ADDITIONS FROM '09 DRAFT

THUNDER BAY, Ont-
...For some teams in the CCHL, their own seven picks for the annual Entry Draft are not enough. The Thunder Bay Timberwolves are one of those teams.

...During the past two seasons, the Timberwolves accumulated picks throughout the season, usually doubling their stock. This past season they held thirteen. Including the first and third overall picks which they used on OHLers John Tavares and Matt Duchene. Thunder Bay went on to pick not a single defenseman for the rest of the 2009 Draft.

...Apparently their list was long for forwards, as this week they added two more from this summers draft.
...Magnus Paajarvi-Svensson was someone the Timberwolves were prepared to take early in the draft. As it was, Thunder Bay didn't have another pick in the first round and the slick Swede was taken by Dayton with the eighth overall pick.

..."We are now, and were then, very high on Paajarvi-Svensson," said Timberwolves GM Blake Wendt. "Had we not been able to move up to the third spot like we did to take Duchene, we would have taken Magnus at the fifth spot easily. He is a threat on the ice with every shift. He is a very smart player and fearless with his drive to the net. Some people question his finish, but we're not concerned. If he's not scoring goals himself, he's creating chances and drawing the oppositions attention.

...Paajarvi-Svensson will take part in the Timberwolves Training Camp later this month. Though, he is expected to return to Sweden and play a larger role for Timra IK in the Swedish Elite League.

...Another player that Thunder Bay coveted in the 2009 Draft was Louis Leblanc from the USHL's Omaha Lancers.

...Scouts from the Timberwolves seen alot of Leblanc this last season while also getting a good look at his primary linemate and 2008 draftee, Danny Kristo.

...Projected to be a top-30 pick, Thunder Bay felt comfortable about the Quebec-native being there at their 25th pick. He was, but the pick was traded to Dayton in the Marian Gaborik deal prior to the draft. Dayton used the pick on Leblanc.

..."Had a player like Gaborik not been the one in return, this pick would not have been moved and we would've drafted Louis Leblanc," said Wendt. "We seen alot of Leblanc this season. The chemistry between he and Kristo was great to see. Both players were in their first season in the USHL, and both excelled (finishing 1-2 in scoring for the Lancers). What Louis brings to the table is an all-around, two-way game. He never gives up on the puck, protects it well and usually comes out of the corners with it regardless if it was his to begin with. If we have anything we want him to improve on, it is his conditioning. He dogged some shifts on the second of back-to-backs, but we're confident he'll address that with Ted Donato at Harvard."

...Leblanc has begun his tenor at the prestigious Harvard University and will not take part in any of Thunder Bay's camps this summer.

...Paajarvi-Svensson and Leblanc were acquired from Dayton for prospects James Neal and Aaron Palushaj.

...In other news... Jase Weslosky (CCHL undrafted), a senior netminder for St. Cloud State University will not play this season for the Huskies. Leaving the door open for Timberwolves prospects, Dan Dunn and Mike Lee to fight for the starting position.

Thunder Bay, ONT-

...The Timberwolves get a close this week at their future, as the annual ProspectCamp began in Thunder Bay on Monday.

...Some players arrived in town over the weekend to take in the surroundings and tour the place they hope to someday call home.

..."It's a beautiful city," said 2009 draftee, Matt Duchene. "I'm looking forward to advancing my career here. Everything about this place and this hockey club is pure class."

...Monday morning began with a light breakfast and then onto medical physicals and drills similar to those many of these players experience at the CCHL Combine in Dayton. "We really just want to see where these guys are at," said Timberwolves GM Blake Wendt. "You get a pretty good idea how serious they are at becoming a professional hockey player when they're put through a grind in the middle of summer. They should know pretty early on that we are serious about being the top conditioned club in this league. We expect no one to out work us."

...As each player completes their physical, they have a bite to eat and then get a tour of the training facility at "The Den" and then onto the Home of the Timberwolves, the Canadian National Gardens.

...Day 2 and beyond will consist of two groups taking part in on-ice and dryland drills and nightly scrimmages.

...The roster will drastically change by Wednesday, when nearly half of the Timberwolves prospects will have to depart for home due to NCAA rules and not being allowed to participate in any professional team function for more than 48 hours.

..."It's unfortunate, but the rules are quite clear and we respect them," said Wendt. "Of course we'd love for these players to be here for the entire week. But we're not here to jeopardize their eligibility."

...Groups are divided up as follows:

GROUP 1

Forwards

#19 Bryan Little

#38 James Neal

#48 A.J. Jenks

#49 Matt Halischuk

#50 Michael Latta

#58 Aaron Palushaj

#60 John Tavares

#73 Tomas Tatar

#76 Justin Mercier

#81 Matt Duchene

#85 Patrick Maroon

#87 Andrej Nestrasil

Defensemen

#42 Tyler Eckford

#46 Adam Comrie

#51 Jonas Junland

#54 John Carlson

#80 Alex Pietrangelo

#89 Jonas Ahnelov

#92 Josh Godfrey

#94 Colby Robak

Goaltenders

#64 Trevor Cann

#72 Brian Elliott

#84 Marco Cousineau

#90 Antoine Lafleur

GROUP 2

Forwards

#36 Anders Lee

#41 Justin Jokinen

#47 Derek Stepan

#52 Zach Budish

#56 Mike Carman

#59 Danny Kristo

#63 Ryan Thang

#71 Nico Sacchetti

#74 Nick Oliver

#82 Josh Birkholz

#83 David Toews

#86 Colin Greening

#91 Jay Barriball

#97 Patrick White

#98 Jake Hansen

Defensemen

#39 Matt Corrente

#40 Aaron Ness

#43 Jeff Foss

#53 Ben Blood

#65 Cade Fairchild

#70 Denis Reul

#77 Ian Cole

#79 Patrick Wiercioch

#93 Chris Summers

#96 Teddy Ruth

Goaltenders

#31 Karri Ramo

#62 Martin Jones

#68 Mike Lee

#95 Dan Dunn

Click image to enlarge

Thunder Bay, ONT
...The 2009 Entry Draft was supposed to be the "Year of the Swedes", after their strong performance at the World Junior Championships in Ottawa.
...The Thunder Bay Timberwolves once again chose to stay closer to home with their picks. Not one Swedish player was selected. In fact, the Timberwolves reached across the Atlantic only once in twelve picks.
...For Thunder Bay, it was the "Year of the... teammates"?
...JOHN TAVARES (C) - London Knights (OHL) - 6'0" 198lbs - Mississauga, ON
...Tavares vs Hedman? Not for Blake Wendt and his club. When the lottery was won, there was no doubt who he was taking first overall.
..."We weren't going to announce it to the world. What fun is that? But the day when found out we had the first pick, 'Tavares' was stitched onto our '09 Draft sweater. He was our guy."
...Does he have flaws? Of course. Is he on par with the Crosby's and Ovechkin's of the world? That's debatable. His skating has been questioned. His play away from the puck is nothing to write home about. But he is improving in those areas. What cannot be denied is his incredible hockey sense and offensive game. You don't break records in junior held by the greatest hockey player in history, being a bad player. John Tavares has been the most scrutinized, most scouted player in the modern era. His game has been picked apart to the point of it being ridicules. He is a very good hockey player with a huge upside.
...MATT DUCHENE (C) - Brampton Battalion (OHL) - 5'11" 200lbs - Haliburton, ON
...An obvious pick after Victor Hedman was taken second by Winnipeg. The Timberwolves snatched up the Haliburton-native without hesitation.
..."We would've been content if Hedman fell to us," said Wendt. "But we were really hoping we could get our hands on Duchene. The dropoff, if any, is not that far from Tavares. Two different style players. But two very dynamic and dominating players that any team would covet if they only had one. We are thrilled to have both in our organization.
...Duchene has all of the characteristics to draw accurate comparisons to the likes of Steve Yzerman and Joe Sakic. Impressive speed, checking ability and hands to come through in clutch situations. He plays positional, sound hockey. With or without the puck, Duchene is a threat to the opposition whenever he is on the ice.
...ZACH BUDISH (C) - Edina Hornets (MNHS) - 6'3" 230lbs - Edina, MN
...When anyone misses almost an entire year of hockey due to injury, it can be devastating to ones career. To miss an entire year in ones Draft year is very hard to overcome, and scares off alot of teams.
...This was all the case for Zach Budish. Tearing his ACL during a high school football game in the fall, Budish missed his entire senior season for Edina. He not only seems to have recovered from the injury, he seems to have added more strength to what was already a pro-rated frame.
..."We had our concerns of course," said Wendt. "But he got into some Elite games after the high school season in Minnesota, and completely dominated the competition. Then he went onto perform in all of the drills at the combine with no issue. An easy decision when our third pick came around."
...MIKE LEE (G) - Fargo Force (USHL) - 6'0" 190lbs - Roseau, MN
..."Lee is a big athletic goalie who takes up a lot of the net. Plays forward in the crease, following the puck well. Is very calm but technical with his feet. Has a good habit of jumping up and addressing the shooter. Likes to glue himself the post when the opposition works down low. Has good side-to-side movement. Makes hard saves look easy because he’s very solid when it comes to positioning. Generally good with rebound distribution. Looks very calm and poised under pressure. Good with both the blocker and his glove." -HockeysFuture
...TOMAS TATAR (C) - Zvolen (Slovakia) - 5'11" 178lbs - Ilava, SVK
..."Tatar has long been known to be a tremendous scorer, but the WJC was his breakout party. Tatar has great hands and a tremendous shot. His ability to be in the right place at the right time is incredible. No player saw his 2009 draft stock rise higher then Tatar after this tournament." -HockeysFuture
...JOSH BIRKHOLZ (RW) - Fargo Force (USHL) - 6'1" 185lbs - Maple Grove, MN
..."Birkholz is a good skater with a good blend of size, skill, and speed. Generally really good on the forecheck. Does not back down and will go hard into the corners and show force. Sees time on the power play. Has a good touch around the net. Very conscious of defensive role, as he’ll come back and work the backcheck." -HockeysFuture
...ANDREJ NESTRASIL (RW) - Victoriaville Tigres (QMJHL) - 6'2" 195lbs - Prague, CZE
..."Nestrasil's ability to make plays at high speed allows him to surprise his opponents and catch opposing defensemen flat-footed. At 6'2 and 194 pounds, Nestrasil has decent size, but he still has some work to do in adapting to the physical style in North America and playing a more complete game." -HockeysFuture
...MICHAEL LATTA (C) - Guelph Storm (OHL) - 5'11" 205lbs - St. Clements, ON
..."Latta may not have ideal size for an CCHLer, but he has shown that he has ample heart. He's displayed a willingness bordering on zeal for competing in the corners and in front of the net. an effective playmaking center who improves his linemates both through skill and by setting an example on how to pay attention to the intangibles that separate winning teams from the mediocre ones." -HockeysFuture
...NICK OLIVER (C) - Roseau Rams (MNHS) - 6'2" 185lbs - Roseau, MN
..."Oliver is a banging and crashing type of forward with size and grit. He can play both at center and on wing. Oliver brings a physical presence to his game, often delivering bone-jarring hits to opposing players. As he fills out his nearly 6’3 frame, he’ll become an even more intimidating force to be reckoned with. He is extremely competitive, works hard, and is never one to give up on the puck so easily. He also does an outstanding job of supporting plays as well. Oliver isn’t the prettiest skater, with long legs and a hunched-over style, but he does get around the rink quite well. One of Oliver’s best attributes is his shot. It’s accurate with a very quick release. He is very good around and has shown a knack for scoring the so-called “garbage” goals." -HockeysFuture
...MARTIN JONES (G) - Calgary Hitmen (WHL) - 6'3" 180lbs - North Vancouver, BC
...First ever player from the Western Hockey League drafted by the Timberwolves.
...45 wins and 5 losses for Calgary in 2008-09... 'nuff said.
...ANDERS LEE (C) - Edina Hornets (MNHS) - 6'2" 210lbs - Edina, MN
..."It is easy to spot him on the ice because of his imposing size and tremendous strength. He is exceedingly strong on his skates and quite mobile. What stands out about Lee’s skating however is the great balance and agility that he has for such a big man. He also has some speed to go with it. Lee utilizes his large frame, strength and long reach to great advantage. He is not only a difficult player to move off of the puck, but he can also power his way through the opposition’s checks too. He is very strong along the boards and in the corners. Where Lee’s use of his size and strength are particularly noticeable are in his relentless drives to the net and in protecting the puck. He can also deliver some bone-jarring hits as well." -HockeysFuture
...JUSTIN MERCIER (C) - Miami RedHawks (CCHA) - 5'11" 190lbs - Erie, PA
..."Mercier is a good all-around player who is ultra competitive, and who is noted for his unparalleled sense of urgency and willingness to play a very physical game. He makes the most of his ice time and works hard at both ends of the ice. He is tenacious on the forecheck and a monster around the net. He is very effective in tight situations and can battle through traffic. He has great anticipation and foresight, which makes his just as dangerous with the puck as he is without it. Mercier is a good positional player who is very reliable and will also work very hard on the backcheck."

Thunder Bay, ONT-

...In a Draft not being touted as one for the netminders, the Thunder Bay Timberwolves used their third round pick (62nd overall) on Mike Lee out of the USHL.

...Lee was the first year backstopper for the first year Fargo Force. Taking his team all the way to the USHL Championship where they ultimately lost to the Indiana Ice.

..."Mike Lee was far and away the MVP of the Force," said Timberwolves GM Blake Wendt. "He is cool as a cucumber under pressure and a very fine goaltender. It's hard sometimes to find goalies that are going to be successful pros. They usually take years to develop and are just tough to evaluate as an eighteen year old. Or club and our scouts are looking for guys with a history of success as different levels. Mike fits that mold. He took his high school team in Roseau deep into the Minnesota High School Tournament. He did the same in Fargo. He's also going to a very good US college program in St. Cloud State next season."

...Lee is a former teammate of Aaron Ness. A 2008 second round draftee of the Timberwolves who just completed a nice freshman season at the University of Minnesota. Lee will also be fighting for games with another Thunder Bay draftee at SCSU. Dan Dunn was drafted in 2007 and has been a backup himself at SCSU for the past two seasons.

Thunder Bay, ONT-
...With their fourth pick in the 2009 Entry Draft, the Thunder Bay Timberwolves went a route they have been known to do in drafts past. Taking a U.S. high school player for Blake Wendt is the norm this time of year.
...From the prestigious high school of Edina in an upscale community outside of the Twin Cities, Zach Budish joins a long list of fellow Minnesota high schoolers to put on a Timberwolves sweater on draft day.
...In Budish, Thunder Bay gets a hulking winger with an already pro-built body (6'3" 230 lbs) and someone not likely to have fallen all the way down to 40th overall if he had been born a year earlier.
..."Zach suffered a devastating knee injury playing football prior to his hockey season at Edina," said Timberwolves GM Blake Wendt. "He tore his ACL and missed his entire senior season. Definately a reason why I'm sure everyone was passing on him. We were not concerned after seeing him in prior to the injury and after for a few Minnesota Elite games and the Combine. The knee seems to have healed and our medical staff that evaluated him had no worries. Zach is going to be an amazing pro player. Some say his game emulates that of Keith Tkachuk, but Zach's bigger. We're perfectly fine with that."
...Budish is expected play at the University of Minnesota next season. A place some call the Timberwolves 'real' minor-league affiliate.

Thunder Bay, ONT-
...The next obvious choice after already drafting John Tavares first overall and the Winnipeg Ferrets then taking Victor Hedman second. Was of course taking the Haliburton, Ontario native, Matt Duchene.
..."This is exactly how we were wanting this draft to unfold," said Timberwolves GM Blake Wendt. "Matt Duchene is the complete hockey player. He's got a solid game at both ends of the ice. Superior speed to rush the puck, finesse it through or grind it. Go up the middle, split the 'D', or take it along the boards. He'll dig in the corners for you, drive the net or make that tape-to-tape pass to a teammate. His game is outstanding and the bonus is that he is well-spoken, down to earth and just a classy young man."
...The Timberwolves will now sit back and wait their turn until the end of the second round.

Thunder Bay, ONT-
...The Thunder Bay Timberwolves got their man. John Tavares was always the only choice to take first overall.
..."Without a doubt," said Timberwolves GM Blake Wendt. "I'd be lying if I said we didn't look at all our options. Even trading the pick. Any team would. It's the right thing to do for the success of your organization. But it was quickly realized that John Tavares would absolutely help our hockey club more than if we didn't have him. He's got four years of solid performance in juniors under his belt. Excellent coaching, and his game was taken to another level on the international stage. Some have questioned John's skating, but we have no concerns. The OHL is the most dominant junior league in the world, and you don't survive there if your skating isn't up to par. He's the most heavily scouted player in recent memory. His game was bound to get picked apart. That's fine. We are extremely happy to have had the chance to draft Tavares and look for him to have a major impact on the overall success of the Timberwolves for a long time to come."

Thunder Bay, ONT

...On the eve of the 2009 CCHL Entry Draft, where the Thunder Bay Timberwolves were already holding the first and third overall selections, they pulled off a blockbuster acquisition in the form of Slovak sniper, Marian Gaborik.

...Gaborik was brought in from the Dayton Musicmen for Belorussian prospect, Mikhail Stefanovich and the Timberwolves two second round picks in this years draft (25th & 34th overall).

..."Anytime you are in a position to get a guy of Gaborik's caliber, you pull the trigger," said Timberwolves GM Blake Wendt. "Stefanovich wasn't someone we were looking to move. We weren't actively shopping him around as has been speculated. It is true that although he is an immense talent. As shown this past season in the 'Q' (QMJHL). His dedication and work ethic were not sitting well with this hockey club. As evidenced by his lack was commitment to the optional workouts here in Thunder Bay. Or the fact that he has yet to come to Thunder Bay, period."

...Marian Gaborik does have his own issues. Injuries are starting to creep around the speedster. But the Timberwolves think that these injuries can be overcome with proper training and not be a major issue.

..."We're confident that Marian can and will be a huge positive impact for us," said Wendt. "The good far outweighs the bad. Injuries are a part of this game. It's unavoidable. Marian's not any different than any other player out there. We're extremely happy to have Marian Gaborik in Thunder Bay and in a Timberwolves sweater for years to come."

...

...The Timberwolves are now on the clock with the first overall pick in tomorrows Entry Draft. Will they go with the long-time, highly touted OHLer, John Tavares? Or the giant Swedish rearguard in Victor Hedman? Or even Matt Duchene? In any event, two of these three players will be wearing the blue and white by Wednesday night.

ONE DRAFT DOWN...

Thunder Bay, ONT
~Their season ended in an unexpected last minute fight for a final playoff spot. They weren't supposed to be in such a situation. Roster players were moved out and prospects and draft picks brought in. Free agents were signed for pro-rated contracts to simply fill open roster spots left vacant in moves made for the future.
~But in the end, the reality of this premature endeavor prevailed, and the Thunder Bay Timberwolves were left out after a late season run by the Copenhagen Crusaders.
~"It was a good run," said Timberwolves GM, Blake Wendt. "We had not intentions earlier in the season to be in a situation to be pursuing the playoffs this season. But we thought we'd push for it if no one else wanted it. Which for the latter part of the season, some teams were neglected and so many teams looked like they had no interest in making the playoffs."
~Immediately after their season ended, Wendt identified players he wanted from the pool left by the three defunct clubs during contraction.
~Having played three different goaltenders this past season, #1 on the list was to stablize the netminder position with a solid starter.
~"We really didn't like having to put our young goalies through so many games so early in their professional careers," said Wendt. "No disrespect to our defense, but they are young also and are going to go through some growing pains. It does you know good if your young-stud goalies are getting peppered nightly and giving up goals and getting down. We needed a veteren back there to shore things up.
~With their first selection in the Contraction Draft, the Timberwolves took 35 year old, Tim Thomas (pictured). The Flint, Michigan-native is expected to carry the load in 2009-10.
~With their second selection, Thunder Bay didn't necessarily take a player for need. But more for who they felt was the best available roster player on the board, and still young enough to be signed for years to come.
~Minnesota-native, David Backes was added to the roster and is expected to play for top-6 minutes.
~Throughout the remainer of the Contraction Draft, Wendt and his scouts claimed high-end prospects.
~Erik Karlsson was arguably the best player for Sweden's Tre Kronor in the World Junior Championships this past winter. The puck moving Swede was highly coveted by Wendt.
~"We were thrilled that Karlsson was still on the board when our third pick came around. We would've had no problem taking him with our second pick."
~With their fourth pick, another bluechip blueliner was in Wendt's sights. London Knights, John Carlson had no business still being around... but he was.
~"If were shocked at Erik Karlsson being available in the third round. We were floored that John Carlson was there to be taken. We wanted him last summer in the entry draft. We scouted him heavily in the USHL and he only advanced his game and dominated the OHL this season. Very pleased to add him to our stockpile of elite prospects."
~The final two picks included defenseman, Colby Robak from the Brandon Wheat Kings, and forward, Matt Halischuk of the Kitchener Rangers. Both are a couple years further away. But like so many late-round picks in Wendt's arsenal, these two are expected to carry the future of the Thunder Bay Timberwolves.
~Next up for this offseason is the annual UFA bidding war and then the 2009 CCHL Entry Draft. Which the Timberwolves hold 14 picks. Including two in the top-5, and the "golden egg"... first overall.

WOLVES WIN DESPITE LOSSES

Canadian National Gardens (Thunder Bay)-

-The Thunder Bay Timberwolves are surprising some people this season. Whether it be the number of wins so far racked up (21) or the fact that management has continued to alter the hockey clubs roster by moving out roster players for future draft picks and prospects and they keep winning.

-"Obviously you'd think that by moving players out and then replacing them with the guys we have promoted from our reserve and practice lineups, we wouldn't have the recent success we've had," said Timberwolves GM, Blake Wendt. "But we are pleased with the results."

-That last comment must be viewed as a catch-22, in that with every win the Timberwolves move further and further away from a bottom five finish and out of the draft lottery and the chances of nabbing John Tavares or Victor Hedman. But Wendt assures the Thunder Bay faithful that there is no harm in winning now. Despite being in the thick of solidifying the organizations foundation through the entry draft and prospects at the expense of veteran players.

-"I've heard people say that we're not going to accomplish anything this season anyway, so we should just shut it down and tank it for the draft," said Wendt. "That's an absolutely ridiculous theory to have in professional sports. You're asking these premiere athletes to completely reverse their mindset, and what does that do for the future? You ruin them!

-Since the last update of this site, the Timberwolves a few moves that are a continuation of managements overall goal of building a strong foundation.

-First came the move of a roster player in rookie, Torrey Mitchell and current minor-leaguer, Oscar Moller being sent to Hawaii for Quebec junior forward, Mikhail Stefanovich and NCAA defenseman, Jamie McBain.

-"We'd been on the prowl for McBain for awhile," said Wendt. "He's everything you want in a defenseman. He is the complete package. His skill-set on both sides of the puck and excellent hockey sense make him a very lethal player on the ice."

-"You look at what Stefanovich is doing in the 'Q' right now, and if can translate that to this level... we have an extremely dynamic player that can take over a game. It will take some maturation on his part and patience on ours. Some people compare him to Sergei (Kostitsyn) in ways that go beyond both being from Belarus, and I agree to a certain extent. Like Sergei, Mikhail needs to put 100% into every shift and the same in preparing for every game. But we wouldn't have made this trade if we didn't think that the good far outweighed the bad. We're very happy to have Stefanovich in our system."

-Next came the acquisition of Taylor Pyatt (pictured) from River Cities for $950,000 in cash. A deal that doesn't necessarily in line with some other moves that Wendt and the Timberwolves have make recently. But Thunder Bay did bring in a relatively young, big-bodied, native son.

-"Taylor may not be the player many envisioned he'd be coming out of junior. Most players don't. But we like the game he plays and the size he adds to our lineup," said Wendt. "He moves the puck well and automatically draws the oppositions big players off our smaller, skilled guys."

-The Timberwolves are 4-1 since picking up the Thunder Bay native, Pyatt.

-The latest move as of today seen defenseman Bryce Salvador heading to Victoria for prospect defenseman, Jonas Junland.

-The Timberwolves general manager was not available for comment on this trade as the team traveled to Hamilton for this evenings game against the Predators.

-To address the loss of a top-six defenseman, Thunder Bay signed free agent Sandis Ozolinsh to a one year, pro-rated contract. Ozolinsh will be in the lineup against Hamilton tonight.

MID-SEASON REVIEW

Canadian National Gardens (Thunder Bay)-

To say this second season in the Thunder Bay Timberwolves existence is so far a failure, would be an analysis based solely on the teams current rankings overall and not the pro exposure being given to some very talented, but very young players.

Last season Thunder Bay won a total of nine games at seasons end. Here at the midway point, they have amassed thirteen.

That in itself may not be cause for celebration, but it is an obvious improvement with a much younger and less experienced group.

"I for one am pleased with the direction we are heading," said Timberwolves GM, Blake Wendt. "Our young players are getting some quality ice time at the professional level. Some may argue that players are tainted when they are developed in a losing setting. That may be the case at the junior levels, but not here. Any exposure you get as a player to the speed of this game can only be a benefit."

The Timberwolves so far this season have played seven rookies (counting the traded Alex Edler). Of those rookies, five are in the top-seven in scoring for the team and goaltender Karri Ramo has seen action in five games with a 1-2-1 record.

Patrick Sharp (pictured) has been going against the grain with the rest of his teammates in the scoring department. Sharp has scored thirty-five goals, assisted on twenty-six for sixty-one points in forty-two games. Along with ten power play goals (T-2nd), he is currently ranked overall in the league placing 5th in goals and 5th in even-strength goals. He is a +1 on an otherwise minus club.

There is a big jump though from Sharp's sixty-one points compared to the second leading scorer. Rookie, Sergei Kostitsyn's 8-29-37.

"Sharpie is a really good player," said Wendt. "Having two rookies for linemates (Kostitsyn and David Perron) for the majority of his ice time is a testament to the talent amongst our young players here and coming up in the next several seasons."

Some of those players that are proving their worth in the minors, that could make major impacts next season include centres Bryan Little and James Neal and goaltender Brian Elliott. Little had initially made the team in training camp, but was sent to Duluth due to roster depth at the centre position. Elliott (23) is turning heads and leading many to believe is going to push for significant games next season. Despite the current logjam at that position. Antero Niittymaki (28), who is a RFA is expected to be re-signed in the offseason is splitting time with Josh Harding (24) and Karri Ramo (22) will likely finish his rookie campaign with fifteen or so games in.

"Brian is definitely doing what he needs to do to earn some games," said Wendt. "If we end up with four guys splitting games next season, then so be it. Healthy competition never hurt no one. There will be some pressure on these guys to see who we put our future on."

TIMBERWOLVES ACQUIRE UPSHALL

Canadian National Gardens (Thunder Bay)-

-On Tuesday afternoon, the Thunder Bay Timberwolves announced a trade with the Linz Black Wings.

-Thunder Bay acquired winger, Scottie Upshall for forward, Dean McAmmond and rookie defenseman, Nicklas Grossman.

-"We are thrilled to bring in a player like Scottie Upshall to our hockey club," said Timberwolves GM, Blake Wendt. "He has loads of skill and natural talent that he brings with him on every shift. There is no quit in this guy and he backs down from no one. Exactly the mold of player we want this entire hockey club to be. Scottie should fit in nicely with the group of young players we have now. Many of which play a similar game.

-The twenty-five year old, Ft. McMurray native will be in the lineup for the Timberwolves on Wednesday night in Quebec against the Remparts. He will wear #7.

PERRON NETS 3 IN SHUTOUT OF EXPRESS

Canadian National Gardens (Thunder Bay)-

-After going winless in nine games, the Thunder Bay Timberwolves returned home on Monday night after thumping their divisional-rival in Niagara Falls and winning their second game in a row on Sunday afternoon.

-The Timberwolves welcomed the Long Island Express to a raucous full house that was eager to see their hometown boys continue their ways of winning.

-"It was insane out there," said Timberwolves forward, Dean McAmmond. "For a Monday night game it was great to get that kind of support from our fans. None of the guys wanted to disappoint them."

-The first period showcased two teams trying to figure each other out. At 16:46 the Express took the first penalty of the game off a Craig Conroy high stick. Thunder Bay's David Perron (pictured) answered less than thirty seconds later with a power play tally from fellow rookie Erik Johnson and Patrick Sharp.

-Dan Hinote would mug the Express defense of the puck and take a breakaway in on Frederik Norrena to put the Timberwolves up 2-0 to close out the first.

-"From this mornings skate to the banter in the dressing room, we were all about playing a complete game tonight," said Perron. "Add to that a packed building and the chanting. It was a very playoff-like atmosphere from the drop of the puck."

-Almost missed in the celebration of Hinote's goal and the announcement of that goal was a minor penalty on Long Island's Ryan Callahan that would rollover in the next period.

-With a clean sheet of ice, it took Alexander Edler fifty-three seconds to put the Timberwolves up 3-0 off another power play goal.

-"I think the wind was out of their sails at that point," said captain, Keith Ballard. "We had more room than we have had in any game this season."

-A little bit of space was all the young Timberwolves needed to showoff the talent this club had yet to show the league.

-As frustration started to show from the visiting team, Thunder Bay remained disiplined and never once went into the penalty box with an Express player in retaliation.

-At 9:19 in the second, Craig Conroy took his second minor penalty of the evening after some face-washing and jabs after the whistle. A minute and some change later, David Perron once again punished Conroy and his mates with his second power play goal and fourth of the game for the Timberwolves.

-After being on the other end penalties and watching his team give up goals while he sat in the box, Perron is learning that to play in this league and for this club under Craig Hartsburg, everyone plays with disipline on both ends of the ice.

-"I think maybe I wasn't focusing enough on playing good defense when we didn't have the puck," said Perron. "I would get caught out of position and take bad penalties that cost us leads and games. I spent sometime on the fourth line for some games and got a different perspective what I needed to do to be a complete player."

-In the third period, Thunder Bay took advantage of another minor penalty against Long Island. Perron scored his third goal with the man-advantage to put his club up 5-0.

-Matt Moulson made it 6-0 a minute later. This time, and for only the second time in the game, even strengthed.

-With the game and a win in the bag, the only thing left was to stay disiplined and of course do everything humanly possible to get Josh Harding his second shutout of the season.

-Mike Comrie slammed the door on any chance of his Express ruining Harding's goose egg bid when he took another penalty with less than ninety seconds remaining.

-Final score was 6-0

-Next game is Wednesday in Quebec against the Blues Conference's first place Remparts.

-3 STARS of the Game...

* David Perron (THU) - 3 power play goals & an assist

** Josh Harding (THU) - Zero goals against off 26 shots for his 2nd shutout in 3 games

*** Patrick Sharp (THU) - 4 assists

WOLVES WIN AFTER GIVING UP 5

ThunderDome (Niagara Falls, ON)-
-The taste of winning is again in the mouths of the young Timberwolves from Thunder Bay.
-After winning their tenth game of the season (they only won nine all of last season), and their first shutout on Friday against Wisborg, they headed east to Niagara Falls to take on the Thunder on Sunday afternoon in a Canadian Eastern Division match-up.
-"Everyone outside of this dressing room is making a big deal out of winning that tenth game," said Timberwolves captain, Keith Ballard. "Obviously it means we're a better team than last season. One of our goals was to be a better team, but we're not excited about just winning ten games."
-The Timberwolves opened the scoring against the Thunder, and would score four total in the first period. But Niagara Falls took a big chunk out of that lead by scoring three of their own to finish out the opening period.
-"That period pretty much summed up our season," said Timberwolves head coach, Craig Hartsburg. "We have flashes of the damage we can inflict on the scoreboard. Then we either get complacent or we can't tighten up our game when the opponent is pressing hard."
-The Thunder would eventually tie the game at the 9:46 in the second off a Jason Williams goal. Torrey Mitchell would take the lead back for the Timberwolves two minutes later with Thunder Bay's second power play goal of the game.
-Niagara Falls tied the game again off the stick of Mike Ribeiro for his fourteenth of the season. But Thunder Bay vowed not to lose the momentum going into the third.
-"The bench was pretty vocal after Ribero's goal," said Patrick Sharp. "We've been through too many games like this this season where we can't hold a lead. Every other game we lost the momentum. Niagara was shooting every chance they had, and Harding (pictured) was giving us a chance to counter."
-Counter they did in the closing minute of the second. Jason Williams blatenly high-sticked Jarkko Ruutu and the Timberwolves took advantage with a power play blast from Alexander Edler.
-"Eddie's (Edler) goal was just what we needed," said Ballard. "More than the lead, we needed that boost and energy to shut them down in the third."
-Both teams would go scoreless for nineteen minutes and fifty-nine seconds of the third period. Torrey Mitchell iced the game with less than a second remaining for his second goal of the game.
-"We played well as a team today," said Hartburg. "We can only get better after games like this."
-The high-stick that Jarkko Ruutu recieved prior to Edler's game winning goal caused more damage to the yappy Finn then initially thought. Ruutu will be out at least ten days with an "upper body injury". He flew back to Thunder Bay with the team and will be evaluated further on Monday.
-Next game is Monday night against the Long Island Express at Canadian National Gardens.
3 STARS...
* Torrey Mitchell (THU) - 2 goals & assist
** Alexander Edler (THU) - Game-winning goal
*** Jason Williams (NIA) - 2 goals & 2 assists

PROSPECT WATCH: CHRIS SUMMERS

CHRIS SUMMERS - D (Captain)
University of Michigan Wolverines (CCHA)
Acquired: December 16, 2007 from Stockholm (now Reykjavik)
Height: 6' 2"
Weight: 185 lbs
Birthdate: February 25, 1988 (20 years old)
Hometown: Ypsilanti, Michigan
Next Year: Unknown

Chris Summers has spent nearly his entire hockey career in the State of Michigan. The junior defenseman for the 6th-ranked Wolverines went through the USA Hockey Developmental Program in Ann Arbor for five years prior to his arrival in... errr, Ann Arbor and the University of Michigan.

"Chris is someone we coveted when we first seen him as a under-17 for the US National Team," said Timberwolves GM Blake Wendt. "The first thing you notice is the smoothness of his skating. He glides out there. That with his puck handling combined with the natural ability to think the game the way he does makes him a threat to the opposition whenever he's on the ice."

Summers was named captain of the Wolverines after Mark Mitera went down with a season ending knee injury in Michigan's first game of the season. Mitera is a senior and was Summers' defensive partner for the better part of the last two seasons. He's also a Timberwolves prospect.

"We obviously have an interest in the health of Mitera," said Wendt. "He seems to be healing well and his rehab is where it should be. Mark's a tough customer and fierce competitor, so I can't imagine his disgust in missing his last year of college hockey after the great run they had last season. But we fully expect him to come to our camps this summer and take that attitude and loss of an entire season of hockey and work his butt off to earn a spot on our roster. We'll also see where Chris (Summers) is and maybe these guys can get that chemistry back and be a very solid pairing for us for years to come. But that decision will be Chris' whether or not he wants to return to Michigan for his senior season. If he blows us away in camp then we'll go from there. But right now I see no reason why he'd need to be rushed. Plus another year under Red Berenson (Michigan's head coach) is never a bad thing."

Next Prospect Watch... Trevor Cann

STRUGGLES CONTINUE FOR T-BAY

Canadian National Gardens (Thunder Bay)-
-To say that the Thunder Bay Timberwolves are having issues, may be putting it mildly. This isn't the same horrid team from last season. There's not the bickering and finger pointing oozing out of the dressing room and into the media. There's not a lineup filled with goons out to take out the opponents stars regardless of a win or not.
-This club is vastly different. But yet the same when it's the end of the night and another check in the loss column. Spirits are high amongst the players. But you can see in the eyes of the handful of players from last years 9-win season, that they don't want to repeat that dismal chapter in their short hockey lives.
-"From an overall perspective in this clubs progression, I definitely see we're moving in the right direction," said Owner/GM Blake Wendt. "We're a young squad. That's not an excuse to lose. But it is something one must take into account. We're playing alot closer and tighter in games. Instead of 10-2 or 9-0 losses, we're losing 5-3 or 3-2 games. Now a loss is a loss, but where we are with the development of so many young men playing regularly for us, these one-goal losses help us in the long run more than getting blown out in games and guys not caring for 1-to-2 thirds of a game. One goal games mean we're fighting to win for sixty minutes."
-The youth of the Timberwolves was on display last night at CN Gardens against the Niagara Falls Thunder. The good and the bad of having a youth-laden roster.
-Patrick Sharp opened the scoring off the opening faceoff. Taking a feed from Tom Preissing and beating Nikolai Khabibulin five-hole at the 00:06 mark of the game. His twenty sixth of the season.
-David Perron doubled the lead for the TImberwolves at 08:40. Stickhandling his way through four Niagara players and roofing a shot on Khabibulin.
-Kris Draper would cut the lead in half in the second period. But Thunder Bay would go into the third with the lead. A lead that would evaporate quickly after a "lazy penalty" from Sergei Kostitsyn as stated by the Timberwolves head coach after the game.
-With Kostitsyn still in the penalty box, David Perron used his stick for things other than putting the puck in the net. A hook as a result of losing his man in the neutral zone. Two Timberwolves players in the box. Two young players having taken two unwarranted penalties within fifteen seconds of each other.
-Niagara's Joe Corvo would score six seconds after Perron's penalty. Tying the score and clearly putting the momentum on the Thunder's side.
-Marco Sturm scored the game-winner for Niagara twenty-two seconds after Corvo.
-Both clubs would add a goal each to the final score. With the red-hot Thunder winning 4-3.
-"This game was ours to lose, and we did just that," said head coach Craig Hartsburg. "We scored first and we scored quick. That was what we went over before the game. We had to get ahead first and fast. We had the lead going into the third, and lost it within the first minute because of lazy, stupid penalties. Our penalty killing isn't getting the job done, so why put more pressure on it? We have alot of work to do. I'd say we should go back to basics, but we haven't really gone beyond that anyway."
-The Timberwolves are hoping to stop their 10-game winless slide tonight against the league-worst Southwest Scorpions at CN Gardens.

SHANNY MOVED; WINLESS STREAK CONT.

The Goat Barn (Bismark, North Dakota)-
-A once promising season for the Thunder Bay Timberwolves is now looking like what many expected--bleak.
-After knocking out a four-game win streak, the Timberwolves have gone 0-4-1 since. Including a 5-3 loss last night in Denver to the Spurs.
-One player that was acquired for nothing other than taking his salary was dealt prior to the contest in the Mile High City.
-Brendan Shanahan was picked up on Decemeber 12th from the North Dakota Ibex with three draft picks for nothing more than for Thunder Bay to assume the veteran wingers hefty three-year salary at $4.5M/per. It was a hit to the thinly lined pocket book of the Timberwolves and drew some criticism throughout the league since there was no first round pick in taking on roughly $13 million for a player that wasn't expected to finish out the contract.
-"I'd be lying if I said that Shanahan was someone we were relying on to turn this club around," said a blunt Timberwolves GM, Blake Wendt. "His contract is horrible and if it weren't for the picks included and us not giving up any of our roster players or prospects or anyone for that matter. We wouldn't have acquired him. He was shopped around almost immediately after we got him. We were confident that Brendan was coveted by someone."
-Coveted Mr. Shanahan was... by the Scorpions of the Southwest. He was dealt with forward prospect Scott Parse and $4.5 million in cash for right-winger Dan Hinote and Southwest's fourth and fifth round draft picks. If Shanahan decides to retire over the summer from the CCHL, Thunder Bay will pay an additional $4.5 million in cash to the Scorpions.
-"In the long run, we got what we wanted out of this deal," said Wendt. "We've moved a player with a long, heavy contract and right now are only out four and a half million. It may look steep if we end up forking out nine million total, but in the end we still got five picks out of all of this if you include the original deal with the Ibex. Plus a gritty winger to help shore up our lower lines in Danny Hinote who is unrestricted anyway. I think in another deep draft like this one, the more picks a team has, the better." Thunder Bay now has thirteen.
-Despite being three games under .500, there are some bright spots for the Timberwolves. Patrick Sharp (pictured) is quite possibly the best valued player in the CCHL. He makes $605,000 a year and is Top-10 in scoring, second in goals (23), first in power play goals (10) and Top-10 in even strength goals. Given that the Thunder Bay native still has two years left on his contract, and that he can be re-signed again for he turns 30, the Timberwolves can lock up Sharp for the next five years at a very low price if he continues to produce at this pace.
-"Sharpie is definately a guy we can and will build around," said Wendt. "I think we already have pretty good linemates with him (David Perron and Sergei Kostitsyn) and they will only get better."
-The Timberwolves are in Bismarck, North Dakota tonight to take on the Ibex. Then make the gruling trek over half of North America and the Atlantic to play in Karlstad, Sweden tomorrow night.
-"These trips suck," said a matter-of-fact Timberwolves captain, Keith Ballard. "There's no sugar coating reality. It's ridiculas that there's not a travel day between these games. We'd gladly give up one of our three days off in the middle of homestand to get a travel day for trips like this. We're not going to make excuses, but anyone that says they enjoy these trips is lying through their teeth. The Killers can expect a tired, but pissed off opponent on Friday night."