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."