WOLVES DEAL FOR OFFENSE ON DEFENSE

Matt Niskanen

Thunder Bay, Ont.- On the 16th of this month a trade was made between the Victoria Ronin and the Timberwolves. Two games later, and an official announcement has been made by Thunder Bay management.
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"As many of you are quite aware of by now. We have dealt defenseman, Douglas Murray and a recent 2011 draft pick in Stuart Percy to the Ronin for defensemen, Marek Zidlicky and Matt Niskanen," said general manager Blake Wendt. "Marek has already played two games for us, and has notched an assist in each of those games. He brings another dynamic by providing some much needed offense from our back end. Our power play in particular has recieved a much needed upgrade in acquiring Zidlicky. As a UFA, he will not likely be our lone re-sign. But we may opt to try and bring him back under the right circumstances."
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"In re-acquiring Matt Niskanen [dealt on July 16, 2010], we have a player for next season that we are completely comfortable implementing as a full-time starter. Something we were not going to have the luxury of with Douglas Murray being a UFA and to be lost to free agency for nothing. We were not prepared with the prospects of that, and not at liberty to be in bidding wars next summer for defensemen. Matt has a 3-year contract at a rate well within our budget for next season. It has been cited by some that he was nothing more than a 'throw in' in this deal. For that I can say with all honesty, this deal does not happen without Niskanen in it. He's a young man, still learning the game at arguably the toughest position to adjust to the pro speed. He's had his ups and downs, but we feel that he is most definitely progressing and will continue on towards becoming a dependable blueliner, with very good speed and skating ability to go along with being an offensive threat from the back end."
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As mentioned, Mark Zidlicky has played in two games with the Timberwolves. Wearing  number 4.
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Matt Niskanen was immediately assigned to the Duluth Pups. He has been assigned the same number 5 he wore previously with the Timberwolves.

Thunder Bay, Ont.- For the first time in Corfield Canosa Hockey League history, the game will be brought outdoors!

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On Saturday, January 7th, 2012, the Winnipeg Ferrets will travel the 430 kilometres to the Northwood neighbourhood of Thunder Bay, Ontario to take on the Timberwolves in the inaugural CCHL Heritage Classic.

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The game itself will take place on the league standard 200 foot by 85 foot ice surface with full dashers and glass and played under the same rules. It will be a regular season game with points at stake. That is where everything being the same, ends...

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Located at the head of Lake Superior, a typical Thunder Bay January averages high temperatures in the -9 degrees Celsius [or 16*F].

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The rink will be located at the recreation fields of the Northwood neighbourhood on the westside of Thunder Bay on King's Highway 61, just north of the international airport and south of the Trans Canada Highway. Situated amongst a typical working-class Canadian neighbourhood, and a back drop of a pine-covered mountain, the game promises to bring hockey fans back to the days of playing this great game on backyard rinks and lakes, rivers and ponds.

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"We could have done this anywhere in the city," said Timberwolves general manager Blake Wendt. "But the essence of the game, and the roots are here. Right here in the neighbourhoods and outside. We are thrilled to invite our own closest neighbours in Winnipeg to take part in what should be an awesome experience."

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The two clubs will also don special sweaters for the event...

Available immediately for your holiday gift list at the Wolf Den at Canadian National Gardens in Thunder Bay or the MTS Centre in Winnipeg.

REIMER BLANKS EXPRESS FOR 1ST SHUTOUT

James Reimer

Uniondale, N.Y.- The Timberwolves continued their winning ways on Friday when they held the struggling Express scoreless in Long Island. With rookie netminder, James Reimer recording his first career shutout in stopping all twenty one shots faced.
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With an offense that seems to have leveled off, Thunder Bay's defense and in particular their goaltending, have become a brick wall. Now ranked 5th overall in the league.
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"It's something we knew would eventually come around," said Timberwolves assistant coach, Wes Walz in referring to the club's defense. "We have remarkable goalies and a pretty non-flashy, responsible 'D' corps and knew that our early season struggles in that department we not an accurate reflection of what we really had back there. Now we're finally starting to shine through."
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The Timberwolves players will remain in New York City for the weekend and return to Thunder Bay on Monday. They do not play again until Tuesday, when they welcome the Beverly Hills Lawmasters to Canadian National Gardens. The first of four games in four days, and five in six grueling days.
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"It's going to be a rough week, that's for sure," said centre, Sidney Crosby. "It's nice to have this extended break before. But we're really hot right now, and we would really just rather keep rolling with it."
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Other players were more welcoming of the rest.
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"Screw Sid," joked defenseman Dion Phaneuf. "I've got some Christmas shopping to do."
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3-STARS
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*James Reimer [THU] - 21 saves in first career shutout
**Patrick Sharp [THU] - The lone goal
***Francois Beauchemin [THU] - An assist and a blocked shot [ranking 3rd overall in blocked shots]

WOLVES SWEEP DAYTON IN HOME-AT-HOME

Mikko Koivu

Thunder Bay, Ont.- The suddenly hot Thunder Bay Timberwolves kept rolling on Wednesday with a 2-1 victory over the tough Dayton Musicmen. The win followed a 4-0 thumping in Ohio on Sunday in the first of the home-at-home series.
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"Anytime you can pull ahead of a team sitting right in front of you in the standings, it's huge," said forward Rick Nash after the game. "That's a solid squad over there and we knew this was going to be a big test for us. I think we showed alot of people we are for real."
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Centre, Mikko Koivu opened up the game's scoring while shorthanded at 7:30 into the second period with assists from fellow Finn, Antti Miettinen and Francois Beauchemin.
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Koivu's tally was added to at 11:38 in the same period with Sidney Crosby's 15th goal from Miettinen and Nash with the man-advantage.
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Dayton would cut the lead in half at 15:47 in the third period with Corey Perry's 10th.
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But Henrik Lundqvist would hold down the fort with the late surge from the Musicmen and take the 2-1 win in front of another capacity crowd at Canadian National Gardens.
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The Timberwolves hope to keep things going as they enter into one of the toughest stretches in their schedule. First its a road trip against the Express, where Crosby comes back to Long Island for the first time since being dealt on Friday. Then there is a four day break, followed by a grueling 5 games in 6 days. Including 4 in a row.
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3-STARS
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*Sidney Crosby [THU] - Game-winning goal
**Henrik Lundqvist [THU] - 1 goal against and 31 saves
***Antti Miettinen [THU] - 2 assists
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Game notes: Milan Lucic will miss the next week of action with a lower body injury

LUNDQVIST'S 42 SILENCES MUSICMEN

Lundqvist stellar

Dayton, Ohio- Hoping his early season struggles are behind him. Henrik Lundqvist, the Timberwolves netminder made a strong case for a turn-around on Sunday by shutting out the Musicmen in Dayton.
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"Hank [Lundqvist] is the backbone of this hockey club," remarked Thunder Bay's general manager Blake Wendt. "He's an elite-caliber goalie, one of the best in the game. We need him to come through for us. But we've got to do a better job in front of him, and we have."
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Sophomore centre, Matt Duchene took some pressure off his backstop early, at 1:24 into the game for the Haliburton-native's 7th on the year from newly acquired Martin Erat and Marc Staal. The goal would stand as the only one through twenty minutes. The edge in shots going to the Timberwolves 11-9.
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In the second period was when King Henrik's star shined. While eventually stopping all 20 shots faced in the middle period, the confidence of the group in front of him grew, and tallies from captain Patrick Sharp [11th] and Dion Phaneuf [4th] put the visitors in command of the game.
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"It's huge to have world-class talent back there," said Phaneuf at the final intermission. "Hank is playing out of his mind today. We need to do a better job and limit some of those shots. But he's stellar and we're just playing with a load of confidence in pressing our game here."
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In the third period, the shots did taper off some against Lundqvist. But dramatically for the Timberwolves. Sidney Crosby though made the best of the five total shots for Thunder Bay in the period and notched his league-leading 14th at 18:24 from Rick Nash and Sharp to finish off the Musicmen by a 4-0 shutout for Lundqvist.
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The exuberance of the victory was quelled though by the head coach after the game. Obviously in an effort to not get too overly confident for the rematch on Wednesday.
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"It's a big win for us," said Craig Hartsburg. "We did alot of things right and Henrik was just outstanding for us. But we gave up alot of shots and he bailed us out way more than he should have. That's a proud group over there in the other room, and we can expect nothing but the best out of them in a couple days when they get their chance immediately to redeem themselves. We have to take this win, build on it and prepare ourselves for their push back on Wednesday."
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3-STARS
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*Henrik Lundqvist [THU] - 42 saves in third shutout of the season
**Patrick Sharp [THU] - 1 goal and 2 assists
***Dion Phaneuf [THU] - 1 goal and 1 assist

DOMINANCE IN CALI

Matt Duchene

Beverly Hills, CA- For the first time in what seemed like too long, the Timberwolves played a game under their terms on Monday against the Lawmasters in the 90120.
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Thunder Bay completely dominated the struggling Beverly Hills squad in every facet of the game. Shots [49-19], Face-offs [44-23], power plays [2-6 w/ the man-advantage, and 3 kills] and most importantly, the score...4-1.
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Former Timberwolves defenseman, Niklas Kronwall put the Lawmasters up early in the first, but a pair from Sidney Crosby [11th and 12th] and then Matt Duchene's 6th to go along with the burly Douglas Murray's first on the year, put the game well out of reach and solidified the victory for Thunder Bay.
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Not lost in the hype was the newly acquired, Martin Erat's first point with his new club in picking up the primary assist on Crosby's first. Erat was a member of the Lawmasters up until yesterday, and only met his new teammates on Sunday evening when they arrived in California.
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"It was kind of strange," said Erat after the game. "To get traded is one thing. But to not even leave the arena, and just move my gear over the the visitors room was kind awkward. But as soon as these guys got here, we went to dinner and they welcomed me in right away. Even with all the changes they've gone through with trades this season, this is still a really tight group. It didn't take long to feel like I belonged with these guys. I'm excited about being a Timberwolf."
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Monday's win comes at a perfect time for the Timberwolves. They have the next three days off and don't play again until Friday when they welcome Marian Gaborik and John Tavares back to Thunder Bay when they take on the Long Island Express. A game that will also be Sidney Crosby's first against the club that drafted him. Captain, Patrick Sharp and defenseman Anton Volchenkov are expected to return to the lineup from injury by then.
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3-STARS
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*Sidney Crosby [THU] - 2 goals [1 power play]
**Matt Duchene [THU] - Power play goal and an assist
***Niklas Kronwall [BEV] - 1 goal

HOBBLING WOLVES MAKE ANOTHER MOVE

Martin Erat

Springfield, Mass.- Although a top-5 club in the CCHL, the Thunder Bay Timberwolves are struggling mightily to keep pucks out of the back of their net, and maybe worse... stay healthy.
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Coming off a 2-2 tie at home on Thursday to the Brooklyn Cosmos, they took away a point and lowered their goals against average.
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On Saturday, the result was the same in Springfield against the Homers. The score, but not the health of the Timberwolves. Losing their top shutdown defenseman in Anton Volchenkov for the next week, their captain, Patrick Sharp for the next four days and who had been their second line right winger, Joffrey Lupul for the next month.
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"It's a tough card to draw there," said Timberwolves GM Blake Wendt. "We've had guys dinged up from game-to-game, and just generally nicked up pretty good for the past couple weeks. So to lose some high minute guys like this for extended periods is going to really show our true colours as a team to overcome."
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The loss of Lupul was immediately dealt with and upgraded in the announcement after the game of the acquisition of Martin Erat from Beverly Hills with a fifth round pick in exchange for three prospects and a fourth round pick.
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"This was really a deal that we've gone back-and-forth with for awhile," remarked Wendt. "Erat has been the principal player in this deal for us all along. A counter offer was received just prior to our game this afternoon, it looked good but I wanted to focus on the game at hand. The loss of Lupul pretty much solidified it for me. We were hoping Joffrey would stick on our second line, and we still do in the future. But Erat definately gives us a chance to win right now."
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For Erat, he will stay in Beverly Hills and wait for the Timberwolves to come to him. He will meet his new team on Sunday afternoon for Mondays game against the Lawmasters.
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Erat will wear #13.

DENTED DEFENSE GETTING NOTICE OVER HIGH OCTANE OFFENSE

Lundqvist struggling

Thunder Bay, Ont.- The Timberwolves have returned home to Thunder Bay after a brutal six-day, three-game road trip that started off great, and ended with many questions in hand.
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Coming off a 5-0 victory last Wednesday over a good Spurs squad in Denver, the physical Timberwolves were pushed around, bruised, bloodied and beaten in Niagara Falls, 7-3 to the Thunder. A game in which Thunder Bay had lost half of their blueline to injury before it was finally over.
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Then came last evenings contest in the River Cities, where the Renegades would skate away with a 5-2 win. A loss for the Timberwolves was bad enough, but losing another high-minute defenseman in Marc Staal was an even bigger pill to swallow.
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"It's tough to be in the competition when you're losing guys like these to injuries in big games," said Timberwolves assistant coach, Dean McAmmond back in Thunder Bay on Monday. "That's not an excuse, and we're not going to say that's why we've had these recent struggles. But we need these guys in these games in order for us as a team to be successful."
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Adding to a defensive corps that is banged up, marquee netminder, Henrik Lundqvist has not been his normal, reliable self in the net. After being injured two-weeks ago in Copenhagen, 'King Henrik' has been less than stellar--minus his shutout in Denver. But he still has the full support of his teammates.
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"We haven't done enough in front of Hank," said defenseman, Nick Schultz. "As a defense, we've all struggled to get our house in order so far. It's something that we are quite aware of, and know what we need to do. We just need to execute the game-plan."
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Coach Craig Hartsburg did admit though that maybe his number one goaltender could use a break.
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"Henrik would never tell us he wants to sit. It's his net and he'll let you know that. Maybe he didn't fully recover from his injury in Denmark. I know it's not all on him with our defensive struggles. Obviously, recently we've had issues staying healthy. But I think a little rest will be in order here soon. James [Reimer] is a capable rookie, and is itching to get out there."
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The Timberwolves players were given Monday off from practice, but did report to Canadian National Gardens for video reviews. Their next game is Tuesday at home against the Hamilton Tigers.

NASH'S PAIR LEAD WOLVES IN SHUTOUT

Rick Nash

Denver, Colorado- Two days after a marque overtime victory back at home over the league's hottest team, the Timberwolves hit the road and pummeled the Denver Spurs on Wednesday.
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"We had alot of confidence coming into this game after such a big win on Monday against Fort Erie," said Timberwolves right-winger, Rick Nash. "It's big to keep that momentum going, and huge to start off a road trip with a statement win."
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Milan Lucic set the tempo for Thunder Bay 6:55 into the game in a spirited bout with Shane O'Brien that left both combatants bloodied.
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Dion Phaneuf opened up the game's scoring at 12:08 when the blueliner intercepted an errant Paul Stastny pass and skated in alone on Pekka Rinne. Spreading the legs of the goaltender and beating him five-hole.
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A war of words between Stastny and Nash near the end of the opening period, ended with slashes and gloved punches and a pair of roughing minors for the two going into the intermission.
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"It's a rough go out there tonight," said Nash at the break. "They're trying to slow us down, and that's not working. So they're trying to get in our face and throw us off of what we're here to do. And that's take two points out of here."
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At 5:45 into the middle period Nash acted on his words and put the Timberwolves up 2-0 with his 8th of the season from Francois Beauchemin and captain, Patrick Sharp.
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Another fight in the second between Phaneuf and Denver's Ryan Wilson at 10:02 did nothing to turn the tide in the home team's favour, and at 15:17 Nash scored his second of the game. The 3-0 lead would hold through the first forty minutes of hockey.
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"We're just not going to get pushed around and be intimidated in this game or any game against anyone," said Phaneuf. "We'll stand up for each other and will not back down."
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In the final twenty minutes of the game, the Timberwolves would add a pair of goals from their captain, and Rick Nash added two more assists to his brilliant night to close out the 5-0 win.
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"Ricker was great tonight," said his centre, Sidney Crosby. "He's a big guy that makes alot of room out there for himself and for Sharpie and I. Tonight was his night, and he made the best of it."
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The Timberwolves continue their road trip on Friday when they return to Ontario to take on the Niagara Falls Thunder [8-5-0].
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Thunder Bay will be without forward, Ryan Johnson for the next month or so with a lower body injury, and winger, Colby Armstrong for the remainder of the road trip after getting in on the wrong end of his own check. Taylor Pyatt has been recalled from Duluth, and Antti Miettinen will be looked upon to up his minutes.
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3-STARS
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*Rick Nash [THU] - 2 goals and 2 assists
**Henrik Lundqvist [THU] - 27 saves in his first shutout of the season
***Patrick Sharp [THU] - 2 goals and an assist

REYKJAVIK ERUPTS WITH POWER PLAY

Milan Lucic

Reykjavik, Iceland- Despite trying to muscle their way through the re-building Puffin, the Timberwolves imploded and let the Reykjavik squad dictate the tempo and take away the win.
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With rookie goaltender James Reimer getting his second straight start in this the last of three games on a European road trip, Thunder Bay was hoping to come home with some momentum for a big game on Monday.
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Things did start out in the right direction with Rick Nash's 6th goal at 3:59 in the first period from Sidney Crosby.
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Milan Lucic doubled the lead at 6:07 with the big winger's 4th from Matt Duchene and Marc Staal.
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The Puffin's Brian Rolston drew the home team within one, nine seconds after Lucic's goal at 6:16. A short-handed goal from Blair Betts put Thunder Bay back up by two with his 2nd of the year from Douglas Murray and newcomer, Francois Beuchemin.
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The good things from the penalty killing unit would end there.
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The next and last three goals in the game were power play tallies scored by Reykjavik in the second and third periods to win it for the Puffin.
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"We gave them too many chances with the man-advantage and they capitalized," said head coach Craig Hartsburg. "It's disheartening to have a collapse like that. We held a two-goal lead, had the momentum, and they simply wanted it more. We were undisciplined and thrown off our game and into one where we were chasing. Credit the guys on the other side. They have plenty of heart and never gave up."
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"I'd hope that we weren't in this game mentally," said general manager Blake Wendt. "It seemed to me that we were looking past these guys and looking forward to getting home and taking on the hottest team in the league. We can't look past anyone."
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The Timberwolves next game is at home on Monday against the red hot Fort Erie Falcons [10-1-0]
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3-STARS
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*Brian Rolston [REK] - 2 goals [including game-tying on the power play]
**Sami Lepisto [REK] - Game-winning power play goal
***Jeff Skinner [REK] - Power play goal

WOLVES DEAL FOR KOIVU / BEAUCHEMIN

>>>Reykjavik, Iceland- The wheeling and dealing of the Thunder Bay Timberwolves continued on 11.11.11. Coming off the heals of the acquisition of Joffrey Lupul four days ago, Blake Wendt and his staff picked up centre, Mikko Koivu [pictured] and defenseman, Francois Beauchemin from the Calgary Chinook. In exchange for highly-touted prospects Brayden Schenn, John Carlson and centre Shawn Horcoff.
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"There are so many reason for us to make this deal," remarked Wendt after landing in Iceland with his club for their game on Saturday against the Reykjavik Puffin. "First, we've coveted Mikko for a long time. He's a complete player. Great size, dominate in the face-off circle, plays a 200 foot game and is a natural leader. We feel that what he provides us now and in the future out-weighed what Brayden Schenn would bring to us. Immediately, Koivu replaces Horcoff in our lineup. An upgrade there as well. In order to move Horc and his contract, we needed to add to the deal with John Carlson. Someone we were not looking to move, but in the end it had to be done. Finances are real concern to this hockey club, and these heavy-hitting contracts just cut too deep. In order to move Carlson from our blueline, we needed another defenseman in return. Beauchemin is a perfect fit for the role we had open on our back end. We need to protect our goalies better, open up shooting lanes and block more shots. Francois provides us with all of that. So, while we would rather not continue to move out prospects, there are times that deals like this make sense to further stabilize this organization while not hurting us is our immediate, ultimate goal."
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Koivu has been assigned jersey number 8, and Beauchemin number 28. Both are expected to be in the lineup on Saturday against the Puffin.

REIMER GETS 1ST IN AUSTRIA

Linz, Austria- It what could be described as an ugly game in Linz, Timberwolves rookie goaltender, James Reimer won his first career win in his second career start. His first three nights ago in Thunder Bay ended with Henrik Lundqivst taking the win with a single save and two minutes in net after Reimer left with an injury.
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"It felt good to get this one," said a gleaming Reimer after the game. "The guys battled in front of me to clear lanes and give me good looks."
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The Manitoba-native was given a nice cushion early, when Milan Lucic put the Timberwolves up 1-0 just :36 seconds into the game. Followed by Matt Duchene's 4th at 4:57 and Rick Nash's 5th at 15:48,  before the Black Wings finally snuck one past Reimer to close out the first period with Thunder Bay up 3-1.
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Linz would get to within one in second period, before Colby Armstrong pulled the Timberwolves away by two again.
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A Martin Hanzal tally in the third brought the hometeam Black Wings back in it, but Reimer was stellar in stopping 18 shots and notching his first win in his young career.
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"It's great that Reims finally got this one," said Nash. "He fought hard and really held us in it there in the third. He stood on his head for us, and we have to play stronger in front of him. Full credit for this one goes all the his direction."
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"They say that first wins or first goals buy dinner," quipped Reimer. "I owe them big time, so I think it's worth it. Will definately be the biggest tab I ever have paid. Hopefully they like Icelandic cuisine." Referring to the Timberwolves next game on Saturday against the Reykjavik Puffin.
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"We'll get him back in Canada," said defenseman Dion Phaneuf. "I'm not eating any of that sh** over there [in Iceland]."
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3-STARS
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*James Reimer [THU] - 33 saves in first career win
**Milan Lucic [THU] - Goal and an assist
***Rick Nash [THU] - Goal and an assist

LUPUL ACQUIRED FROM LAWMASTERS FOR KRONWALL

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Somewhere over the Atlantic Ocean- As the Timberwolves traveled to Copenhagen, Denmark to take on the Crusaders on Tuesday, their general manager quietly sat at the front of their plane continuing to wheel and deal from his Blackberry.
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As players slept, Blake Wendt sent defenseman, Niklas Kronwall to the Beverly Hills Lawmasters in exchange for winger, Joffrey Lupul.
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"It's tough to move a guy like Nik out," said Wendt in a brief statement to the media on-board the Airbus 330-200. He's an incredible defenseman that has a cannon from the point and hits like a freight train while still being smart and not usually getting caught out of position to do so. But we were having a tough time getting him in our lineup with our depth. He's not a minor-leaguer and he deserves better than playing on a practise squad in a reservist's role. With Joffrey, we're getting a solid point-producing top six guy that oozes with talent and just needs to harness it in. He's on a three year deal as opposed to Kronwall being unrestricted. We wouldn't have made this deal if Lupul wasn't locked up for a couple years. We feel he can be a legitimate scorer here and fit in nicely on our scoring lines. Especially how next year looks to pan out for us there."
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Lupul is likely to join his new club sometime during their six day, three game trip to Europe, but not likely tomorrow in Copenhagen. He has been assigned jersey number 19.

RESPONSE TO CROSBY TRADE

From Fort Erie Falcons GM, Matt Young as posted on the CCHL homepage:
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High Risk vs. High Reward – The Sidney Crosby trade

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The week in the CCHL saw Sidney Crosby change addresses, with Sid packing up his gear and heading off to the northern region of Thunder Bay. To acquire Crosby, Thunder Bay had to part with the fast developing John Tavares and when-healthy star winger Marian Gaborik in the deal with Long Island.
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This is the definition of high risk vs. high reward. There is absolutely no doubting that Crosby is the best player in the game of hockey, however that best player is somewhat of a long term risk due to his current concussion problem. If Crosby is healthy, I’m not even sure we see this transaction happen but in the interest of protecting the long-term health of their franchise Long Island made the bold move and got a great return given the circumstances. In examining the return, one must note that the game’s 2nd best offensive player was moved last season for a package that was headlined by Chris Stewart and Ondrej Pavelec. I have to say it is a great move for Long Island in acquiring the young Tavares and Marian Gaborik, given what the market could have been for the injured center.
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After reading the above paragraph, you are probably thinking that I am against this move for Thunder Bay given that I really think Long Island improved their team with this deal; but I also think the same of Thunder Bay. It’s high risk for what should be a contending team for the CCHL championship and if healthy, Crosby could propel the team offensively in the playoffs. I also see the merit that Blake Wendt had in making the deal, as it is not every day a generational player and best player in the game becomes available to you. Despite the injury risk, you have to take the chance in acquiring the player if you believe the injury is not an injury that will be a detriment to the player for the remainder of his career.
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This transaction is one of those rare win-win trades for both teams – today. This trade could become very lopsided one way or the other over the long-term. There is no doubt Thunder Bay is hoping they bought low and win big with Sid the kid.

WOLVES WIN WITH LUNDQVIST IN REIMER'S DEBUT

James Reimer

Thunder Bay, Ont.- The humble young man from the outskirts of Winnipeg who was impressive all summer and earned a backup role for the Timberwolves, finally got his chance on Sunday afternoon to show why he is here. Unfortunately for James Reimer, fifty-eight minutes of playing time before being injured, wasn't enough to officially earn his first CCHL win. Even though his team skated away with the two points in victory.
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"Reims played like a vet out there today," said captain Patrick Sharp. "He wasn't tested alot, but the shots he stopped were good shots. He was poised, calm and just didn't get rattled like you kind of would expect for a guy playing in his first pro game. It's too bad he didn't get credit for the win. It was his game."
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With two minutes left in the third period, and the game tied 1-1, Reimer faced his 18th shot and it caught him high between his mask and the shoulder portion of his chest protector. Henrik Lundqvist's night off was over at that point and Sharp scored the winning goal :44 seconds later to claim the win for Lundqvist and his single save in two minutes of play.
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"I feel bad," said Lundqvist after the game. "James did all the work and I come in, face one weak shot, Sharpie scores and James doesn't get anything. Well, he does get the game puck. We'll caulk this up as a win, even if it doesn't go down in the books as one for Reims."
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A win is a win though, and the Timberwolves are clicking on all cylinders as they embark on a weeklong trek across Europe. First with the defending Cup champions, Copenhagen Crusaders on Tuesday, the Linz Black Wings on Thursday and finishing up in Reykjavik to take on the Puffins on Saturday before returning home.
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3-STARS
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*Patrick Sharp [THU] - Game-winning goal and an assist
**Sidney Crosby [THU] - Goal and an assist
***Rick Nash [THU] - 2 assists

WOLVES MAUL KILLERS

Sidney Crosby

Thunder Bay, Ont.- Thursday was a game of firsts for many Timberwolves players.
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Centre, Sidney Crosby was welcomed by the Thunder Bay faithful in his first game at home since being acquired on Sunday. The Cole Harbour, Nova Scotia-native paid them back with a power play goal and two assists.
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Defenseman, Dion Phaneuf notched his first two goals with the Timberwolves and had the primary assist on Crosby's tally.
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Probably the biggest goal came off the stick of rookie defenseman, John Carlson. His first career CCHL goal.
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In the end, the Timberwolves took advantage of a rebuilding Karlstad sqaud, hit them up for two power play goals, outshot them 36-16 and beat them handidly by a 6-1 score.
>>>
"It's a great feeling to contribute here and play in front of such enthusiastic fans," said Crosby after the game.
>>>
The Timberwolves remain at home for their next tilt on Saturday when they take on the Wisborg Donuts [1-5-0].
>>>
3-STARS
>>>
*Sidney Crosby [THU] - Power play goal and two assists
**Dion Phaneuf [THU] - Two goals [1 power play] and an assist
***Mike Knuble [THU] - Goal and an assist

BIG MURRAY IN FOR DINGED UP STAAL

Thunder Bay, Ont.- Defenseman, Douglas Murray [pictured] has been promoted from the practise squad and will dress for Thursday's game against the Karlstad Killers.
>>>
Murray is in for the injured Marc Staal who will sit for this one game while continuing to recover from a shot block on Monday in Portland.
>>>
"Douglas will pair with [Jordan] Leopold on the third pairing for now and likely see some time on the penalty kill," remarked Timberwolves head coach after Wednesdays skate at Canadian National Gardens. "The status on Marc is what we would call a 'lower body injury'. He's got a nice thigh bruise and some soreness, and we feel it's better for him to sit a game, recoup and there's no reason to keep playing with a nagging thing all year and need time off later in the year when we might really need you."
>>>
Staal is the second Timberwolves player to sit after blocking a shot. Centre, Matt Duchene was struck in the cheek, below his visor on opening night and missed the next three.

WOLVES ALL IN; DEAL FOR CROSBY

>>>
Thunder Bay, Ont.- On the eve of Halloween the Thunder Bay Timberwolves went trick-or-treating early and dealt for arguably the best player in the CCHL, Sidney Crosby from the Long Island Express. The price was steep though, and two-time 50-goal-scorer, Marian Gaborik and '09 first overall pick, John Tavares were sent the other way.
>>>
But when a "once in a generation" player is on the table, you move on it according to Timberwolves management.
>>>
"When we inquired about the availability of Sid, and the door wasn't slammed, we made sure we didn't insult Gayle [Zuk, Express' GM] with a joke of a deal," said Blake Wendt. "We weren't actively shopping Gaborik or Tavares, and were perfectly content with what they provided to us. But you simply cannot ever pass on a player of Sidney Crosby's level when there is the remote chance you can either draft them, trade for them or sign them when they are there for you. I don't have to explain to anyone that knows anything about this game what we're getting here. Sid is a special player that doesn't come around every year, or five years or ten. When someone is spoke of in the same breathe as Gretzky, Lemieux, Howe and Richard... you know what you're getting. We are absolutely ecstatic that Sidney Crosby is a member of the Thunder Bay Timberwolves Hockey Club."
>>>
Crosby was in the lineup for the Timberwolves when they beat the Owls in Portland 6-3 on Halloween night. But the jet lag of traveling all day from Linz, Austria [where the Express had just played the Black Wings] to Portland, Oregon was visible. He played 12 minutes, had no points, took no shots and finished +1 with 2 hits.
>>>
Also, one of the more surprising things was the number worn by Crosby. Not his customary 87, but instead the number 9 that had previously been worn by Matt Duchene. Crosby last wore number 9 when he played for Shattuck St-Mary's prep school in Faribault, Minnesota before tearing up the QMJHL with Rimouski in his 87. The reason for the number change was simple for the Timberwolves. No one on the active roster wears a number higher than 35 as mandated by the hockey club. Duchene changed to number 21. In honour of his childhood hero, Peter Forsberg.
>>>
Timberwolves fans will get their first glimpse of their newest player on Thursday when they welcome Crosby home against the Karlstad Killers [0-4-1].

WOLVES SOLID IN WIN OVER REMPARTS

>>>
Quebec City, Que.- On Saturday against Quebec, the Timberwolves set the tempo early and vollied shot after shot on the Remparts goaltender and skated away with a 4-1 win.
>>>
Devon Dubnyk held the fortress for as long as he could in the first period. But after facing 13 shots, it was the 14th from Shawn Horcoff that finally put the visiting Timberwolves on the board.
>>>
"He was standing on his head out there," said Timberwolves forward Rick Nash about the Remparts goaltender. "We were given more than enough room in the offensive zone, and just kept peppering him while he kept stoning us. Luckily Horc got one in. Because he was kind of getting in our heads."
>>>
In the second period, it was clear that the Horcoff goal had raised the psyche of his club. Marion Gaborik took all of :18 seconds to put Thunder Bay up 2 while on the power play. The assists coming from John Tavares and Jordan Leopold.
>>>
Playing in his first pro game, John Carlson made an impact in his debut. Not for the good unfortunately. Just :29 seconds into the second, Carlson drilled Radim Vrbata face-first into the boards. Leaving the Quebec forward bloodied for the second time of the night after a fight with Dion Phaneuf in the first period. He would not miss a shift, but Carlson received 2-minutes for boarding and a 10-minute game misconduct.
>>>
Captain, Patrick Sharp made it 3-0 while with the man-advantage again at 13:22 from Dion Phaneuf and Gaborik. That score would hold through the first 40 minutes of hockey.
>>>
"I'd like to say that it's as simple as putting alot of shots on their goalie in order to win," said Sharp between periods. "But you've got to get alot of good, quality shots, and that's what we're doing here. Credit Dubnyk, he's stopping alot of them. But they're good shots from the boys."
>>>
In the third period, Quebec drew the Remparts within two at :29 seconds in from PA Parenteau.
>>>
The Timberwolves would answer at 13:49 with Cal Clutterbuck's first with his new team. Making it 4-1 and a score that would hold.
>>>
"It's nice to get a couple in there with the man-advantage," said Timberwolves head coach Craig Hartsburg after the game. "I thought the guys did a good job keeping their goalie busy. He [Dubnyk] did a great job in his own right even in a loss. But we didn't let up none, and that's an improvement from the first couple games when we let teams come back."
>>>
The Timberwolves will travel across the continent for the next game on Monday against the Portland Owls [3-1]. Centre Matt Duchene who was injured in the opening game will make is return then.
>>>
3-STARS
>>>
*Marian Gaborik [THU] - Game winning goal and an assist
**Cal Clutterbuk [THU] - Goal and 4 hits
***Devon Dubnyk [QUE] - 38 saves

CARLSON TO MAKE DEBUT IN QUEBEC

Hero from '10 WJC gold medal game for USA

Quebec City, Que.- The much anticipated debut of defenseman, John Carlson will take place on Saturday against the Remparts in Quebec according to Timberwolves coaches.
>>>
"Carlson will start today in place of [Niklas] Kronwall," said head coach Craig Hartsburg. "He will play on the third pairing with Nick Schultz."
>>>
Carlson has an extensive resume of coming up big in big games. No bigger than his overtime winner over Canada at the World Junior Championships on January 5, 2010 in the gold medal game for Team USA.
>>>
Originally drafted in the second round of the 2008 Draft by the now defunct Lahr club, Carlson was drafted again in the Contraction Draft by the Timberwolves in 2010. Being drafted out the USHL from the Indiana Ice, he then went onto the OHL's London Knights where he played with Timberwolves centre and 2009 first-overall-pick, John Tavares before spending all of last season with Thunder Bay's minor-league affiliate the Duluth Pups. This pre-season, the opening night roster spot was between he and Niklas Kronwall. The veteren Swede won that night, but now it is the Massachusetts-born, New Jersey-raised blueliners turn.

RYAN JOHNSON PICKED UP OFF WAIVERS

Thunder Bay, Ont.- On Thursday it was announced that the Timberwolves have picked up centre/winger, Ryan Johnson off waivers. Johnson was released last weekend by the Fort Erie Falcons.
>>>
Johnson, who has a history with not only the Timberwolves, but also a Thunder Bay-native will be in the lineup in Winnipeg this evening against the Ferrets.
>>>
"Ryan brings in so many dimensions that we just couldn't pass by," remarked Timberwolves GM Blake Wendt. "Even at 35, he's still got it. Skates like the wind, plays smart, is excellent on face-offs, blocks shots and is just an all-around team player. His veteran leadership will be welcomed by our club and the city he grew up in."
>>>
Johnson has been assigned the number 7.

WOLVES RUN OUT OF GAS

John Tavares

Thunder Bay, Ont.- The Timberwolves fell back to Earth on Tuesday when they were thumped 7-4 by the new Keflavik Whalers at home.
>>>
Thunder Bay went on top early, when defenseman Marc Staal scored his first for his hometown Timberwolves at just :46 seconds into the game.
>>>
Sophomore centre, John Tavares scored a pair at 1:25 and 2:41 with assists coming from Cal Clutterbuck and Milan Lucic.
>>>
The Whalers would score a pair of their own, and one more from the Timberwolves right-winger, Mike Knuble ended the opening session's scoring at 4-2 for Thunder Bay.
>>>
Keflavik controlled the second period, and add two more from Chris Stewart and Kristian Huselius to knot things up going into the third.
>>>
In the third period it was once again all Whalers. A tally from Nathan Horton at 10:20 finally put the road club on top, only to be added to :19 seconds later with a two-goal lead coming off the stick of Huselius. Keflavik iced the game at 14:35 with a goal from Maxime Talbot to finish off the comeback with a 7-4 victory for the Whalers.
>>>
"We got smoked," said a matter-of-fact Cal Clutterbuck after the contest. "I don't know if we just got too comfortable with that lead we had early. I don't know. But we let up them, when we clearly needed to put our foot on their throat and take them out."
>>>
"We were horrid in the face-off circles," said head coach Craig Hartsburg. "They just about what, doubled up on us in that department [20-39]? If you can't control or at least play close in the circles, you don't have a chance. That's where puck possession starts, and where you dictate your game. We were beat bad there, and the score reflects that."
>>>
The Timberwolves will hop the puddles west when they take on the Ferrets in Winnipeg on Thursday.
>>>
3-STARS
>>>
*Kristian Huselius [KEF] - 2 goals and 2 assists
**John Tavares [THU] - 2 goals
***Nathan Horton [KEF] - 2 goals and an assist

WOLVES TAKE OPENER; LOSE DUCHENE FOR WEEK

Thunder Bay, Ont.- Despite being down first, the Timberwolves scored the most important last goal in their 5-4 Opening Day win over the Calgary Chinook in the all-Canadian match up.
>>>
Francois Beauchemin put the visiting Chinook up 1-0 at 7:13 with assists from Mikko Koivu and Kyle Okposo. A lead they held until 18:49 when newly named Timberwolves captain, Patrick Sharp tied things up while on the power play, unassisted. The Timberwolves leader led by example and less than a minute later at 19:43 took the lead for his club with an assist from his centre, Matt Duchene.
>>>
Duchene, who was rewarded with a stellar pre-season with centering the Timberwolves top line would not play the final two periods of this opening game after laying out in front of a Brad Stuart shot that rolled up his body and struck his cheek just below his visor. X-rays were negative, but the second-year pivot will sit for the next week.
>>>
Calgary's Mark Giordano brought the Chinook back at 12:01 in the second period. Only to be answered by the Timberwolves two-time 50-goal-scorer, Marian Gaborik at 12:25. Former Chinook, Dion Phaneuf got the primary assist on the goal for his first Timberwolves point.
>>>
With six players dressed for Thunder Bay that were not on last year's club, there was bound to be first-time points to be had in their new sweater. At 2:20 in the third, defenseman Niklas Kronwall put the Timberwolves up by two for his first tally from Shawn Horcoff and Cal Clutterbuck. Their first points.
>>>
In a span of six minutes, the Timberwolves lead was quickly evaporated off two Chinook goals from Okposo and Jakub Voracek. But at 14:41, alternate captain Rick Nash scored the game-winner from Milan Lucic and John Tavares.
>>>
Thunder Bay's next game is Tuesday back at Canadian National Gardens when they welcome the former Havana Moon, now Keflavik Whalers to town.
>>>
3-STARS
>>>
*Patrick Sharp [THU] - 2 goals
**Rick Nash [THU] - Game-winning goal
***Kyle Okposo [CAL] - 1 goal and an assist

TIME TO PLAY FOR REAL

Niklas Kronwall

Thunder Bay, Ont.- The tune up games are over and Sunday marks the beginning of the 2011-12 CCHL regular season.
>>>For the Timberwolves, they take a 6-0 pre-season record for what it's worth, set their opening game roster and are looking forward for their tilt against the Calgary Chinook.
>>>"We're ready," said Thunder Bay GM Blake Wendt. "We have our team and are more than ready to get this thing going for real. Obviously there are some things we'd like to and need to improve on from the pre-season, especially our special teams [zero power play goals, and three short-handed goals against]. We'll keep a few guys up on a reserve/practise-basis and move them in and out for a few games to get a real good feel for our lines and pairings."
>>>So, how will things look on for the opener do you ask? Here you go...
First line: Matt Duchene centring Patrick Sharp and Marian Gaborik
Second line: John Tavares centring Milan Lucic and Rick Nash
Third line: Shawn Horcoff centring Cal Clutterbuck and Mike Knuble
Fourth line: Blair Betts centring Taylor Pyatt and a double shifted Gaborik
First D pairing: Dion Phaneuf and Jordan Leopold
Second D pairing: Marc Staal and Niklas Kronwall
Third D pairing: Nick Schultz and Anton Volchenkov
Starting goaltender: Henrik Lundqvist with James Reimer backing up
Reserve: D John Carlson, D Carl Gunnarsson, D Douglas Murray, F Antti Miettinen and F Colby Armstrong
Captains: Sharp [C] - Nash [A] - Schultz [A]

PRE-SEASON IN FULL SWING!

Milan Lucic

Thunder Bay, Ont.- The CCHL pre-season is upon us, and the Thunder Bay Timberwolves are off to a hot start with a re-vamped lineup and more abrassive style for the 2011-12 season.
>>>On Monday, the Timberwolves traveled across the country to take on the Victoria Ronin. A Marian Gaborik hat trick and three players with at least four points later, and the boys of the Superior lakehead skated away with a 7-1 victory.
>>>Tuesday saw the hockey club return home... well, for record-keeping purposes the Timberwolves were the home team when they took on the Dayton Musicmen at Mariucci Arena on the campus of the University of Minnesota.
>>>Curtis Glencross put the Musicmen up early for his second of the pre-season at 2:25 in the first period.
>>>A two-minute minor for slashing by Dayton's Corey Perry on Milan Lucic caught the ire of the Timberwolves, but nothing would come while on the power play.
>>>At 15:59, Lucic transformed his disdain for Perry's slash into a tying goal with assists coming from Niklas Kronwall and Rick Nash.
>>>With forgiveness not in his mind, Lucic and Perry met again, had words and then gloves shed. Unfortunately for Perry, Lucic hits as hard as he shoots the puck and while the Thunder Bay combatant sat in the box for five minutes, the Dayton punching bag needed some parts of his face sewn up.
>>>Cal Clutterbuck would notch himself two assists in the second period with the helpers on goals by Mike Knuble and Marc Staal.
>>>The third would remain scoreless, and the Timberwolves took the 3-1 win.
>>>"This was a good, hard-fought win for us tonight," said Timberwolves head coach Craig Hartsburg after the game. "There's work to be done, and we're still sloppy in alot of areas. But I liked the tempo of this one, and guys standing up for themselves and for each other while not being stupid about it."
>>>As for the next game, it is likely that rookie goaltender James Reimer will see his first action. The young keeper from Manitoba has been stellar through training camp and looks to have solidified himself as Henrik Lundqvist's backup for this season. With Reimer, the Timberwolves will have a vastly different lineup than this one against Dayton. Especially on the blueline, where Douglas Murray and Carl Gunnarsson have been penciled in for this third game. With Nick Schultz and Staal getting a night off.
>>>Pre-season continues until Saturday. The Timberwolves home opener at Canadian National Gardens is Sunday when they take on the Calgary Chinook before a national audience as the CBC's Hockey Night in Canada game of the week [as the only all-Canadian season opener].
>>>"It's exciting," said Timberwolves GM Blake Wendt. "Seems like this has been a very long summer, and we're just itching to get going. We need to get some things ironed out here in the pre-season, and hopefully get off to a good start on Sunday against Calgary."

CAMP ROSTER THINNING OUT AS 10 SENT DOWN

Andrej Nestrasil

Thunder Bay, Ont.- Ten survivors of the first week of cuts at the Timberwolves' Training Camp were re-assigned to Duluth and their respective junior clubs on Wednesday.
>>>Heading to the Pups is forward, Brett Hextall and goaltender, Marc Cheverie. The son of legenday netminder, Ron Hextall, Brett turned pro in the spring after spending two seasons at the University of North Dakota.
>>>Returning to their Canadian Hockey League teams are Sault Ste. Marie's [OHL] Nick Cousins and Ryan Sproul, Stuart Percy to Mississauga [OHL], Brandon Archibald to Saginaw [OHL], Tony DeHart to Oshawa [OHL], Justin Sefton to Sudbury [OHL], Travis Ewanyk to Edmonton [WHL] and Brandon Davidson to Regina [WHL].
>>>"We like the depth we have still up here [at training camp]," remarked general manager Blake Wendt this afternoon. "We've sent alot of very talented players down for a variety of reasons. Most to refine and mature their game and add more strength and stamina. Our trainers and coaches are meeting with each of them individually with what they need to improve and some goals to accomplish for this season."
>>>As camp continues, there is still four 2011 draftees making the most of their auditions [Casey Cizikas, Andy Miele, Carl Hagelin and Justin Fontaine].
>>>Friday's cuts will likely leave only the remaining players likely to make this year's hockey club and pre-season games are likely to start next week.

CAMP CONTINUES...

Andy Miele

Thunder Bay, Ont.- One week into the 2011-12 Training Camp for the Thunder Bay Timberwolves, and there are some players who's dreams of making this year's club have been taken down a notch, while others are surprising fans, coaches and management with making it through this first week.
>>>First, the cuts...
>>>The players from the NCAA knew their time in Thunder Bay would be limited. Not necessarily because they weren't ready, but because of the "48-hour rule" where in order to maintain their college eligibility they cannot have more than 48 continuous hours in contact with a professional hockey team. Those players include, in order of their prospect ranking... Anders Lee [Notre Dame], Blake Coleman [Miami], Max Gardiner [undeclared], Nico Sacchetti [Minnesota], Erik Haula [Minnesota], Zach Budish [Minnesota], Joe Basaraba [Minnesota-Duluth], Jake Hansen [Minnesota], Justin Jokinen [Minnesota State], Ben Blood [North Dakota], Justin Holl [Minnesota], Scott Mayfield [Denver], Mark Alt [Minnesota], Mike Lee [St. Cloud State] and Dan Dunn [St. Cloud State]. All were re-assigned to their university except for Gardiner who was sent to the USHL's Dubuque Fighting Saints. All were released on Tuesday, but officially released on Day 3 [Wednesday].
>>>Day 5 cuts are initially re-assigned the Timberwolves minor-league affiliate in Duluth, MN [Pups] and evaluated again there. Those cuts include, Justin Mercier, Mike Carman, Jay Barriball, Pat White, Josh Birkholz, Josh Godfrey and Chad Johnson.
>>>Making it through the first week are eight 2011 draftees [Casey Cizikas, Nick Cousins, Andy Miele, Carl Hagelin, Travis Ewanyk, Justin Fontaine, Stuart Percy and Ryan Sproul].
>>>Camp continues through October 15th, and culminating with the team tradition of running to the top of Mount McKay.

WOLVES ADD TO BRUISING BRAND OF HOCKEY

>>>
Thunder Bay, Ont.- On Saturday it was announced that the Thunder Bay Timberwolves added winger, Cal Clutterbuck to their roster in a deal with the Fort Erie Falcons for prospect Pat Maroon and their 2nd and 3rd round picks in 2012. The Wolves also acquired Fort Erie's 5th round pick in 2012.
>>>Despite only notching five points last season, Clutterbuck was a coveted player that Blake Wendt [Timberwolves GM] has targeted for a long time.
>>>"I'm sure Matt [Young, Falcons GM] was getting tired of hearing from me," remarked Wendt. "I don't know if there was an offer made that didn't involve Clutterbuck in some capacity. Points are not what we're looking at when it comes to what he brings to the table. He's a hard-nosed, abrasive guy that hits like a train. He doesn't shy away from dropping the mitts, and keeps the opponent honest. We really like his motor while still maintaining a level head and not going too far. Cal fits the mold perfectly with what we want to bring every game. Playing a high-tempo, in-your-face, punishing game. If we want to have success against the high-powered clubs in this league, we've got to take it to them, take them off their game and establish our own. We're hopeful that this is a formula that gets results."
>>>Clutterbuck arrived in Thunder Bay on Saturday afternoon, where he met with team officials and coaches before getting his gear [assigned jersey number 23], meeting his teammates and taking part in a light skate at Canadian National Gardens where Training Camp is in full swing.
>>>Sunday will be an off day for players, before the weeks full contact drills resume. First cuts will occur on Wednesday.

2011-12 TRAINING CAMP OPENS!

John Carlson

Thunder Bay, Ont.- The players have all returned to the lakehead of Lake Superior and the Timberwolves are ready to embark on their fifth training camp in Thunder Bay after a successful 2010-11 season which saw them take the eventual CCHL Cup champions six games in their series.
>>>"We were pleased if not surprised with our season last year," said Timberwolves general manager Blake Wendt. "I'd be lying if I thought we were positioned to make a move to go that deep in the playoffs. But I thought we were good. So with success comes higher standards, and we're looking to take this thing further and go the distance."
>>>Evidence of the higher standards are clear on the Thunder Bay blueline. It is all too possible that the top two pairings will feature players that did not play for the Timberwolves last season.
>>>Hockey guru's around the league believe that newly acquired Marc Staal and rookie, John Carlson will be huge minute-munchers. Followed by Niklas Kronwall who was picked up from Hamilton and fellow bruiser, Dion Phaneuf or even Jordan Leopold who played sparingly in a reserve role for the Timberwolves. The third pairing looks like a dog fight between fellow Swedes, Carl Gunnarsson (last season's team rookie of the year) and Douglas Murray paired with one of Anton Volchenkov or Phaneuf or Leopold. The odd man out being longtime Timberwolf, Nick Schultz.
>>>"Our depth on the blueline is like nothing we've had before," said Wendt. "Alot of these guys that are so far slotted as three's or reserves could easily play as one's or two's on other teams. But the injury bug is a nasty reality in this game, and we unfortunately have to prepare for the worst of it."
>>>In goal there is no question who owns the net. Henrik Lundqvist will again play the vast majority of time. The question will be, can rookie James Reimer knock off Brian Elliott for the backup job? Reimer has been stellar throughout rookie and prospect camps this summer and was brought in last season to clearly push Elliott and cause a stiff competition in net.
>>>Up front, the change is up the middle. Marc Savard has still not been cleared for contact after suffering a concussion from a devastating hit from Craig Rivet of Copenhagen during the playoffs. Losing the primary setup man for two-time 50-goal scorer, Marian Gaborik is a huge loss. The opportunity now is to see if sophmores John Tavares or Matt Duchene can step up in that role. Or does newly named captain, Patrick Sharp move off the wing?
>>>The trade of Ales Hemsky in the Kronwall deal likely means Rick Nash moves from the left side to his preferred right wing. Does he leapfrog Gaborik on the top line?
>>>The emergence of Milan Lucic suggests that the burly BC-native will garnar top-six minutes on the left wing. Likely second line. That spot is all but his to lose.
>>>Bottom six lines are a crapshoot right now. The trade of Mike Fisher leaves the pivot to either newly acquired Shawn Horcoff or Derek MacKenzie with the darkhorse being Blair Betts or possible games from Savard. On the wings, there could be a fight between Antti Miettinen and Taylor Pyatt on the left side. The right side belonging to Mike Knuble, if either one of Miettinen or Pyatt can't knock him down.
>>>"Competition at mulitple spots makes for an outstanding camp," remarked head coach Craig Hartsburg. "Makes things fresh and nobody gets relaxed. As a coach, you want 100% effort all the time. That's not always possible. Especially at this time of year when guys are just trying to get their legs back. But competition kind of forces it."
>>>Training Camp officially opened on Saturday for player physicals. With sixty players, including all non-NCAA prospects in, this is the busiest day of the year for team trainers and physicians.
>>>Sunday will be dedicated to one-on-one player meetings, conditioning drills and dryland drills. Full contact, on-ice training camp begins on Monday through Saturday, October 1st.

>>>
Thunder Bay, Ont.- On the eve of Training Camp, the Thunder Bay Timberwolves have finally announced their captain--Patrick Sharp.
>>>Sharp, a Thunder Bay-native was thought of by many to be the clear choice to lead the Timberwolves. He had been an alternate captain for the past two seasons, and lead all optional skates with teammates this summer.
>>>"Sharpie has been a leader of this club for awhile now," said Timberwolves general manager Blake Wendt. "He's everything you look for in a hockey player. Plays a complete game and the highest level, and leads with his on-ice performance, in the room and like this summer with the optional stuff. Being from Thunder Bay is just a bonus. He's ingrained in the community and is just a quality human being that parents should not worry about their children looking up to. This is a great day for Patrick, the Timberwolves and the City of Thunder Bay."
>>>Sharp succeeds Keith Ballard who was not re-signed in the offseason and Joe Thornton and the third captain in club history.
>>>Alternate captains will be named after the conclusion of Training Camp and before the pre-season.

ROOKIE CAMP OPENS

Thunder Bay, Ont.- Today at Canadian National Gardens in Thunder Bay, Ontario, the Timberwolves will open up the 'eve' of Training Camp if you will with a look at the future with their Rookie Camp for the next six days.
>>>It's an exciting time of year," remarked newly named assistant coach, Dean McAmmond who will be running the camp. "As a prospect, it doesn't get any bigger then this at this point in your hockey career. A chance to show the club that drafted or traded for you, that they made the right choice. There's also that chance that you may do enough here to have gained a step for Training Camp and maybe some ice-time in real CCHL games."
>>>This year's camp, even with the departure of four high-profile prospects dealt in the Phaneuf trade, will be loaded with 14 forwards, 15 defensemen and 3 goaltenders.
>>>
Forwards
60 Casey Cizikas
61 Andy Miele
63 Ryan Thang
72 Brett Hextall
75 Nick Cousins
76 Justin Mercier
79 Justin Fontaine
81 Travis Ewanyk
82 Josh Birkholz
85 Pat Maroon
87 Andrej Nestrasil
91 Jay Barriball
93 Carl Hagelin
97 Pat White
Defensemen
34 John Carlson
38 Brandon Davidson
39 Justin Sefton
40 Aaron Ness
42 Tyler Eckford
43 Jeff Foss
46 Adam Comrie
49 Stuart Percy
51 Ryan Sproul
54 Tony DeHart
65 Cade Fairchild
73 Brandon Archibald
78 Johan Motin
92 Josh Godfrey
96 Theo Ruth
Goaltenders
35 Chad Johnson
37 Marc Cheverie
70 James Reimer
>>>
2011 Draftee

WOLVES LAND DION

Dion Phaneuf

Thunder Bay, Ont.- The Thunder Bay Timberwolves announced to the hockey world on Friday that they are open for business and motivated to make sure they are legitimate players in the 2011-12 season.
>>>The Timberwolves acquired defenseman Dion Phaneuf from the Calgary Chinook in exchange for four high-caliber prospects in forward Taylor Beck, defenseman Ian Cole and 2011 draftee forwards, Ty Rattie and Zack Phillips.
>>>Phaneuf, 26, joins Thunder Bay after scoring 24 points in 82 games for Calgary last season. Numbers that Timberwolves management feel are more reflective of the overall Chinook team.
>>>"We're not concerned with the stats that Dion put up there last season," said Timberwolves general manager Blake Wendt from his office at Canadian National Gardens in Thunder Bay. "Every player over there put up numbers that were sub-par and just indicative of what was going on there."
>>>"We're are extremely pleased to have brought in Dion Phaneuf and adding to our overall depth on our blueline. We paid a high price with some quality prospects that Calgary is and will be very pleased to have themselves. But we didn't give up a roster player though, and especially didn't swap out one of our current defensemen to bring in Phaneuf. It will be a wonderful competition to have in camp."
>>>Preliminary pairings look something like (1) Marc Staal / John Carlson, (2) Niklas Kronwall / Dion Phaneuf or Jordan Leopold and (3) Carl Gunnarsson or Douglas Murray / Dion Phaneuf or Anton Volchenkov
>>>An overall group that should strike fear in the opposition if not for anything more than the punishing contact initiated by the likes of Staal, Kronwall, Phaneuf, Murray and Volchenkov.
>>>"I think we have some pretty good balance," said Wendt. "The physical edge seems to be obvious. But I like the mix of that with offensive guys that play a polished game in their own end as well."
>>>It has not been announced what number will be assigned to Phaneuf. He's worn #3 since juniors, but that number is currently assigned to Murray.

2011-12 PRE-SEASON PROSPECT RANKINGS

Brayden Schenn

Thunder Bay, Ont.- For prospects of the Thunder Bay Timberwolves, there is one more opportunity to impress coaches and management next week with the third and final Prospect Camp of the summer before the big one [Training Camp] in mid-September.
>>>But before that, they will see where they rank now in the eyes of the decision-makers.
>>>"We release this list now and publicly, so that we can maybe give a boost to the guys that are deeper on the list to prove us wrong," said Timberwolves general manager Blake Wendt. "It's not meant to crush guys and put them down. We just want to see who wants it the most. From top to bottom, we're looking at everything. Everything is earned here. Will the guys at the top sit back and relax and use this camp as tune up for Training Camp? Will the guys at the bottom just say 'screw it' and pack it in and reflect their ranking? We hope not for either."
>>>
01-Brayden Schenn [centre]
02-Jame Reimer [goaltender]
03-Ian Cole [defenseman]
04-Taylor Beck [left-wing]
05-Ty Rattie [right-wing]
06-Anders Lee [centre]
07-Stuart Percy [defenseman]
08-Andrej Nestrasil [centre]
09-Zack Phillips [centre]
10-Zach Budish [right-wing]
11-Casey Cizikas [centre]
12-Erik Haula [left-wing]
13-Mike Lee [goaltender]
14-Tyler Eckford [defenseman]
15-Brandon Davidson [defenseman]
16-Scott Mayfield [defenseman]
17-Ryan Sproul [defenseman]
18-Carl Hagelin [left-wing]
19-Justin Mercier [centre]
20-Nick Cousins [centre]
21-Chad Johnson [goaltender]
22-Travis Ewanyk [left-wing]
23-Andy Miele [centre]
24-Adam Comrie [defenseman]
25-Justin Fontaine [right-wing]
26-Ben Blood [defenseman]
27-Justin Sefton [defenseman]
28-Brandon Archibald [defenseman]
29-Joe Basaraba [right-wing]
30-Marc Cheverie [goaltender]
31-Pat Maroon [left-wing]
32-Mike Carman [centre]
33-AJ Jenks [left-wing]
34-Jay Barriball [centre]
35-Jake Hansen [right wing]
36-Blake Coleman [centre]
37-Ryan Thang [left-wing]
38-Tony DeHart [defenseman]
39-Aaron Ness [defenseman]
40-Cade Fairchild [defenseman]
41-Brett Hextall [centre]
42-Josh Birkholz [right-wing]
43-Jeff Foss [defenseman]
44-Dan Dunn [goaltender]
45-Theo Ruth [defenseman]
46-Max Gardiner [centre]
47-Johan Motin [defenseman]
48-Mark Alt [defenseman]
49-Justin Holl [defenseman]
50-Nico Sacchetti [centre]
51-Justin Jokinen [right-wing]
52-Pat White [centre]
53-Josh Godfrey [defenseman]
54-Jonas Ahnelov [defenseman]
55-Nick Oliver [centre]

PRE-SEASON PRELIMINARY PROSPECT RANKINGS

Thunder Bay, Ont.- In the dead of summer, halfway between the Entry Draft and the start of Training Camp, the Thunder Bay Timberwolves are releasing their preliminary rankings by position of the prospects in their system.
>>>
Centre
01-Brayden Schenn
02-Anders Lee
03-Andrej Nestrasil
04-Zack Phillips
05-Casey Cizikas
06-Justin Mercier
07-Nick Cousins
08-Andy Miele
09-Mike Carman
10-Jay Barriball
11-Blake Coleman
12-Brett Hextall
13-Max Gardiner
14-Nico Sacchetti
15-Patrick White
16-Nick Oliver
>>>
Left-Wing
01-Taylor Beck
02-Erik Haula
03-Carl Hagelin
04-Travis Ewanyk
05-Patrick Maroon
06-AJ Jenks
07-Ryan Thang
>>>
Right-Wing
01-Ty Rattie
02-Zach Budish
03-Justin Fontaine
04-Joe Basaraba
05-Jake Hansen
06-Josh Birkholz
07-Justin Jokinen
>>>
Defensemen
01-Ian Cole
02-Stuart Percy
03-Tyler Eckford
04-Brandon Davidson
05-Scott Mayfield
06-Ryan Sproul
07-Adam Comrie
08-Ben Blood
09-Justin Sefton
10-Brandon Archibald
11-Tony DeHart
12-Aaron Ness
13-Cade Fairchild
14-Jeff Foss
15-Theo Ruth
16-Johan Motin
17-Mark Alt
18-Justin Holl
19-Josh Godfrey
20-Jonas Ahnelov
>>>
Goaltenders
01-James Reimer
02-Mike Lee
03-Chad Johnson
04-Marc Cheverie
05-Dan Dunn