Lindros signed, on flight to Austria

QUEBEC CITY, QC, Canada- The Thunder Bay Timberwolves played a solid team game on Tuesday night. But once again came up short and lose by three to the Quebec Remparts in a five-to-two final.

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"I was pleased with the effort. But obviously not the outcome," said Wolves head coach, Craig Hartsburg. "Only one line showed on the scoresheet. That's got to change if we ever want to be successful. I think everyone else was thinking about the flight across the pond."

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Following tonight's contest in Quebec, the Timberwolves were on a plane an hour later. Bound for Austria for tomorrow night's game against the Linz Black Wings.

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"It's tough to not get that day off for travel on such long trips," said goaltender, Antero Niittymaki. Nitty is not expected to play in Austria.

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Also not expected to play against the Black Wings is gritty forward, Zack Stortini. Stortini went down awkwardly into the boards while trying to make a hit. It appears he may have blown out his knee. If that is indeed the case, Stortini's season is likely over. He flew back to Thunder Bay for further evaluations.

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Obviously not expecting Stortini's return anytime soon, the Timberwolves took no chances and signed veteren centre/winger, Eric Lindros (pictured) to a pro-rated one year, $450,000 contract. Lindros happened to be in the Quebec City area with his girlfriend (a Quebec native) when he learned that Thunder Bay was interested. "I gave them a verbal commitment over the phone, and will sign the papers when we meet in Austria," said Lindros while awaiting his flight to Linz. "It actually worked out pretty good. I had all my equipment in the trunk of my Corolla. I do just have the clothes on my back, but we're only over there for a day. I think I can find some nice threads somewhere in Austria."

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The Timberwolves and Lindros should arrive in Linz early Wednesday morning. There is a scheduled light afternoon skate. Followed by team meeting, then the players will have a few hours to themselves before the game. After that it's right back on a plane destined for Canada, and Friday's game in Niagara Falls against the Thunder.