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).
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>>>3-STARS
>>>
>>>*Craig Anderson (CAL) - 41 saves
>>**Claude Giroux (CAL) - Game-winning goal
>***Brad Stuart (CAL) - 2 assists