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.
