DAYTON HANDS WOLVES LUMP OF COAL

Dayton, OH- On a Christmas Day game in southwest Ohio, there is no sugar-coating the end result for the visiting Thunder Bay Timberwolves in the home of the Dayton Musicmen. A 2-0 shutout loss to one of the hottest clubs in the CCHL. The first time this season that Thunder Bay has been held without a goal, and also the first loss in 6 games.
>>>The Timberwolves managed 22 shots to Dayton's 35. Were dominated in the faceoff circle (28-37), and couldn't make good on the 3 power plays afforded to them.
>>>"We weren't in it," summed up Thunder Bay defenseman Erik Johnson. "Our heads weren't in it and they took advantage of that. Opportunities were there and we passed them by. Not too much else can be said. Christmas on the road or not, we have to be up and ready for games like this."
>>>The Timberwolves left immediately following the game back for Thunder Bay to be with family. They will have Sunday off and play again Monday at home against the new #1-ranked Copenhagen Crusaders. The first of another 3-in-3 days (Tuesday vs Havana and Wednesday vs Denver) and 5 home games in the next week.
>>>"It will be nice to get a good chuck of games at home," Timberwolves coach, Ryan McGill said. "But it's not a time to get comfortable. We're a team that is marked for success and are being taken very seriously by our opponents. It's a time to take our game to a new level."
>>>Coach McGill is expected to reliquish command back to coach Craig Hartsburg after the first of the year. Coach Hartsburg has been on medical leave since just prior to the start of the season after being diagnosed with an asending aortic aneurysm. No date has been circled on the calender, but Hartsburg has had no complications in his recovery and has been around the club at home to try and keep up.
>>>"Coach McGill has done an outstanding job in Coach Hartsburg's absents," remarked GM Blake Wendt. " We're off to the best start in this hockey club's existence and the work of not only Coach McGill, but assistant Wes Walz cannot be ignored. Coach Hartsburg's health is first, and when he is ready, the Thunder Bay Timberwolves will be here waiting for him."