NHL Netminder Lehtonen Added to Wolves Roster
November 26, 2007 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Chicago Wolves News Release
The Atlanta Thrashers have assigned goaltender KARI LEHTONEN (CAR-ee LEH-tuh-nehn) to the Chicago Wolves for conditioning. In addition, the Thrashers have reassigned center TOMAS POSPISIL (PAHS-pih-sil) from the ECHL's Gwinnett Gladiators to the Wolves.
LEHTONEN, the second overall pick in the 2002 National Hockey League Entry Draft, started his North American professional career with the Wolves from 2003 to 2005, registering a 58-32-2-2 mark, eight shutouts, a 2.33 goal-against average and a .928 save percentage in 96 appearances. The 24-year-old netminder has spent the last three seasons with the Thrashers, which includes going winless in five outings this year before being placed on Injured Reserve.
LEHTONEN will be available to play when the Wolves (15-2-1-0) host the Quad City Flames at the Allstate Arena on Tuesday at 7 p.m.
The Helsinki, Finland, native's 58 wins and eight shutouts with Chicago rank second in franchise history behind Wolves Assistant Coach Wendell Young's 169 victories and 16 shutouts. LEHTONEN recorded professional career-bests with a franchise-best 38 wins in 57 regular-season games with the Wolves in 2004-05 to help Chicago reach the Calder Cup Finals.
LEHTONEN, the highest selected European goaltender in the history of the NHL draft, was named the starting goaltender for the PlanetUSA team in both the 2004 and 2005 American Hockey League All-Star Classics. He was named to the AHL's 2004-05 Second All Star Team and was twice named the league's goaltender of the month that season (December and March).
During his NHL service, LEHTONEN has become Atlanta's franchise leader in games played by a goaltender (115), wins (58), and shutouts (7). His 68 appearances and 34 victories last season with the Thrashers are single-season club marks.
POSPISIL has collected two assists in 11 games with the Wolves this season during his professional debut. The 20-year-old forward was held scoreless in three games with Gwinnett over the weekend after being reassigned there on Thursday.
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