

Nathan Oystick, lets see, started the year with the Wolves, was made associate Captain.  In the spring went to the Ducks but stayed playing with the Wolves. Oystick always an emotional player, played his heat out in the playoffs until the Wolves lost in a heartbreaker to the Texas Stars. In June the Ducks bought out his contract and Oystick was looking for a place to skate. We will definitely be seeing one of our favorite blueliners in the Allstate this season, in a Peoria uniform.  Oystick inked his contract with Peoria on July 12th, good luck to him and his family.

Nathan Oystrick, how can you not love that face, that smile?

 It's morning in Chicago and sleepy Wolves fans are waking up to the reality that the season is over. The Wolves went down in a tough loss to Texas in overtime last night. A painful end to a roller coaster season that started with the firing of coaches, implementing new systems and a team finally finding it's footing in the playoffs.

Only one image this morning as the Chicago branch of Call Of the Wild is still having computer issues. The problem has been diagnosed and the cure should be on it's way later today. Still this one image sums up the game and the season.

While the winning team celebrate at the other end of the ice Chicago Wolves Nathan Oystrick and Peter Manino have a quiet moment to take in the loss and the season

 

 

Patrice Cormier, an Atlanta Thrashers prospect playing his rookie games with the Chicago Wolves faces criminal charges associated with an on-ice hit to an opposing player, news reports from Canada say this morning.

The Crown Prosecutor of Rouyn-Noranda, PQ announced Cormier has been charged with assault causing injury, according to the Toronto Star. Cormier, in a January 17th game between the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies and the Quebec Remparts was suspended for what the Canadian papers say was an elbow to the jaw of Mikael Tam.

The blow left Tam quivering on the ice. NHL.com reports Tam suffered brain trauma and several broken teeth. Tam recovered and returned to the ice only to be suspended himself for a blow from behind to another player.

The Chicago Wolves and the Texas Stars face-off this evening in game seven of their West Division finals series. It is a winner-take-all game.

As the series started I had given a slight edge to the Texas Stars, expecting the series to go to six games. I pointed to Brent Krahn, the Stars goalie, as a reason for my decision.

But Krahn left game six early on Sunday. He suffered an injury, requiring him to be hospitalized.  [This morning as the Stars took to the ice for their morning skate, Brent Krahn did not skate with the team .]

The injury to Krahn is a real blow. It was Krahn, after all, who stopped a solid Wolves performance in game five, stopping 43 shots on goal, allowing Texas to win 5-3.

Krahn was a star in the Rockford series too, stopping 38 shots on goal in a 4-2 game four sweep of the IceHogs. And he forced the Wolves to sweat through a game two victory, 4-3, stopping 42 shots on goal.

Led by a hat trick and a point by Jamie Benn, the Texas Stars held a one goal lead into the last minute of play, sealing their victory with an empty net goal to win 5-3 over the Chicago Wolves Friday night at Cedar Park, Tex. The Stars take a 3-2 lead in the best of seven series against the Chicago Wolves into a must win game six and seven (if necessary) at the Allstate Arena starting Sunday afternoon..

Benn, a rookie who played 82 games with the Dallas Stars, was assigned to the Stars at the conclusion of the regular NHL season. His hat trick was never overcome despite the Chicago Wolves outshooting the Stars 46-23.

Joining Benn with a goal was Perttu Lindgren. But it was clearly Brent Krahn, who stopped a Wolves onslaught of shots on goal who deserves major credit for the win.

It was the first game in the series that the Stars had shelled Wolves goalie Peter Mannino from the net.

The Chicago Wolves and the Texas Stars had another one goal game tonight, ending this time in a regulation win for Texas, 3-2.


Brett Sterling scored two goals for the Wolves and was matched by standout rookie Travis Morin, also notching two goals. However the game winning goal came from Dan Jancevski.


It was another match marred by poor on-ice officiating. Standing out was a second period call against the Wolves by Terry Koharski. As the Stars threw their extra man on the ice, two players entered the ice instead of one, penetrating as far as the Wolves offensive zone.


As in previous games special teams played a key roll in the win, with the Wolves taking one of their three power plays and the Stars taking one of their five power plays.


Chicago was unable to put the puck on net in the game. Five shots on goal and six shots on goal being credited for Chicago in the second and third frames. This was particularly an issue for the Wolves during a five minute penalty called against the Stars in the second frame when the team only put two shots on goal and failed to score.


With the loss, the best of seven West Division series is now tied 2-2. The final game in Texas is scheduled for Friday at 7:30 PM. Game six has been scheduled for Sunday at 3 PM and game seven, if necessary, has been scheduled for Tuesday, May 11 at 7 PM.
 

The Texas Stars were unable to close a three goal gap, losing 5-3 to the Chicago Wolves in game three of the AHL West Division playoffs. The win gives the Wolves a 2-1 lead in the best of seven series.


Spencer Machacek (5) scored his second goal of the night in the third frame at 7:28, but was answered by Perttu Lindgren (3) scoring his second goal of the night.


It was the first time in the series a decision was reached in regulation play.


The Stars host the Wolves again tomorrow night at 7:30 PM and then Friday at 7:30 PM.


SECOND PERIOD

The Chicago Wolves extended their power play to three for six, doubling up Texas 4-2 at the end of the second frame. The Texas Stars host game three, four and five of the best of seven series. The West Division finals of the Calder Cup Finals.series is tied 1-1.


Brett Sterling (1) gave the Wolves the lead with an even strength goal at 5:11 into the second frame. Nathan Oystrick (2) scored his second goal of the night, a power play goal at 18:32, bracketing the period.


The Stars were using their tough trap defense to force turnovers by the Wolves. However the Wolves, currently ranked number one in the American Hockey League with a 34.3 percent power play, were able to hold the Stars back.


The series is tied at 1-1, with the next three games, including the current game, set for play at Cedar Park, just outside Austin, Texas.


FIRST PERIOD

The Chicago Wolves went 2 for 4 on the power play in the first period, keeping the Texas Stars tied 2-2 in the third game of the West Division finals of the Calder Cup Finals.


Perttu Lindgren (2) opened the scoring up for the Stars at 2:41 of the first period. It was the last even strength goal of the period. Spencer Machacek (4) replied at 5:46 on the power play and Nathan Oystrick (1) gave the Wolves a temporary lead at 8:33 on a second power play, a 5:3 advantage.


The Stars evened up the score with a successful power play at 11:37 by Aaron Gagnon (2).


The Stars were using their tough trap defense to force turnovers by the Wolves. However the Wolves, currently ranked number one in the American Hockey League with a 34.3 percent power play, were able to hold the Stars back.


The series is tied at 1-1, with the next three games, including the current game, set for play at Cedar Park, just outside Austin, Texas.

The Chicago Wolves were unable to overcoe Referee Kyle Rehman who called off two Chicago Wolves goals, one in the overtime period, to move into a second overtime period in the second game of the best of seven series.

Jamie Benn (4) scored 16 seconds into the 3rd period, picking up a loose puck for his 4th playoff goal. That is the third time that Texas has taken the lead early in the first period. 

The first-seed Chicago Wolves enter the American Hockey League divisional semifinal playoffs Friday against the Texas Stars. The Wolves downed the fourth seed Milwaukee Admirals 4-3 in a best of seven. Entering game five up 3-1 in the series, the Wolves dropped playoff game five 5-4, losing a three goal lead and game six 5-4 after tying the game.


Wolves Head Coach Don Lever says the team didn't play 60 solid minutes each game.


It was a lesson the Wolves might remember from playing the Stars on December 5th. Then, the sixth-place Wolves faced the first-place Stars. In a televised home game, the Wolves lost a two-point lead only to regain the lead. Despite out shooting the Stars and despite holding the Stars scoreless on eight power plays the Wolves lost the game 5-3.


Wolves Goalie Peter Mannino, with a save rate of 92.1 percent in the regular season, ranked fourth in the AHL. But Mannino is hot and cold. He started every game of the playoffs. But he struggled and was pulled from the net in games three and six.


Backing him is Drew MacIntyre. MacIntyre has stepped in as relief pulling three wins from the cold ashes of a game in the regular season.


Across the red line the Stars will start Brent Krahn. Krahn faced 127 shots on goal leading the Stars to a 15:5 goal advantage in their sweep of  the Chicago Blackhawks' AHL affiliate, the Rockford IceHogs. Krahn is posting a league leading post-season GAA of 1.25 and a save percentage of 96.1 percent.


Wolves Center Brett Sterling returned from injury to play game seven of the Milwaukee series. Sterling blasted through his freshman year as a pro in the 2006-7 season notching 55 goals and 97 points. Sterling has taken to playing in the goal mouth and receives regular beatings from opposing teams for staking that position. Sterling had 56 points in 55 regular season games this season.


Travis Morin started the season slowly for the Stars, but has caught fire in post season play. The center has put up seven points in four games. Jamie Benn is playing his freshman year in the pros. Benn played 82 games for the Dallas Stars this year scoring 41 points. He has put another six on his stats with the little Stars.


At this point, Krahn has been solid in the net while Mannino and MacIntyre have struggled to hold leads. The difference in goal tending gives a tip of the scales towards Texas in a long series.

Last night the Chicago Wolves got the job done beating the Milwaukee Admirals 2:1.  At the end of this long series the boys started a new Wolves tradition saluting the fans, very nice!

After going four for nine on the power play in action on Saturday, trouncing the Chicago Wolves 6-0, the Milwaukee Admirals went zero for three in the first two periods Monday at the Bradley Center, finally giving up the a goal to the Wolves in the second period.

The Wolves leveraged that single goal into a win in a nail biter, taking a 3-1 lead in the best of seven series.

"We still believe in ourselves," Admirals Head Coach Lane Lambert said after the loss.The Admirals have been unable to win a game without taking the opening lead in this series.

The opening goal, by Spencer Machacek (2) at 14:00 into the second frame, was the first Chicago goal against the Admirals in more than 98 minutes.The Chicago Wolves lead the best of seven series 3-1. However the 6-0 spanking by the Milwaukee Admirals on Saturday night had rocked their world.

The winner of the West Division regular season championship, the Wolves were blasted by 47 shots on goal and gave up four of nine power play goals in the Saturday contest.

Last night the Wolves simply rolled over and showed the Milwaukee Admirals their soft pink bellies. It was not pretty, it was not a great game to watch for either side. If you are looking for a cause, Chicago came out playing an undisciplined game and let their emotions get ahead of them.By the second period not a single Wolves player was on their game. They were dancing to the Admirals tune.

So both teams have today off, to reboot, refresh, ice their injuries and egos. Tomorrow game four is set for 7:00 pm in the Bradley Center in Milwaukee. Light your hockey candles for a good game, sharp eyed officials and no injuries, better start now.

Last night the Wolves shut down and shut out the Milwaukee Admirals in game two of the first round of the Western Division of the playoffs 3-0.  Game three will be played in Milwaukee's Bradley center tonight at 7:00 p.m.. The Admirals will be looking to come back from a two game deficit so look for the action to heat up several notches.

 Game One Playoffs 2010, at the end of 60 minutes the final score was Wolves 6, Admirals 5. The next match up in the series is tomorrow at the Allstate. Game three will be played on Saturday at the Bradley Center in Milwaukee.

Here are some images of last night's opening game in the series.

 

That sound you heard this afternoon was the other shoe dropping. Patrice Cromier's team the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League have finished their playoff season thus freeing Cromier from his 20 game suspension. Allowing him to sign a amateur tryout contract with the Chicago Wolves as reported in Call of the Wild Cromier came to the Wolves as part of the Ilya Kocalchuck. Trade.

URL:http://www.chicagonow.com/blogs/chicago-wolves-call-of-the-wild/2010/02/atlanta-changes-paths.html

The 19-year-old Cromier comes with a boatload of baggage. His 20 game suspension was given for an on ice incident involving a hit that sent an opposing player to the hospital with convulsions. It will be fascinating to see how well such a fiery young man will conduct himself during the playoffs. One thing for sure Patrice Cromier will be under my lens however long his tenure with the Wolves.

Playoffs start Wednesday at 7:00, it's interesting already and the first puck hasn't dropped. How can you not love the playoffs?

Chicago Wolves announce first round playoffs:

•     Wednesday, April 14 7 PM Allstate Arena
•     Friday, April 16 7:30 PM Allstate Arena
•     Saturday, April 17 7 PM Milwaukee Bradley Center
•     Monday, April 19 7 PM Milwaukee Bradley Center
•     Wednesday, April 21 7 PM Allstate Arena (if needed)
•     TBD Milwaukee Bradley Center (if needed)

    Open dates, according to Bradley Center calendar

    April 22
    April 23
    April 25

•     Monday, April 26 7 PM Allstate Arena (if needed)

The Chicago Wolves have secured their post season position, and their opponents Saturday night, the Grand Rapids Griffins, are also securely placed near the basement of the American league. But the Wolves, scratching Chris Chelios and Brett Sterling, played the first two periods like the game would have some import.

In a three goal first period blitz of the Griffins, the Wolves scored two power play goals, bracketing a breakaway goal by Kevin Doell, his 16th of the season.

"Obviously we've had a little trouble scoring goals recently, but we scored six tonight, it was a confidence booster going into the playoffs," Kevin Doell said.

"It was embarrassing to lose like that," Doell said about the 8-1 Friday night loss to first round playoff opponents the Milwaukee Admirals. "It was a clear statement about the playoffs. Both teams are going to be pretty fired up."

Tonight the Chicago Wolves played three full periods of hockey against probable first round playoff opponent Milwaukee. It was an important win, more important still it was a win without star players Chris Chelios and Tim Stapelton who have been with parent club Atlanta. Two regular season games are left; the away game in Milwaukee on Friday and Saturday's home closer against Grand Rapids, then the playoffs begin.

Bring them on!

Peter Manino gives his all to make as save during the first frame.

Everyones favorite mascot Skates!

Fighting near the goal mouth.

Now that's a hit!

Headline just about says it all, the Texas Stars won the game at the Allstate last night in a shoot out after 70 minutes of - physical hockey. Tonight the Wolves travel to Rockford and tomorrow it is back to the Allstate to face the Stars again.  The eyes of Texas will be upon the Wolves,  again.

As always here are some images of the game.

Warren Peters capped a two goal, three point night scoring in a shootout to put the Texas Stars on top of the Chicago Wolves 4-3 in a match at the Allstate Arena Friday.

 The Texas Stars broke a first period stalemate with the Chicago Wolves with a second period power play goal as Warren Peters scored two goals, propelling the Stars to a two goal lead.

"Our guys played real well," Stars Head Coach Glen Gulutzan said. "We're still in the thick of things," Gulutzan said noting the team is pushing to move forward in the standings. "We take lessons for the playoffs every time we play Chicago," he said.

The celebration has started, The Wolves are in the playoffs.  Last night The Chicago Wolves in defeating the San Antonio Rampage clinched their birth, the next 10 games are for points, pride and the all important who gets to play who first.  Let the Second Season begin!

As always here are the images of the game, for fight fans included are the photos of the Frankie Lessard ( 6' 3" and 235 lb.) and Craig Weller (6'4" and 185 lb.) fight a true battle of a classic enforcer and a young pup.  Last night the pup came out the winner.

Being a goalie is not an easy job, you make a mistake a light goes on and 10 thousand people stand up and cheer.  Well, tonight Drew McIntyre handled all the pressures of his office with style.  He rocked, he rolled and he managed to keep his team in the game all the way to a shoot out win.  

Here you go Drew MacIntyre this gallery of images all taken tonight  is for you.

The Chicago Wolves scored a short-handed goal to tie the game Sunday afternoon at the Allstate Arena. The turn of fortune against the San Antonio Rampage was reminiscent of a short-handed goal Saturday that turned the momentum against the Rampage, allowing the Wolves to come back from a three goal deficit. Sunday seemed almost a replay, with the short-handed goal and superior goal tending allowing the Wolves to take the win in a shoot out.

"Our guys came back well from Saturday night," San Antonio Assistant Coach Mike Pelino said, "but their goalie came up big."

The Rampage put 47 shots on goal against Wolves net minder Drew MacIntyre, causing him to give up two goals.

"That is by far the best goaltending of the year," Wolves Head Coach Don Lever said of MacIntyre's effort. "Mac stole that one for us. It was a very solid performance."

"Every team has different styles," MacIntyre said. The Rampage "wants to put everything on net. The last thing I want is to get too ahead of myself. I just want to get back in net."

The second period short-handed goal, scored by Tim Stapleton (28 at 15:19), was the third short-handed goal by Stapleton this season and the 13th shortie this season by the Wolves. The goal followed a power play assault on the Chicago Wolves goaltender, Drew MacIntyre, in which he turned aside five shots on goal. MacIntyre turned away another shot following the shortie and 30 shots total in the first two periods of play.

Stapleton (29 at 10:19) scored again in the third period. Rampage leading scorer Brett MacLean, scored his 28th (PPG 1st Period 11:07) and 29th (3rd Period 4:28) goals of the year in the game. Stapleton and MacLean are tied in rank at 8th in the league for goals scored.


Shoot Out Results

Shooter	Team	Result	Advantage
Tim Stapleton	Chicago Wolves	GOAL	Wolves
Mikkel Boedker	San Antonio Rampage	No Goal	Wolves
Andrew Kozek	Chicago Wolves	GOAL	Wolves (2)
Kyle Turris	San Antonio Rampage	No Goal	Wolves (2)
Kevin Doell	Chicago Wolves	No Goal	Wolves (2)
David Schlemko	San Antonio Rampage	No Goal	Wolves (2)
Jason Krog	Chicago Wolves	No Goal	Wolves (2)
David Spina	San Antonio Rampage	No Goal	Wolves WIN

The win, and a loss today by the Peoria Rivermen, assure the Wolves of a post season berth.

Notables

Francis Lessard received 15 minutes of penalties this afternoon following a rematch of a Saturday night fight against the Wolves Craig Weller. The cumulative penalties levied against Lessard this season now total 270 minutes, enough to place him third in the league, two minutes behind Louis Robitaillie of the Lowell Devils.

Drew MacIntyre is ranked 11th among goalies, 2.44 GAA, 92 percent save and 19-14-2. Peter Mannino is ranked fourth among goalies, 2.22 GAA, 92.3 percent save and 23-3-0.


Game Notes

1st Period

Brett MacLean (28 at 11:07) scored on the power play. Chicago's penalty kill went one for four in the game, a ranking of 84.4 percent, seventh in the league. Like Saturday night, San Antonio came out hard, firing 12 shots on goal and allowing eight in reply.


2nd Period

The second period brought back memories of the Saturday night bout between the two teams. First, there was a rematch of the Craig Weller versus Francis Lessard fight. Weller landed the first punch, proceeded to get Lessard in a head lock and let loose. The only thing Lessard could do was use his strength to force Weller to the ice so as to end the fight. If the Saturday night fight was a draw, this one clearly went to Weller, although Lessard ended up on top when the dust had settled.

The Wolves penalty kill took a short-handed goal on Saturday night against the Rampage. Sunday afternoon it looked like more of the same. Tim Stapleton (28) picked off a bad pass along the benches and fired from the left circle for the shortie. It was his third shortie of the season, the team's 13th. During this particular power play, the Rampage had thrown everything at Drew MacIntyre, putting five aside before the shortie and another aside after it. MacIntyre was clearly stealing the win from the Rampage.

The game seemed to turn here as San Antonio took a penalty almost immediately after the end of the power play. As Rylan Kaip exited the sin bin he received a pass and made a breakaway on Miika Wiikman. The SAR blue line reacts by drawing a penalty itself.

The Wolves power play has been terrible for several weeks. This afternoon it went zero for three. It is ranked 14th at 17.6 percent efficiency. The Wolves have scored one power play goal in the last nine games.


3rd Period

Brett MacLean scores his 29th of the season and second of the game. This particular goal shows how weak the Wolves blue line is without Nathan Oystrick and Chris Chelios. MacLean wraps around the goal, no one in sight. The puck hits MacIntyre's skate and dribbles into the net.

The first ten minutes of the third shows an explosive Rampage. It is hard to understand just what is holding this team back. They score one goal and put nine shots on goal.

Tim Stapleton scores his second of the game, a pass to him in front and he fires from his knees. Meanwhile, with the refs back turned I begin to watch Slap Shot type games as the Rampage put sticks into the Wolves bench, hitting players on the helmet, then there is a trip during a line change. Despite all this, there are no penalties called for the remainder of the game.

Over Time Period

The wide-open nature of the OT let's the puck move. This is an offensive game in which a simple defensive mistake can be fatal. The Rampage continue to out shoot the Wolves, 3:1 in the OT for a game of 47 shots on goal compared to 30 for the Wolves.

San Antonio starters: Shaun Heshka, David Schlemki, Kyle Turris, Brett MacLean, Alexandre Picard. Miika Wiikman in net (3.74 GAA, 88.2 percent save, 2-4-0).

San Antonio scratches: Al Montoya (G), Ryan Hollweg, Ryan Weston, Jonas Ahnelov, Stu Bickel and Colin Long.

Chicago starters: Brian Sipotz, Spencer Machacek, Patrick Galivan, Kevin Doell, Arturs Kulda. Drew MacIntyre in net.

Chicago scratches: Noah Welch, Reid Simpson, Riley Holzapfel, Greg Stewart, Nathan Oystrick, Scott Lehman, Steve McCarthy and Angelo Esposito.

On ice crew: David Banfield, Judson Ritter and Jesse Pletsch.

Chicago Wolves pulled up their laces and came back to win last night in one of the most intense  games of the season.  Here are some images of the action .

 

The second period is about to start and the Wolves are playing catch up. Here are some images of the on ice action.

For the third time this season, Drew MacIntyre has relieved Peter Mannino and held on to allow the Chicago Wolves to tie the game. The case of goalies in relief is more often demonstrated by the record of the Wolves opponents who have dropped 93.75 percent of their points when there is a relief.


After the San Antonio Rampage drilled Chicago Wolves leading goalie Peter Mannino from the net after less than ten minutes of play, chalking three goals, the Chicago Wolves came back with three unanswered goals to tie the game at the end of the second frame.

Here are the images of the game...

Sometimes we talk about a player having the glow. Joey MacDonald and Kyle Calder had the glow Friday night. Together they shutdown the Wolves in a rare loss to the Chicagoans in their own building.

As noted in the game notes, the Wolves have only been shutout in two games this season. The loss last night was the team's first home regulation shutout of the season.

What makes this loss even more exceptional was the number of shots on goal that MacDonald stopped: 40. It was also only the third time this season the Wolves have shot 40 shots on goal. When the Wolves shoot more than 35 shots on goal in a game, they generally win, 11-3-0-1 or 76.7 percent.

A goal in the final minutes of the first period gave the Houston Aeros a one goal lead and the momentum going into the second frame. Nathan Smith won the puck behind the Wolves goal and passed to Duncan Milroy (11) standing in front of the crease. He hammered it in for the goal with 1:52 remaining in the frame.

The Wolves had not scored a goal in more than 120 minutes of play, and had not scored a power play goal in five games. As a result the specialty rank of the Wolves has fallen to 13th in the league, at 18.1 percent.

 It is a special privilege to see a hockey game with a goalie with that special "glow" the one where nothing can go in the net, everything, absolutely everything goes perfectly. A few examples come to mind, the women's gold medal USA /Sweden in the 06' Olympics. The Swedish goalie was perfection. The Wolves Freddie Bathwater during game 4 of the Wolves/Hamilton Calder Cup semifinals in May 2007, Brathwaite was a wall that night. Tonight the 6819 fans at the Allstate saw Joey McDonald of the Toronto Marlies basking in that golden glow- perfection, it was his night.

The Toronto Marlies broke a 16 game home winning streak Friday, shutting out the Chicago Wolves 3-0. The Marlies, the second-lowest scoring team in the American Hockey League, jumped to a 3-0 lead over the Chicago Wolves in the first ten minutes of the second period led by two goals by former Chicago Blackhawks veteran Kyle Calder who scored two goals and was credited with an assist in less than ten minutes of the second period.

The Calder assault on the Wolves broke a scoreless first period for both teams. Calder's first point of the game came as he passed to Tim Brent as Brent crossed the blue line. Brent's (8) shot beat Wolves goalie Drew MacIntyre cold at 1:16.

Calder picked up a loose puck at 3:25 for the second point and his first goal. Calder (9) beat out MacIntyre in a very nice play in front of the crease, holding and letting a wrister loose as he moved in front of MacIntyre. The third point for Calder (10) found him receiving a pass through the crease. His wrister surprised MacIntyre and the Wolves defense at 9:12.

Chris Chelios, who was recently signed to a two way contract by Wolves parent club the  Atlanta Thrashers. He was then promptly assigned to the Wolves and the local fans breathed a sigh of relief.  Today Chelios got the call from Atlanta, he was waiting for. Chris Chelios been called back to the National Hockey League and the Thrashers.  The 48-year-old blueliner has appeared in 46 games with the Wolves this season, it has been a pleasure to watch a master skater and teacher like Chelios on the ice. 

Chelios during his first game with the Wolves, File Photo

It took 70 full minutes of hockey and a skills competition but the Wolves did it again- won in a shoot out.  Winning has become a habit again for the Wolves,like Yogi says, deja vu all over again.

Here is a gallery of the nights fun.

The Chicago Wolves used their deep bench to pad their lead to three goals, 4-1, over the Lake Erie monsters in the second period at play at the Allstate Arena. Then, in a turn of fortune, the Wolves gave up three unanswered goals putting the Monsters back in the game. The game was decided in a shootout with Matt Anderson scoring the deciding goal.

The Wolves battled for 60 minutes against the Milwaukee Admirals last night at the Allstate arena.  Peter Manino had a stellar night in goal for the Wolves and Mark Dekanich was outstanding in net on the other end of the ice.  

With Friday nights shoot out loss and last nights win it keeps the Wolves in first place in the West with 86 points.  Nearest rival the IceHogs with 82 and, last nights opponent Milwaukee in fourth with 75 points.  All these teams are scheduled to play again today. With the regular season in the home stretch  up all games are must wins for everyone.  In the last month the formula is easy, 60 minutes of hockey, stay out o the box, keep injuries to a minimum.  

As always here are some images of last nights fun.

Photo Credit: Jane Rickard

Chicago Wolves came out the victors on paper tonight against the Rockford IceHogs.  Indeed they chalked up to points with their win but lost forward Brett Sterling to a broken clavicle in the process.  Tonight the Wolves won the battle, but the campaign to win the the Western Division well, we will know more about that in April.

Here are some images of the game.

The Wolves have struggled this weekend, losing two games in a row, the first time that has happened since December 13th and 18^th. Chris Chelios didn't play this weekend. He is in Canada attending the Olympics.

The Wolves are 5-4-1-0 when Chelios is scratched (55 percent). In the same period of time the Wolves are 36-13-1-3 (71.7 percent) when Chelios does play.

Playing against the Rockford IceHogs at the Allstate Arena this afternoon, the Wolves took a first period lead, but struggled, going 0 for three on the power play in the first period, but recovering to one for two in the second period.

The Chicago Wolves extended their streak to 12-0-0-2 with a come from behind victory over the San Antonio Rampage at the Allstate Arena Sunday afternoon.

Falling behind early, Drew MacIntyre kept the Wolves in the game saving 21 of 21 shots while Paul Postma led the Wolves back with a hat trick. It was the fifth win against the Rampage this season by the Wolves.

Chicago Wolves put in a fine showing of it for former coach Jon Anderson by winning 7-1 last night at the Allstate. Despite Houston's loss the standings are unchanged, Wolves remain in first place and the Aeros still sit in fifth.  However, the posturing for the playoffs has started and Houston, you have a problem.

These are the ceremonies of John Anderson receiving his banner from the Chicago Wolves, Saturday, February 20, 2010, at the Allstate Arena.

Part 1

Part 2

Pat Galivan was being examined for a concussion at the end of the game. According to Coach Don Lever, the "doctors were examining him" and he hadn't been taken away to the hospital.

Galivan joins a number of other Wolves players out with injuries, leaving the fat looking roster not so fat. Steve McCarthy, Scott Lehman and Angelo Esposito are out for the season. Andrew Kozek is out for the remainder of the week and Nathan Oystrick is out for perhaps two weeks. Riley Holzapfel has a lower body injury.

That leaves Brian Sipotz, Paul Postma, Noah Welch, Chris Chelios, Mike Vernace, Jamie Hunt, Grant Lewis, Arturs Kulda and Ivan Vishnevskiy on the blue line. Chelios has been invited to Vancouver by the US Olympic team and make take part in what's described as an "old-timers" game with other players from the 1983-84 Olympic Games. Chelios said he's undecided on whether he'll take part or not.

On the Wings, the injuries leave Reid Simpson, Anthony Stewart, Spencer Machacek, Joey Crabb, Tim Stapleton and Brett Sterling. Centers still skating are Jason Krog, Matt Anderson, Kevin Doell and Johnny Pohl. The last player under contract in Gwinnett is Chad Denny, a blue liner who filed in as a wing on the Chicago Wolves last season. Denny has scored 20 points in 37 games with the Gladiators this season.

*****

Wolves owner Don Levin was enthusiastic about the Syracuse Crunch v. Binghamton Senators outdoor game held earlier Saturday at the New York State Fairgrounds. The game enjoyed the largest attendance in AHL history and looked was carried live on the NHL Network.

Levin said the Wolves had looked at holding an outdoor game, but that things haven't yet gotten beyond the talking stage. He'd like to include stakeholders from college and other local teams, he said. Don't expect it to happen in Chicago next season.

A banner was raised tonight at the Allstate Arena here to honor Head Coach of the Atlanta Thrashers and former Wolves Head Coach John Anderson. In front of former Wolves players and coaches, the Wolves came out all their guns blazing, sending Aeros Goalie Wade Dubielewicz to the bench under a hail of three goals and then putting another three goals on Goalie Barry Brust in the first twenty minutes of the match.

Paul Postma (6) opened the scoring at 1:27 with a shot in the low slot.

The second goal was scored at 4:15, during a 4:4 Spencer Machacek (13) drove through the slot and beat Dubielewicz with a shot over the pads.

Following a vicious head hit on Chicago native Patrick Galivan, Jamie Hunt (2) scored the third goal on Dubielewicz at 4.29 from the top of the slot.

Galivan was given help to the locker room, Carson McMillan was sent to the locker room with a five minute penalty and a game misconduct for the hit on Galivan and Dubielewicz sat in favor Barry Brust. However the change only slowed the Wolves for moments as Hunt (3) scored his second goal of the night; recovering the puck in front of the crease he faked Brust, putting it over his pads.

Immediately following a Houston power play Matt Anderson (12) went end-to-end, firing from the right circle to make it 5-0 at 16:11.

Houston finally got on the board during a power play, as Maxim Noreau (15) fired a cannonball from the point past Drew MacIntyre at 18:30.

However, the Wolves answered that goal at 19:37. Anthony Stewart tried a wrap-around goal which Brust stonewalled. The rebound fell on the stick of Brett Sterling who popped it in (32) to make the score 6-1 at the end of 20 minutes.

"It was a long game after the first period," Wolves Head Coach Don Lever said. "You know your team is going to back off" and the team only had five shots on goal in the second period, he noted.

The score remained 6-1 into the third period when Machacek (14) scored his second of the night, a wrap-around that he hammered in at 7:21 into the period.

"We're getting goals from guys you don't expect to score," Lever said.

The lopsided score added to the +/- for league leading defensemen Arturs Kulda (38) and second place holder Chris Chelios (35) and increases the lead of Sterling (32) in goals. Sterling's points (54) move him into a three-way tie for eighth for points. The Wolves exit the game on a 11-0-0-2 streak. They are currently 22-3-0-2 in the last 26 games.

"We made some terrible defensive mistakes," Houston Aeros Head Coach Kevin Constantine said. "It would be nice if the goalie made the saves" but it was a defensive failure he said.
 
"At some point you have to change goalies to change the momentum of the game," Constantine said. "But that didn't work for us either in the first period." Constantine said he doesn't coach based on the scoreboard, "there's a certain way you have to play the game," he said.

Waukegan native Robbie Earl said it was nice to come back to play in the Midwest but he was glad his family wasn't at the game to see his team beaten. "Luckily the folks weren't here to see this," he said, "but it is what it is."

Earl, who has 30 games and 13 points, said he keeps working, hoping to advance to play with the Wild, the NHL affiliate of the Aeros.

No surprises here, Cheli and the Wolves have been happy bedfellows all season.  Now it looks like we will be seeing the master until the end of the regular season and possibly beyond. Careful Chris Chelios they will be screwing your nameplate on your locker soon.

Last night The Wolves put in  a solid 20 minute of hockey, 20 minutes of calling it in and 20 minutes of hanging on for dear life.  Still a win is a win and the Wolves are in first place in the Western Division with 72 points. Ahead of the tied Texas Stars and Rockford IceHogs three points behind.  Not bad for a team that was in very different place not so long ago, this glass is definitely half full.

Chicago Wolves 3 v San Antonio Rampage 2 FINAL

he Chicago Wolves took control of the first period, scoring three unanswered goals on the San Antonio Rampage. The Rampage came back in the second period on a two goal effort by David Schlemko, but was unable to close the gap.
The Wolves have won points in 11 games in a row and haven't lost two consecutive games this season since December 13-18. In the last 25 games the team is 21-3-0-2.
Oak Park native Pat Galivan (2) opened the scoring up at 3:53 into the period redirecting a shot from Arturs Kulda. At 8:10 into the period Matt Anderson came up with the puck after a battle on the right boards. He passed the puck to Joey Crabb in the slot. Crabb (20) held the puck, moving around Rampage Goalie Justin Pogge, he flicked it in from feet away as Pogge went down.
The third goal of the period was an Anderson (10) redirect of a blue line shot by Mike Vernace at 10:56.
"It was a 20 minute game for us," Wolves Head Coach Don Lever said.
 Schlemko (2) scored the first of his two second period goals, a short-handed effort that started when Schlemko broke away. Wolves Goalie Drew MacIntyre refused Schlemko's shot, but rebounded the puck behind the net. Schlemko came up with the puck and faked to Jeff Hoggan in front of the crease.  Schlemko then shoveled the puck in behind MacIntyre at 2:31 into the period.
Schlemko (3) picked up his second goal of the night, finding a loose puck in front of the net, he moved to MacIntyre's left, popping it up and in at 12:39 into the period.
"The short handed goal lifted us," San Antonio Head Coach Brad Treliving said. "We've been playing well," Treliving said, "our guys have been excellent." Treliving said the team is still hoping to get a playoff berth, "you gotta believe," he said.
"We want points in all the games. We're taking a game at a time. Every game is a battle," Treliving said. Treliving said the team had a good road trip. He planned on finishing it off with more points before heading home.
MacIntyre kept the Wolves in the game in the third period, refusing 10 shots on goal. The Rampage received three power plays in the period, but were only able to put two shots on goal during their power plays. A final power play was given to the Rampage with 28 seconds remaining. But even with a 6:4 advantage, the Rampage were unable to score.
"We shouldn't have put ourselves in a position to take a penalty" in the final 28 seconds, Lever said. "Drew (MacIntyre) made some big saves. Our team didn't play well. San Antonio got themselves back in the game. San Antonio has a good team," Lever said. "We played against a team that hasn't lost since our last game against them."
Since replacing Greg Ireland as coach in late November, the penalty minutes for the team has fallen in comparison to other teams. "You can't be in the blocks six to seven times a night," Treliving said.
Treliving said the Rampage couldn't win faceoffs against the Wolves on Wednesday. "We lost 30 seconds on each power play tonight because we lost the faceoffs," he noted.

Second period is about to start and the Wolves are ahead a tidy 3 points.  San Antoino brought Justin Pogge in goal tonight, last seen in the Allstate  in a Tronto Marlie uniform during the playoffs in 08', things are not going much better for him tonight.

Here are some images of the first period.

Last night was a wild ride at the Allstate Arena, The snow piled up outside on cars and the wind howled. At the end of the first period break the buzz hit of the Kari Lehtonen trade. Not since Jack traded the family cow for a sack of beans has a trade been met with more skepticism. As Blackberries danced with text messages regarding the trade and weather reports the game went on. 60 hockey minutes later the Wolves emerged victorious, Nathan Oystrick MIA after taking a puck in the jaw and the Rivermen were loading the bus for was going to be a difficult ride home.

All in all it was quite a night for the hardy souls who made the effort for a rare Tuesday night of hockey. Like Dickie Dunn before me I hope the images have caught the spirt of the thing.

You never know just what will fall out or your archives when you shake them looking for a new face on the team.  Last night as the Allstate twittered with the news of the Kari Lehtonen trade.  Everyone wondered just who this new Russian was that Don Waddell traded our fair haired Kari for.  Well with out further delay here are some photos taken on Vishnevskiy's last trip into Chicago in a Stars uniform.

In a post game  interview last night Wolves Head Coach  Don Leaver stated that Patrice  Cormier will not be joining the the Wolves this spring due to his age and suspension .                         

Vishnevskiy introduces his soon to be team mate to the boards.

Vishnevskiy #29 lines up for face off against the Wolves.

OK boys, it's time to kiss and make up!

WOLVES FANS, the Chicago Wolves are offering a complimentary ticket to their fans. "We really appreciate the dedication of our fans coming out to tonight's game," Wolves President Mike Polisky said in a news release.

The team is offering anyone who purchased a ticket, used or unused, a complimentary ticket to another February Wolves match. According to the news release, you can take the ticket to the Allstate ticket office, or contact the Wolves ticket representatives at 1-800-THE-WOLVES.

"It's always disappointing when plans are ruined by weather, so we want to make it up to the fans who purchased tickets for tonight," Polisky said in the release.

Nathan Oystrick left a trail of blood on the ice in the Tuesday game between the Chicago Wolves and the Peoria Rivermen, victim to a puck to the face. He did not return to the game. The following was the conversation following the game between reporters and the team's public relations staff.
Q: "What is Nathan Oystrick's condition?"
A:  "Nathan Oystrick isn't in the locker room."
Q: "Did he leave the building in an ambulance?"
A: "No one knows."
Oystrick's condition immediately became a subject for discussion on the Internet with one site claiming he had a shattered jaw. A Nathan Oystrick was confirmed to have been admitted to the emergency room and later released by Advocate Lutheran General Hospital, Park Ridge, IL.

The big news at the Allstate on Tuesday night was happening a half a continent away. As the Chicago Wolves played the Peoria Rivermen on the Allstate ice, Tweets exploded around rumors that former Wolves goalie and 2002 first round draft pick Kari Lehtonen was headed to Dallas.
At 7:58 PM as the Atlanta Journal Constitution confirmed the Tweets stating Lehtonen had been traded for Ivan Vishnevskiy, a 2006 first round draft pick who has played much of his career with the Peoria Rivermen.
"Worthless," was the summary of a source in the Rivermen when told of the trade at the end of the game. Vishnevskiy played 67 games with the Peoria organization in the 2008-9 season, notching 19 points. After playing five games in the Dallas Stars organization, he was sent back to the Texas Stars where he has played 51 games this season, earning 24 points.

 The Chicago Wolves doubled up on the shots on goal, went into the period with a one goal lead and had five power plays to just three for the Peoria Rivermen, but managed to lose the lead in the second period to the Peoria Rivermen. They regained it in a third period dominated by the Rivermen, going into the final five minutes with a one goal lead.

Paul Postma put the Wolves ahead after the club had failed to bring its advantage to the scoreboard. Postma took the puck off the faceoff, drew to the left, passed along the blue line to Tim Stapleton on his right. Stapleton gave a one-touch pass back to Postma who fired it to put the Wolves back in the lead with five minutes remaining in the game.

"I think he scored the same goal in a game in Peoria," Wolves Head Coach Don Lever said. Lever said Postma needs to realize he has a powerful shot and to use it more.

Joey Crabb picked up a second goal, an empty net goal, for his 18^th goal of the year to make the final score 4-2.

Former Chicago Wolves Captain Derek MacKenzie is listed as trade bait by Patrick Williams, a blogger with The Hockey News. Williams figures the Crunch could easily fall out of contention for post-season play and then MacKenzie would be a "dependable two-way center" for an AHL club on the way to the Calder Cup.

MacKenzie is leading the Crunch with 34 points.

But, if we're talking about players who can help a team win a Calder, why talk about MacKenzie? If you were a GM wouldn't you rather talk to Darren Haydar? Haydar's team, the Lake Erie Monsters, is a huge waste of space for one of the most talented skaters in the AAA. Haydar has 43 points.

The Wolves played 60+ minutes of hockey last night but it just was not good enough. The team remains firmly in fourth place in the western division standings behind the Texas Stars and only three points out of first place occupied by route 90 rival Rockford IceHogs. Three points between first and fourth place, oh yes, the silly season has begun!

The next home game for the Wolves is an unusual Tuesday night game against Peoria. Puck drop is at 7:00 p.m. hockey on a Tuesday night, what could be better?

Ilya Kovalchuk is gone. The Atlanta Thrashers announced today that negotiations with the star had broken down after the team claims Kovalchuk turned down a $101 million 12 year deal. Thrashers General Manager Don Waddell said in a news conference Thursday night. "Unfortunately we couldn't reach a deal. Now we have to turn the page."

The breakdown of months of negotiations led to trading Kovalchuk and defenseman Anssi Salmela in a "rent a star" deal with the New Jersey Devils that will bring the Thrashers Johnny Oduya, Niclas Bergfors, prospect Patrice Cromier and a 2010 first round draft pick.

"We want you, our fans, to know that throughout the negotiation process, the Thrashers organization remained committed to offering Ilya a contract that exceeded those of the league's best and highest paid players," Waddell wrote. "If we had met Kovy' ultimate demand, we would have jeopardized our ability to build a competitive team around him," the statement said.

Phil Foley of the examiner.com blogs said the deal came together starting Sunday, as Waddell scouted the Los Angeles Kings v New jersey Devils game. At the time, Foley reports, the Devils weren't interested in Kovalchuk. But Devils GM Lou Lamoriello entered the bidding Monday and quickly outbid the Kings.

The deal fell into place, according to Foley when the Devils agreed to include Cormier. Cormier, 19, captain of the Canadian 2010 World Junior silver medal team, was suspended for the remainder of the regular season and the playoffs by the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) following a hit that the league described as "dangerous and intolerable." It was his second notable suspension.

The discussion is that Waddell will try to place Cormier with the Chicago Wolves this season. Waddell said the Thrashers hoped to play Cormier next season, "we look forward to having Patrice join us in the near future," Waddell said in a statement. Waddell told NHL On the Fly that the Thrashers would look at moving Cormier after his junior team was eliminated from the playoffs. A late night e-mail to the American Hockey League to ask if the league will honor the QMJHL suspension has not yet been answered.

The trade comes about a week before the February 12th Olympics trade freeze. The final NHL games before the winter Olympics start happen on February 14th. The NHL will not play during the Olympics. A small trade window will open in March 1-3, after the close of the Olympics.

The AHL is not taking a break for the Olympics.

In action last night against the Abbotsford Heat in Abbotsford, BC, the Wolves won 3-2. The game winning goal was scored by Matt Anderson with just 98 seconds remaining on the clock. The win put the Wolves just one point out of second place in the West Division, two points out of first place with games in hand on two of the teams ahead of them.

The Wolves play the Heat in Abbotsford again tonight, game time is 9:30 Central, with a Comcast carrying the game and the game broadcast over Internet radio and Internet PPV. A win could put the team in a tie for first place in the division.