LEBLANC OPTS FOR PRO GAME

Thunder Bay, ON- The Thunder Bay Timberwolves have signed forward Louis Leblanc to a minor-league contract.
>>>Leblanc was the 25th overall pick for the Dayton Musicmen in the 2009 CCHL Entry Draft. Then traded to Thunder Bay along with fellow '09 draftee, Magnus Paajarvi-Svensson on August 31, 2009. He is eligible to be sent to cchl2, but has signed with the Montreal Juniors of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. The current plan is to have him play in the QMJHL, but it depends on what happens in Timberwolves training camp this fall.
>>>The 6-foot-1, 184-pound forward led Harvard in goals (11), assists (12), and points (23) as a freshman during the 2009-10 seasons. Leblanc was named Ivy League Rookie of the Year.
>>>He has twice played for Canada in international tournaments and was invited to the National Junior Team camp in preparation for the World Junior Hockey Championships to be played in Buffalo in December.
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>>>PUP NOTES
>>>Prospect forward Josh Birkholz has foregone his college career at the University of Minnesota to play for the Western Hockey League's Everett Silvertips.
>>>The University says that Birkholz was facing a suspension for violating team rules prior to his decision to leave for the WHL. That violation was the failing of a random drug test.
>>>"We're aware of the situation with Josh Birkholz," said Timberwolves general manager, Blake Wendt. "We're an organization with the highest standards in regards to personal conduct. We are not pleased with Josh's actions that led to this outcome but are also looking out for the further development of all of our prospects. On and off the ice. On the ice, we were not prepared for Josh Birkholz to not play this season at Minnesota. Going back to the USHL was not in the best interest for the further development for him. Although we are disappointed to have had a prospect leave Minnesota under these circumstances, we understand and endorse the move of Birkholz to the WHL and Everett. Josh was drafted by a professional organization and expect him to act and live accordingly. We are confident that he has put this incident behind him, learned from it and will continue his and our goal to one day play for the Thunder Bay Timberwolves Hockey Club."
>>>The destination for one of the Timberwolves 2010 draftees is no longer in limbo. Forward, Max Gardiner will indeed play for the University of Minnesota beginning this fall. Gardiner had been rumoured to be playing for Des Moines in the USHL this year and start his college career in 2011.
>>>Gardiner's teammate at Minnetonka High School, Justin Holl has yet to confirm his intentions to also play at "The U". But with the departure of fellow blueliner Nick Leddy for the pros, there is an opening to be earned by Holl. He had originally been slated to play for the USHL's Omaha Lancers this season.