WOLVES LIMP OUT OF DAYTON

Gunnarsson injured in first game back in a month

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Dayton, Ohio- The Timberwolves traveled to southwest Ohio to prove to everyone that they are one of the big boys in the CCHL. They left still searching for answers... and enough crutches and assistance getting back on their plane.

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It didn't take long for the Dayton Musicmen to establish the game's tempo. First it was a sniper's goal through a screened Henrik Lundqvist from Jerome Iginla at 3:40 in. Then it was a hobbling Anton Volchenkov desperately trying to get to the bench after blocking a shot. He would not return to the game.

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Then on the very next shift, rookie blueliner Carl Gunnarsson [pictured] was checked hard into a corner by Dayton's Corey Perry. Gunnarsson appeared dazed heading to the bench and would also not return. This was also the young Swede's first game back in a month while recovering from a wrist injury.

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Antti Miettinen would score for the Timberwolves at 9:43 in the first period to tie things up 1-1. That would be as close as Thunder Bay would get.

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In the second period, the under-manned defense was clearly exposed for the visitors. Chris Pronger took back the lead for Dayton, and Iginla completed the hat trick to put the Musicmen up 4-1 going into the final period. Shots were 28-11 for Dayton through forty minutes.

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In the third period, Rick Nash notched his 22nd goal from Marc Savard and John Tavares at 13:43. Not enough time to mount a comeback, and Ryan Malone iced the game for Dayton with a short-handed empty netter to win it 5-2 for the Musicmen.

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The Timberwolves players clearly not in the mood to talk, quickly cleared out of their dressing room and boarded their plane home.

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"It's unfortunate that we suffered those injuries and didn't get a good look to see where we ranked with an opponent that is at our level," remarked Timberwolves GM Blake Wendt. "It's a tough game where luck and health plays a part in it as much as heart and skill. We'll need more of the latter for the next couple games."

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The Timberwolves next game is on Thursday back in Thunder Bay when they take on the CCHL's best, Copenhagen Crusaders. It will be a tougher test then expected as Volchenkov and Gunnarsson will not be available due to their injuries. Volchenkov, the club's premier shutdown defensemen is listed with a 'lower body injury' and will be out for 10 days. Gunnarsson will miss the next 4 days with an 'upper body injury'.

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>>>3-STARS

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>>>*Jerome Iginla [DAY] - 3 goals [hat trick] and an assist

>>**Ryan Malone [DAY] - 1 goal and an assist

>***Chris Pronger [DAY] - 1 goal