AHL Chicago Wolves

Wolves Add Finnishing Touch

Published on April 5, 2004 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Chicago Wolves News Release


The Atlanta Thrashers have reassigned goaltender Kari Lehtonen (CAR-ee LEH-toe-nen) to the Chicago Wolves and reassigned netminder Michael Garnett from the Wolves to the Gwinnett Gladiators of the ECHL.

The 20-year-old Lehtonen was undefeated in all four National Hockey League starts after being recalled on March 12, which includes a 30-save shutout against the Florida Panthers on March 27. Lehtonen, who matched a Thrashers' record with his four-game win streak, allowed just five goals in four games, finishing with a 1.25 goals-against average and a .953 save percentage. The Lahti, Finland, native stopped Tampa Bay Lightning forward Vincent Lecavalier on a penalty shot in a 29-save victory in Atlanta¹s season finale on April 3.

Lehtonen was taken second overall in the 2002 NHL Entry Draft ­ making him the highest chosen European goaltender in NHL draft history.

The 6-foot-three-inch, 200-pound goaltender has registered an 18-12-2-1 mark with a team-best 2.38 goals-against average and a Wolves-high .927 save percentage in 36 games with Chicago this season.

Garnett improved to 7-3-2-0 in a Wolves uniform after matching a season-high 37 saves on Sunday against the San Antonio Rampage. The Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, native recorded a 2.63 goals-against average and a .914 save percentage in 13 games with Chicago this season.

The 21-year-old netminder ranks third in the ECHL with a 2.14 goals-against average in 33 games with Gwinnett this season. Overall, Garnett has posted a 21-10-2 mark and a .926 save percentage with the Gladiators.

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American Hockey League Stories from April 5, 2004


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