OVERTIME YIELDS LONG-AWAITED WIN

Sharp's four points help Wolves snap losing streak

>>>

Thunder Bay, Ont- It's been a tough stretch for the Timberwolves since beginning the second half of the season. But a quick overtime tally from their leading scorer iced two points against the Karlstad Killers before embarking on a 5-game road trip.

>>>Patrick Sharp [pictured] opened the scoring 1:28 into the game for the Thunder Bay-native's 21st goal of the season from his centre Marc Savard and captain, Keith Ballard.

>>>Marian Gaborik, who leads the Timberwolves in points, doubled things up at 3:43 in the first period. Getting assists from Sharp and Savard, who all of the sudden had 2 points in the game early.

>>>The rest of the opening twenty minutes netted two more goals for Thunder Bay. Ales Hemsky's 21st and Mike Fisher's 22nd while with a man-advantage. But three goals from Karlstad kept things interesting.

>>>The second period's lone goal came off the stick of Timberwolves' defenseman, Keith Ballard. For the captain's 6th of the season unassisted.

>>>The third period saw Karlstad's Patrick Marleau score two goals in a matter of :15 seconds of each other to even things up. Thunder Bay could not answer and the game went to overtime.

>>>In the overtime, it was a quick ending. The first shift in extras, Slovakian sniper, Marian Gaborik took a feed from Sharp and at the 60:13 mark of the game brought home a long-awaited win for the Timberwolves.

>>>"We needed this," said Gaborik after the game. "We worked hard against a tough opponent and came out on top. Gives us something to build on for the road and to get this thing turned around. Guys did a great job out there today."

>>>The road trip begins immediately for the Timberwolves. Their next game is tomorrow at Victoria against the Ronin.

>>>

>>>3-STARS

>>>

>>>*Patrick Sharp (THU) - 1 goal and 3 assists

>>**Marian Gaborik (THU) - 2 goals, including game-winner in overtime

>***Patrick Marleau (KRL) - 2 goals

FROM THE OFFICE OF THE GENERAL MANAGER

Despite their recent struggles, the Thunder Bay Timberwolves are a far cry from the 9-win hockey club of two seasons ago.
>>>As Blake Wendt prepares his team for an extended season, the general manager sat down with CBC Thunder Bay for a rare 1-on-1 interview.
>>>
Q: The direction of your organization has been a dramatic move forward in only a couple seasons since you've been at the helm. When you moved to Thunder Bay for the 2007-08 season, you finished dead last with nine wins. The next season you win twenty more. Then last season you make the playoffs for the first time and lose in seven games in the first round to Denver. This season you're one of the top clubs in the CCHL. How do you explain the turn around in what many view as a short period of time?
>>>
A: Simply put, alot of work. When I took over, we needed to completely wipe the slate clean. There were little to no quality prospects in the system. Thus there was no future and nothing to look forward to. We had to start there. We moved high quality players out and brought in high quality prospects and a quanity of draft picks. As we built our foundation through the draft, we also started bringing pieces in here and there that would accent the youth coming up. We've stuck with the plan for the most part and we are where we want to be as we move forward.
>>>
Q: Where have you deterred from the plan?
>>>
A: This season kind of snuck up on us. We knew we'd be better. But we did not think we would be in the position we are in. With that, we changed gears some and added pieces to help with moving deep into the playoffs. We also added salaries while not moving players under contract out. So financially we've taken a hit.
>>>
Q: How have you addressed the additional costs coming next season with the boost in pay for restricted free agents?
>>>
A: We haven't addressed it in the sense that we're moving guys now to prepare for it. We know what our payroll roughly looks like for next season with the current players we have and the ones coming up. It's not a number we're comfortable with honestly. So likely guys will be moved in the offseason. But for the purposes of addressing that issue now? No. Our focus is success this season.
>>>
Q: Does that mean that you are set with the current lineup you have to make a run in the playoffs?
>>>
A: I wouldn't say set in stone. But I like this group alot as is, and feel completely comfortable with taking them deep into the playoffs.
>>>
Q: The Timberwolves have struggled since the 41-game mark of the season. This after going 11 straight without a loss. Does a 2-6 record immediately following that streak concern you in regards to the mental makeup of this team?
>>>
A: No. Absolutely not. Every team in these league goes through stretches of losses and stretches of success. Ours happened to coincide with each other. Our losses have not been a result of a lack of effort. Only one of them were we even outshot. The last one [against Portland], we outshot them 54-25. We've come up against solid goaltending and like Sharpie [Patrick Sharp] said the other day, we're just not getting the same bounces our way that we had. Sometimes the hockey gods are not on your side. But I'm not worried about not finding that success again.
>>>
Q: Like the way that you've built up your club through the draft, Copenhagen has done much the same. They, like you are a top club in the league in a short period of time and have aspirations this season of a championship. How do you compare each others arsenals?
>>>
A: First off, Bruce [Niblett, Crusaders GM] has done alot of things right. He's been patient with the process and drafted alot of high quality players throughout the draft. Anyone can fail a hockey season and pick a unanimous #1. We both have. But it takes alot of work, knowledge and luck to draft those studs thoughout the draft. Bruce has done that. To compare our clubs? Our rosters are deep and depth charts deeper. Successful teams come and go, but I see Copenhagen being one of our biggest rivals consistently for a very long time.
>>>
Q: A typical trade offer either being made or asked about. How quickly does it take to strike a deal?
>>>
A: There is nothing typical from one offer to the next. Usually I like to counter any offer made. But sometimes there's just no meat on the bone to work around. Some deals are quick and there are no counters made. Some take awhile to materialize. Even from one season to the next. But there is nothing typical.
>>>
Q: How often are prospects in the Thunder Bay system evaluated?
>>>
A: On a constant basis. Maybe not game-by-game, but we have our fingers on the pulse of our prospects. They are constantly monitored.
>>>
Q: Who are you most impressed with this season and in their overall development?
>>>
A: A couple that have struck me this season are Michael Latta in Guelph [Storm, OHL] and Anders Lee at Notre Dame [NCAA]. Latta's game has really broadened from when we drafted him. He's a real solid player that is consistent in all areas of his game. He brings alot more to the table than what we even seen when we drafted him. Lee is just an all-around stud. His high school game was stellar when we drafted him. But like everyone taken out of high school is tough to really read how good they really are. Anders excelled at the next level in the USHL, where alot of elite players end of struggling to adjust. At Notre Dame he keeps adjusting and overcoming and really has exploded there. Not typical of freshmen coming in at any NCAA school.
>>>
CBC: Thank you for your time and good luck this season.
>>>
Wendt: You're welcome. Thanks for having me.

>>> Thunder Bay, Ont- The pre-game hype was huge in Thunder Bay on Saturday. Don Cherry and Ron MacLean were in town with CBC's Hockey Night in Canada crew for the game of the week. Two likely playoff-bound hockey clubs were in house at the Canadian National Gardens. The Portland Owls were looking to get over the .500 mark and climb up the standings. The once hot Thunder Bay Timberwolves were looking to stabilze themselves and end their two-game losing streak.
>>The Owls got what they wanted. Dropping the Timberwolves 4-1 before a stunned crowd. >>>Thunder Bay's Marc Savard opened the scoring at 3:18 into the game for the Ottawa-native's 12th of the season from Marian Gaborik and Keith Ballard. The atmosphere was electric and the Timberwolves were looking great for all of Canada, and hockey fans in the United States and Newfoundland. That lasted all of 75 seconds.
>>>Portland's Jamie Langenbrunner tied things up at 4:33 and three more from the Owls through the next 55 plus minutes downed the home club, Timberwolves 4-1 for their 3rd straight loss and 6-of-8 since crossing the midway point of the season.
>>>Thunder Bay had their chances. Alot of chances... 54 to be exact. As in shots. But the dominating goaltending of Ty Conklin ruined that.
>>>"It's frustrating for sure," said a solemn Patrick Sharp after the game. "We're in a rut and not getting the same bounces we were getting. It's not for a lack of effort. Everyone's giving it their all. When you double up the shots (54-25) and they come out with the 2 points... that's tough to swallow."
>>>The opposition does not get any easier for the next one on Monday against the Karlstad Killers (28-19-2) who currently sit 6 points and 3 spots behind Thunder Bay in the overall standings.
>>>
>>> >>>3-STARS
>>>
>>>*Ty Conklin (POR) - 53 saves and 1 GA for win
>>**JP Dumont (POR) - 2 goals (including GWG)
>***Marc Savard (THU) - 1 goal

NOT-SO-HOT WOLVES LIMP HOME

Calgary, Alb- For the fourth time in the last six games, the Timberwolves exit an arena with a loss. Falling to the suddenly out-of-the-playoff-picture Chinook, 4-3. This after hitting the midway mark in the season with a 9-game win streak and points in eleven straight.
>>>For whatever the reason(s), Thunder Bay has not looked the same since losing defenseman, Anton Volchenkov five games ago in their first of the four recent losses.
>>>With Volchenkov scheduled to return for the Timberwolves next game at home against the defending CCHL Champs (River Cities), his teammates are looking forward to the stability and to stop hearing about gunking things up in his absence.
>>>"Really, we get it," snapped Mike Fisher [pictured] after Tuesdays loss. "Volch is a very important piece to this team. But we've not played anywhere near to our level since he's been out. It's hard to replace what he brings to the table. But that's not on the guys that have come in for him. We, all of us as players have to get back at it. Especially now that he's back. We cannot let up one bit and think that we're safe."
>>>Tuesdays game in Calgary also saw a first in a Timberwolves sweater for Brooks Orpik. Acquired Monday from Winnipeg. Orpik's former team follows Thunder Bay's schedule and was on their way to Reykjavik from Copenhagen when the deal was announced. With injuries to Volchenkov and Carl Gunnarsson, there was no time to work into and getting to know his new teammates. Orpik played 25 minutes, took 1 shot and was a -1 in this Timberwolves debut.
>>>"It was in no way an ideal situation for Brooks today," said Timberwolves GM Blake Wendt. "We were hoping to strike a deal when we were in Iceland and Winnipeg was in Copenhagen. Would've been much easier, logistically, but it didn't work out. Plus adding the injuries we have and had on the blueline, we needed him to step up right away. I'm sure he would've liked a better first game, but we were pleased under the circumstances and are thrilled to have him here."
>>>The Timberwolves next game is Thursday back at the Canadian National Gardens against the Renegades (23-19-5).
>>>
>>>3-STARS
>>>
>>>*Craig Anderson (CAL) - 41 saves
>>**Claude Giroux (CAL) - Game-winning goal
>***Brad Stuart (CAL) - 2 assists

ORPIK ACQUIRED FROM WINNIPEG

Thunder Bay, Ont- On Monday, the Thunder Bay Timberwolves announced a trade for defenseman, Brooks Orpik from the Winnipeg Ferrets.
>>>Orpik will join the Timberwolves as their highest scoring defenseman, with the Buffalo-native enjoying a suprisingly good season despite Winnipeg being out of a playoff position and sitting at a 15-27-4 record. Orpik has 2 goals and 28 assists for 30 points over 45 games. He is also a +16. Putting him over the previous team high of 29 points from the blueline from Erik Johnson.
>>>The deal also included Winnipeg's 5th round pick in this years draft and $200,000 in cash, in exchange for prospects Chris Summers (D), Colby Robak (D) and David Toews (C). A big hit to the Timberwolves pool of prospects.
>>>Orpik will catch up with his new club in Calgary for Tuesday's game against the Chinook.

WOLVES ERUPT IN ICELAND

Johnson's four helpers down Puffin on Sunday

>>>

>>>Reykjavik, Iceland- A dominating tilt against the last-place Puffin was exactly what the Timberwolves needed to get themselves back on the right track.

>>>A Mike Fisher goal at 1:57 into the game was answered right back by Reykjavik's Devon Setoguchi at 2:43. That was last moment of chance for the Puffin.

>>>Thunder Bay would finish out the opening 20 minutes with three more goals from Patrick Sharp, Marc Savard and Simon Gagne.

>>>The 2nd period was Reykjavik's best opportunity to comeback. Outshooting the Timberwolves 11-7. But Henrik Lundqvist was sharp and answered the bell on all eleven shots.

>>>In the final 20 minutes, Thunder Bay unleashed a fury of offense on Martin Biron and the Puffin. Lighting the lamp four more times from Sharp again, Marian Gaborik, Rick Nash and a short-handed tally from Blair Betts to finish off Reykjavik 8-1.

>>>"We knew what we had to do," remarked Timberwolves alternate captain, Mike Fisher after the game. "We've been a little dinged up of late and haven't been playing to our potential either. We needed to get back at it and we did just that today. Last place or not, we respect all of our opponents and we did the Puffin. If you play or let up on anyone, they'll get you on the chin everytime."

>>>The injury bug showed it's ugly face again in Iceland. Rookie defenseman, Carl Gunnarsson will miss the next two games after suffering a lower-body injury when blocking a shot. Gunnarsson will join Anton Volchenkov on the shelf who is still a game away from returning to the lineup despite traveling and skating with the club.

>>>Recently acquired, Jordan Leopold who was just re-assigned from the practise squad to Duluth has been recalled and will take up some of Gunnarsson's 23-minutes.

>>>Thunder Bay continues their road trip on Tuesday when they head to the Saddledome to take on the Calgary Chinook (18-26-2).

>>>

>>>3-STARS

>>>

>>>*Patrick Sharp (THU) - 2 goals and an assist

>>**Erik Johnson [pictured] (THU) - 4 assists

>***Marc Savard (THU) - 1 goal and 2 assists

WOLVES STRUGGLES CONTINUE IN SWEDEN

Wisborg, Sweden- For the Thunder Bay Timberwolves the 2010-11 season has been the hottest start since their inception in 2007. But since the halfway mark of this season, they have been anything but spectacular. That did not change in the Kingdom of Sweden. Losing to the Donuts 5-3, and their third in the last four games.
>>>The recent acquisitions of Ryan Getzlaf and Alex Ovechkin for Wisborg, shined on Friday. Having scored or been apart of four of the Donuts five tallies.
>>>"They had our number today," said Timberwolves forward TJ Oshie [pictured] after the game. "Getzlaf's line was killer and we didn't have an answer for them. We didn't match their intensity and work and we paid for it."
>>>"It's frustrating even from the press box to see an opponent completely dominate you," said Timberwolves GM Blake Wendt. "From the first shift we were on our heels and it was all up hill from there. They controlled the game and we just couldn't get into any kind of groove."
>>>Despite hockey being very much a 'team' game, the Timberwolves are clearly missing Anton Volchenkov on the blueline. Since losing their Russian defenseman, Thunder Bay has allowed 14 goals against in the last 3 games. Some are not so convinced it's such a simple answer though.
>>>"Of course we're a better club with Volch out here," said captain Keith Ballard. "But we've simply gotten off our game. We're not getting into it from the drop of the puck and teams are taking it to us. Maybe it's complacency, maybe it's just a lack of respect for our opponent. But we've all got to get our heads and our hearts in it. The talent is not lacking... maybe it's a mental thing. Whatever it is, we need to get our heads out of our asses."
>>>The Timberwolves play again on Sunday in Iceland against the last place Reykjavik Puffin.
>>>
>>>3-STARS
>>>
>>>*Mikael Samuelsson (WIS) - Hat trick and an assist
>>**Ryan Getzlaf (WIS) - 1 goal and 3 assists
>***Alex Ovechkin (WIS) - 3 assists

CARLSON TOPS MID-SEASON RANKINGS

Thunder Bay, Ont- Defenseman, John Carlson [pictured] tops the Thunder Bay Timberwolves mid-season Prospect Rankings for the 2010-11 season. The pre-season #1, John Tavares is considered a graduate along with Matt Duchene (2) and Carl Gunnarsson (8).

>>>Coming in at #2 is Swedish winger, Linus Omark who was acquired from Prague with the departure of former Timberwolves prospects, Magnus Paajarvi, Louis Leblanc and Oliver Ekman-Larsson.

>>>Carlson and Omark are expected to be key players to make the 2011-12 roster. Number 3, Ian Cole will also likely get some looks.

>>>"I'm pleased with the overall development thus far of our prospects," remarked Timberwolves GM Blake Wendt via Skype while the big club is on the road in Sweden to take on Wisborg on Friday. "We have guys making remarkable improvements and others that have seemed to stall out. Even despite the departure and number of prospects down from even the pre-season, we're excited about the future and development of this core group."

>>>The complete list of the rankings is listed to the left of this page.

...AND THE LAW WON

Lundvist's 33 saves not enough to overcome shootout at the CNG

>>>

>>>Thunder Bay, Ont- After going 11 games without a loss to close out the first half of the 2010-11 season, the Timberwolves have now opened up the second half by losing 2-of-3. Downed 6-5 on Wednesday by the visiting Beverly Hills Lawmasters.

>>>Both clubs went goal for goal in the opening 20 minutes of play, with the Timberwolves taking a 2-1 lead into the intermission.

>>>"[Henrik] Lundqvist [pictured] kept us in it there in the first," said captain, Keith Ballard between periods. "We have to get those shots against down [11-6 in favour of BEV] and even our chances more. Still a ways to go."

>>>The shots did not drop much in the second period, and Lundqvist let in two off of the ten Lawmasters attempts. Thunder Bay did not score and were down 3-2 going into the third period.

>>>In the third it was back to the goal for goal game for both clubs.

>>>A tying goal from Antti Miettinen at :12 seconds in was matched at :35 by Beverly Hills' Martin Erat. Mike Fisher tied it up again at 6:47. Only to be answered by Mathieu Schneider at 11:38. John Tavares brought the Timberwolves back at 12:12... only to be answered by Kimmo Timonen at 12:59 to close out the scoring and scratch out a win for the Lawmasters.

>>>"The third had to be exciting from the fan's perspective," said Timberwolves head coach, Craig Hartsburg after the game. "From behind the bench it's not exciting at all. Credit our guys for being resilient and keeping it close. But we gave them way too many chances, and in the end they made the best of them and took two points on their way out the door. Games like this cannot be accepted here. The standards are higher than ever and if we're not consistent from one game to the next. Then what's the point? We have to be much better than this."

>>>The Timberwolves will be on the road for the next 6 days with tilts against Wisborg [Fri], Reykjavik [Sun] and Calgary [Tues].

>>>

>>>3-STARS

>>>

>>>*Kimmo Timonen (BEV) - Game-winning goal

>>**Teemu Selanne (BEV) - 1 goal and 2 assists

>***Henrik Lundqvist (THU) - 33 saves in losing effort

SWEET REDEMPTION

Gaborik hat trick highlights rout over Ibex

>>>

Thunder Bay, Ont- Following a 3-1 loss the day before in Bismarck, the Timberwolves looked to bounce back in game 2 of the home-at-home against the North Dakota Ibex on Monday.

>>>Mike Fisher opened the scoring for Thunder Bay just 2:10 into the game. Goals from John Tavares, Marc Savard, Ales Hemsky and Marian Gaborik [pictured] off of 20 shots on Roberto Luongo, and the Timberwolves took a commanding 5-0 lead through 20 minutes of play.

>>>"To say we were a little pissed off about our streak ending to these guys the day before would be putting it very mildly," said centre Marc Savard between periods. "No one wants to lose, and we were no different. But if you do lose, you want to get right back at it right away. This was a gift from the schedule makers."

>>>Things cooled off some in the second period. But another 10 shots on Luongo and another Timberwolves tally from Matt Duchene, kept a win within reach.

>>>A Kyle Wellwood goal in the third ruined Henrik Lundqvist's bid for a 5th shutout, but caused no alarm for the Timberwolves. Two more goals from Gaborik completed the Slovak's 2nd hat trick of the season and finished off the Ibex 8-1 before a capacity crowd at Canadian National Gardens.

>>>The injury bug did hit the Thunder Bay blueline once again though. Adam Foote, who was in for an injured Anton Volchenkov was struck in the face with a Ibex clearing shot. Foote who was going to be replaced by the return of Erik Johnson anyway for the next game, will take this injury back to Duluth.

>>>"Couldn't have asked for a better response," said Timberwolves GM Blake Wendt after the game when asked about the win after the 11-game point steak ended the day before. "It was disappointing to have that streak end, but it was inevitable. What I wanted to see was exactly what I seen today. A win for one. But a statement-making, complete controlling win shows the resilience of the group we have here. Now we just need to remain consistent and we'll be alright."

>>>The Timberwolves next game is on Wednesday when the Beverly Hills Lawmasters (21-19-3) visit Thunder Bay.

>>>

>>>3-STARS

>>>

>>>*Marian Gaborik (THU) - Hat trick (2nd of season)

>>**Marc Savard (THU) - Goal and 2 assists

>***Ales Hemsky (THU) - Goal and an assist

WOLVES LOSE 1st IN 11; VOLCHENKOV HURT

Volchenkov injured in rare Wolves loss
>>>
Bismarck, N.Dak- For the first time in 11 contests, the Timberwolves suffer a 3-1 loss to the North Dakota Ibex in Bismarck. Even more painful though, is the loss of their defensive specialist, Anton Volchenkov.
>>>Blair Betts lone goal was the Edmonton-native's first in a Thunder Bay sweater. It was the start he and the Timberwolves were looking for. But three unanswered Ibex goals, including a pair from Owen Nolan dropped the #1 team in the CCHL.
>>>"It's a tough break," remarked head coach Craig Hartsburg after the game. Referring to the game and not Volchenkov. "We didn't show up today. Simple as that. I don't know if we're low on gas or just not in it mentally. But we're a better team that what we showed out there today."
>>>The entire Timberwolves team struggled, but Henrik Lundqvist seemed more off his game than anyone else. Lundqvist stopped all 8 shots faced in the first 20 minutes, but went onto let in 2 off of 7 in the 2nd period, and 1 of 6 shots in the 3rd. Not near the elite performance shown since coming to Thunder Bay.
>>>"I'm not putting it on Henrik," said defenseman Nick Schultz. "He did what he could and they were just getting their bounces. It's hockey, it happens. We'll be there for the next one."
>>>The next one is tomorrow back in Thunder Bay for the home-at-home against these same Ibex. Redemption doesn't need to wait long for this one.
>>>Not going to be there, at least not dressed, will be two of the Timberwolves top defensemen. Erik Johnson will sit out one more game after being injured the game before. Volchenkov will be out 10 days with an "upper body injury". Sheldon Souray was recalled from Duluth for this game for Johnson, and Adam Foote will be brought up for Volchenkov.
>>>"We're dinged up," an obvious statement from GM Blake Wendt. "We've been lucky this season, so we knew we were due. It's time for everyone to step up and get through this."
>>>
>>>3-STARS
>>>
>>>*Owen Nolan (BIS) - 2 goals
>>**David Legwand (BIS) - 2 assists
>***Evgeny Artyukhin (BIS) - Goal

CALDER WATCH: Mid-Season Report

Thunder Bay, Ont- In the first edition of Calder Watch of this pre-season we focused in on 5 potential candidates for the CCHL's Rookie of the Year honour. To review the successes and struggles of those young men...
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>John Tavares (Timberwolves):
>>>The former 2009 1st overall pick of Thunder Bay has had an up-and-down season that is typical of any player coming into the league. Unlike the atmosphere that led to the picking of Tavares, the Timberwolves are currently a top-ranked club with serious aspirations of a championship this season. With that, comes fluid movement of Tavares and his fellow centres from top-line minutes one game to sitting in the press box for the next depending on the needs of countering the Timberwolves opponent. Despite this, the Mississauga-native does have decent stats while averaging 12-minutes of icetime. 11 goals and 10 assists for 21 points and a +3 rating have Tavares clearly in consideration for the Calder.
>>>
>>>Tyler Myers (Renegades): Joining a club after said club wins the ultimate prize can be a daunting endeavor for any new player joining that club the next season. For Myers it has been a successful ride thus far. Averaging over 20 minutes a game and having the same amount in points, Myers gives the folks in River Cities something to look forward to, despite the chances of a repeat all but out the door. With the departure of veteren blueliners Craig Rivet and Jan Hejda, Myers will be looked upon to not only play more, but contribute more as well.
>>>
>>>Matt Duchene (Timberwolves): The first pro season for Duchene has not matched that of his counterpart and fellow rookie pivot, Tavares so far this season. Like his 2009 classmate, Duchene (3rd overall) is moved up-and-down the lineup and scratched about as often. His stats (36 7-6-13 -1) are average for a first year player. But when you play the same minutes and play under the same circumstances and you clearly are not on par... well, people will say it's been a down year. The future is bright for Duchene in Thunder Bay though. This season will not get any easier and the grind of what hopes to be a long playoff will definately help develop the Timberwolves young players into competitors with a winning mentality.
>>>
>>>Victor Hedman (Ferrets): The 2009 2nd overall pick (between Tavares and Duchene) is having a season reflective of his entire club. Winnipeg is currently 7 games under .500 and struggling defensively. Despite averaging 25+ minutes a game, the Ornskoldsvik, Sweden-native sits behind blueliners, Brooks Orpik, Adrian Aucoin, Chris Phillips and Bruno Gervais in points with a goal and 11 assists for 12 points and a -2 rating through 41 games.
>>>
>>>James van Riemsdyk (Crusaders): If there is one rookie that deserves a free pass for struggling this season, it has got to be Mr. van Riemsdyk. The New Jersey-native's 8 points (3 goals, 5 assists) through 31 has been spread over 3 hockey clubs! November 19th Dayton traded him to Victoria. Nine days later, he was dealt again. This time to the 2nd-ranked Copenhagen Crusaders. With his new Danish club, van Riemsdyk is not a big, young fish. Well, he's not the only big, young fish. The 8.9 average minutes speak of this. But Copenhagen handles their prospects wisely, and van Riemsdyk will benefit from this in the long run.
>>>
>>>Others to consider
>>>
>>>LW Tyler Ennis (Ibex) - 27 11-11-22 +7
>>>RD Carl Gunnarsson [pictured] (Timberwolves) - 38 5-14-19 +16
>>>C Artem Anisimov (Ronin) - 42 3-11-14 -11
>>>RW Brandon Yip (Spurs) - 22 4-6-10 -4
>>>RD Matt Gilroy (Express) - 32 1-8-9 -4

MID-SEASON MARK MET WITH 11-GAME STREAK

Gaborik leads team with 48 points at mid-season
>>>
Beverly Hills, Calif.- Looking to extend their winning ways in southern California, the Thunder Bay Timberwolves did just that by defeating the Beverly Hills Lawmasters, 3-2 on Friday for their 9th in a row.
>>>Riding an 8-game win streak and points in the last 10, the scoring started with Marc Savard's 9th goal of the season in the first and ended with Ales Hemsky's 19th and 5th game-winner. In between there was Marian Gaborik's [pictured] team-leading 28th while on the power play and a pair from the Lawmasters.
>>>"To say I was expecting the results of this season so far would be a huge exageration," said Timberwolves GM Blake Wendt. "We knew we would be successful. We knew we had a special group of players here. But I did not in my wildest dreams think that we'd be this successful this season thus far. As a manager you are naturally cautiously optimistic. Let's be real here. We were bringing in three rookies, possibly four going into the season. We had alot of new faces that you're always not sure how guys gel. I knew the talent was here. Just wasn't sure how long the chemistry would take to build. But it's also only the midway point. There's alot of hockey to be played and anything can happen. The true test of this team will be that next loss. We're clicking now and everyone is peaked with confidence. Hopefully the guys are inwardly staying as even keeled as they've shown through this stretch. If we can come back to form after a loss and get back to it right away... then we'll know for sure what this club is capable of. Showing up for the next game after a win is easy. The hard part is showing your resolve after a loss."
>>>At the mid-season mark of 41 games the Timberwolves are first overall in the CCHL with a record of 27-8-6 for 60 points (followed by Copenhagen 26-10-5 57 pts and Budapest 26-12-3 55 pts). Offense is ranked 4th (4.02) and defense 3rd (2.80). Special teams is nothing special as Thunder Bay sits 11th and 10th respectively.
>>>The Timberwolves continue the second half of the season on the road against the North Dakota Ibex (16-22-3) on Sunday and a home-at-home Monday against the Ibex at Canadian National Gardens.
>>>
>>>3-STARS
>>>
>>>*Ales Hemsky (THU) - Game-winning goal and an assist
>>**Johan Franzen (BEV) - Game-tying goal
>***Henrik Lundqvist (THU) - 33 saves

DUCHENE SHINES; WOLVES UNBEATEN IN 10

Duchene's two goals lift TBay past resurgent Donuts

>>>

Thunder Bay, Ont- Despite the recently added firepower to the Wisborg Donuts, Alex Ovechkin and Ryan Getzlaf could not overcome the overall team success of the on-fire, Thunder Bay Timberwolves on Wednesday.

>>>"We're aware of their new players," remarked Wolves head coach, Craig Hartsburg prior to the game. "They are explosive and can dominate a game on their own. Other than keying in on those guys who are no doubt wanting to make an impact with their new team, our gameplan is simple. Shut them down right off the bat and take our game to them."

>>>Wisborg was knocked off their game early. An out of position hook from Matt Moulson put Thunder Bay on the game's first power play at 1:47. Matt Duchene [pictured] put the Timberwolves on top at 2:45 for the rookie's 6th goal from Ales Hemsky and Simon Gagne.

>>>Another power play tally from Hemsky and an even-strength one from Rick Nash put the home team up 3-0 going into the first intermission.

>>>"We did what we wanted to do there in the first," alternate captain, Mike Fisher said at the intermission. "They're a proud team though with loads of talent. So we cannot sit back on them here in the second. We have to keep taking it to them."

>>>Feeling inspired and probably ripped apart by their coach, Wisborg came out flying and notched their first of the game at 1:29 from Patrick Hornqvist.

>>>Duchene got that goal back for Thunder Bay 26 seconds later for his second of the game.

>>>But another from Hornqvist at 14:27 brought the Donuts back in it and went into the second intermission with something to build on.

>>>In the final 20 minutes, the Timberwolves did all they could to sustain the chances of the now clicking Donuts. Henrik Lundqvist needed to be sharp, and he was until a heady Ovechkin came in on the netminder wristed a shot over his left shoulder to draw Wisborg within 1 at 8:37.

>>>The final 10+ minutes of play were the most awe-inspiring for the Timberwolves this season thus far. A timeout from Hartsburg immediately after the Ovechkin goal was a perfect time to calm the nerves and instill a tightened up gameplan. Thunder Bay kept the Wisborg attack to the boards and the next nine shots that Lundqvist seen were clear and from way out... and all stopped.

>>>Thunder Bay would go on to win the game 4-3 over Wisborg for the second time this season and notch their 8th in a row and 10th in a row with at least a point (9-0-1).

>>>"The hardest part of maintaining this success is staying as even keeled as possible," said Timberwolves GM Blake Wendt after the game. "This is a big win against an opponent that is clearly in our boat. Wisborg is a very good club. We enjoy this win, take things from it, good and bad, and take this momentum into the next one and beyond."

>>>Thunder Bay's next game is on the road to southern California when the Timberwolves take on the Beverly Hills Lawmasters (20-17-3) on Friday.

>>>

>>>3-STARS

>>>

>>>*Matt Duchene (THU) - 2 goals (including 1 on the power play)

>>**Ales Hemsky (THU) - Power play goal and 2 assists

>***Patrik Hornqvist (WIS) - 2 goals

WOLVES ACQUIRE LEOPOLD; McAMMOND DEALT... AGAIN

Thunder Bay, Ont- On Tuesday evening the Thunder Bay Timberwolves announced the acquisition of defenseman, Jordan Leopold from the Budapest Honved for centre, Dean McAmmond. A rare deal done between two top clubs in the CCHL.

>>>In Leopold, the Timberwolves get a steady, smart blueliner with loads of offensive ability. The former Minnesota Golden Gopher and Hobey Baker-winner is an unrestricted free agent that will in all likelyhood be Thunder Bay's UFA re-sign in the offseason. Making somone like Simon Gagne (also a UFA) moveable in the offseason with the emergence of Milan Lucic.

>>>Despite the current success of the Timberwolves this season, this deal is clearly for next season. Although not likely to be a key contributer to the defense now, Leopold will be looked upon to provide an offensive spark next season.

>>>As for McAmmond, it has been an almost annual ritual to be dealt by Blake Wendt and the Timberwolves. This being the third season in a row that the Alberta-native is moved out. Unlike in years past, the veteren pivot will not be brought back as this is rumoured to be his final season in the CCHL.

>>>No comment was made available to the media as of Tuesday night. Leopold will join the Timberwolves practise squad immediately and then be moved down to the Duluth Pups at a later date.

ROOKS SHOW UP; STREAK EXTENDED

Thunder Bay, Ont- For two of the three Timberwolves rookies that made the club out of camp, it's been a tough season and a fight for ice-time for top-line-caliber forwards.
>>>John Tavares and Matt Duchene were draft #1 and #3 respectively in 2009 by Thunder Bay. Both spent the season following their draft year in Duluth, Minnesota with the Timberwolves minor-league club, the Pups. To no ones surprise, both made the big club this season. But what has been surprising to some is the lack of consistent production from the two and the amount of minutes both have not gotten. Even being healthy scratches for 5-6 games.
>>>"It's obviously not the ideal season statistically for them," remarked Timberwolves GM Blake Wendt prior to Sunday's home tilt against the Calgary Chinook. "But there's not alot of rookies that come in and dominate the CCHL right off the bat. JT and Dutch are no different. They are immensely talented and have shown flashes of it during stretches this season. We know we have two high-caliber studs for years to come. There are no worries here in that regard. It's more a numbers game they've been victims of. When we play high octane offenses, we insert defensive forwards to counter. We are in no position to expose our first-year players to that."
>>>After being down 1-0 through 20 minutes of play against the visiting Chinook, Duchene smartly intercepted an errant east-west pass from the Calgary defense and excelerated in on Carey Price to tie things up with his 5th goal of the season. The score would hold into the second intermission.
>>>In the third, the Timberwolves offense exploded for four goals, including a pair from Tavares and Marc Savard each, and another from Ales Hemsky to finish off the Chinook 6-3 in front of another capacity crowd at Canadian National Gardens. Extending Thunder Bay's winning streak to six games and points in the last eight.
>>>"Nothing comes easy here," Duchene said after the game. "Sometimes it's frustrating to not be contributing on the daily basis. But it's not fully unexpected for me or JT I don't think. We made the team knowing that the minutes would be scarce. It's a battle every practise and skate to do what we can to even earn a spot in the lineup. In the end I think that this is the best thing for us. It's great to be here in a winning enviroment where so much is expected of us. There's not alot of rookies in the league that get to enjoy the immediate success of their team in that first year."
>>>The Timberwolves are off on Monday before going back-to-back on Tuesday and Wednesday against Reykjavik and Wisborg.
>>>
>>>3-STARS
>>>
>>>*Marc Savard (THU) - 2 goals and an assist
>>**John Tavares (THU) - 2 goals
>***Ales Hemsky (THU) - Goal and an assist

SHUTOUT WIN EXTENDS STREAK FOR HOT WOLVES

King Henrik notches 37-save shutout over defending champs

>>>

Ashland, KY- Not looking to give up any of their momentum over the past several games, the Timberwolves came to the River Cities with one thing on their minds--to dominate.

>>>Thunder Bay opened the scoring with a power play tally from Ales Hemsky at 4:37, for the Czech's 14th on the season from Erik Johnson and Marc Savard.

>>>Rookie, John Tavares finished the first period scoring for the former first overall pick's 8th from Marian Gaborik and Antti Miettinen.

>>>But the real story of the first 20 minutes of play, and the entire game for that matter was the steller play in goal from Henrik Lundqvist. The Swedish netminder stopped all 15 shots attempted from the Renegades in the first period.

>>>"Lundy is huge for us," said Timberwolves forward, Mike Fisher between periods. "He's an elite goalie that is a master of his craft. The guys ooze with confidence when we know we have a backstop like that and we can push our game and our offense on the opposition."

>>>The middle period was also all Thunder Bay as again Lundqvist stopped all shots faced (11) and Marian Gaborik extended his team lead in goals to 26 when the slick Slovak made it 3-0 at 12:23.

>>>The Renegades could muster no offense and took chances with long cross ice passing. Rick Nash made them pay on one and took a break away in on Tim Thomas to ice the game and finish off River Cities with a 4-0 shutout win. The second time this season the Timberwolves have shutout the Renegades.

>>>"We've been playing really well of late, but we seem to take it up a notch against this team for whatever reason," said captain, Keith Ballard after the game. "Maybe it's that fresh banner they have in their rafters that we want. But whatever it is, we seem more motivated to beat this team than with others."

>>>Thunder Bay finishes this 3-game road trip at 3-0 and now returns home for the next week and three games. The first is on Sunday against the Calgary Chinook (17-19-1).

>>>

>>>3-STARS

>>>

>>>*Henrik Lundqvist (THU) - 37 saves for 4th shutout this season

>>**Rick Nash (THU) - Goal and an assist

>***Marc Savard (THU) - 2 assists

WOLVES COMEBACK... AGAIN

Gagne's 4 points lead Timberwolves to victory

Portland, Ore- For the second time in as many games, the Timberwolves rally and win big to extend win-streak to four and points in the last six.
>>>Sitting atop the overall league rankings, Thunder Bay came to west coast looking to hold that position with Budapest and Copenhagen nipping at their heels.
>>>Simon Gagne [pictured] opened the scoring while on the penalty kill at 3:26 for the Quebec-native's 10th goal from Anton Volchenkov and Ales Hemsky. Both clubs went goal-for-goal in the first period and a tally from Patrick Sharp kept the game tied 2-2.
>>>In the second period the lone goal came off the stick of Portland's Jamie Langenbrunner and the Timberwolves were down again going into the final 20 minutes.
>>>"There was no panic," said Sharp regarding the tone of the Timberwolves during the second intermission. "We've been here before and knew what needed to happen. We needed to set the tone right off the bat and take our game to them."
>>>Take it to them they did.
>>>Ales Hemsky tied the game at 5:12 and four goals later, Antti Miettinen ended the comeback at 19:47 with an empty-netter and the Timberwolves won 6-3 over the Owls.
>>>"Without getting too high on ourselves, we played a complete 60 minutes of solid, quality hockey today," said Timberwolves defenseman Nick Schultz after the game. "We matched their intensity early and took it too them in the third. Big win. Big two points. But we've only got a little bit to enjoy it and get right back at it tomorrow."
>>>The Timberwolves play the defending CCHL Cup champion, the River Cities Renegades tomorrow in Ashland, Kentucky.
>>>
>>>3-STARS
>>>
>>>*Simon Gagne (THU) - 2 goals (1 shorthanded) and 2 assists
>>**Ryan Kesler (POR) - 2 goals (1 power play)
>***Ales Hemsky (THU) - goal and 2 assists

WOLVES WIN IN 2-GOAL COMEBACK RALLY

Gaborik nets game-winner in comeback thriller in Sweden

>>>

Karlstad, Sweden- Down 2-1 going into the 3rd period, the Timberwolves fought back to win their fourth game in five by knocking off the explosive Karlstad Killers 3-2 on Monday.
>>>Karlstad's Patrick Marleau opened the games scoring with his 29th of the season to put the home team on top at 8:33 in the first period.

>>>Henrik Lundqvist was steller in his homeland by stopping 16 shots in the opening 20 minutes. Keeping the Timberwolves in against the second best offense in the CCHL.

>>>"Lundy was golden in there and kept us upbeat on the bench," said Timberwolves defenseman, Erik Johnson between periods. "We knew the back end was covered and moving the puck up the ice is what you have to do against a team like this. You have to take their offensive game right back at them."

>>>Thunder Bay got on the board in the second period at 5:36 off the stick of TJ Oshie for the former Fighting Sioux's 13th from Mike Fisher and Patrick Sharp.

>>>A late Karlstad goal at 17:24 put the Killers back into the lead for the second intermission and the Timberwolves with their backs against the wall.

>>>"That goal was tough," said Sharp. "We were getting more shots on goal and really clicking there. Their guy jumped on one of our mistakes and made the best of it."

>>>In the third though it was all Thunder Bay. The Killers tightened up in their zone and limited the Timberwolves to just six shots. But the tying goal from Ales Hemsky and the game-winner from Marian Gaborik downed Karlstad 3-2. The second time this season that the Timberwolves have won when down going into the 3rd.

>>>The Timberwolves continue their road trip on Wednesday against the Portland Owls (21-13-1) and right back at it on Thursday against the River Cities Renegades (16-15-4).

>>>

>>>3-STARS

>>>

>>>*Henrik Lundqvist (THU) - 37 saves

>>**Marian Gaborik (THU) - game-winning goal

>***Marc Savard (THU) - 2 assists

WOLVES THUMP RONIN FOR FIRST IN '11

Head Coach Hartsburg returns to bench in 7-1 victory over Victoria
>>>
Thunder Bay, Ont- This was just what the doctor ordered to start the new year for the Timberwolves.
>>>With head coach Craig Hartsburg back behind the bench and an enthusiastic, capacity crowd at Canadian National Gardens on Sunday ready to start 2011 with a win, the Wolves did just that in dominating fashion over a struggling opponent in the Ronin (10-20-3).
>>>Thunder Bay's Matt Duchene scored the first goal of the game just 19 seconds in for the rookie's 3rd of the season from Marian Gaborik and Patrick Sharp. The Haliburton, Ontario-native made the best of his time on the club's top line. Two more tallies from Ales Hemsky and Gaborik closed out the first period scoring.
>>>It was a great start for Hartsburg, behind the bench for the first time since the pre-season after undergoing heart surgery, and exactly what the Timberwolves needed to close out a 5-game homestand and immediately start a 3-game road trip.
>>>"Despite Victoria's record, we wanted to set the tone early and not give them any momentum in this game," Hartsburg said between periods. "The guys did a great job of executing the first thing on our 'to-do' list."
>>>Mike Fisher made it 4-0 in the third period after no scoring in the middle 20 minutes of play. A single tally from Victoria's Ryane Clowe did nothing more than end Henrik Lundqvist's shutout bid at 3:45 in the third. Another from Duchene and Hemsky and final, 7th goal from Carl Gunnarsson sealed the deal for a 7-1 victory for the Thunder Bay Timberwolves.
>>>"It's a big win from the standpoint of looking at the score alone," said Hartsburg after the game. "We played very well and did alot of thing right. We didn't let up and that's the biggest thing. But we killed an opponent we should've killed. So we can't get too high on this win. It's a win. It's two points. We enjoy it and we move on to the next one."
>>>Despite the coach's nonchalant praise, with the win and a Copenhagen loss, the Timberwolves move into first overall in the CCHL. At least for a day.
>>>After the game there was no time to celebrate much. Within 90 minutes of the final horn the club was on their plane departing Thunder Bay International for Karlstad, Sweden and tomorrows game against the Killers (20-14-0)
>>>
>>>3-STARS
>>>
>>>*Matt Duchene (THU) - 2 goals
>>**Ales Hemsky (THU) - 2 goals
>***Marian Gaborik (THU) - goal and 2 assists