AHL Chicago Wolves

Wolves Weekly

January 3, 2005 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Chicago Wolves News Release


WOLVES REWIND (2-1-0-0)

Sat., Jan. 1 (at) Manitoba 6, Chicago 0
--The Wolves fell behind early and allowed four power-play goals as they were shut out, 6-0, by the Manitoba Moose at the MTS Centre
--Goaltender Michael Garnett recorded 26 saves in the loss

Fri., Dec. 31 Chicago 4, (at) Manitoba 3
--The Wolves broke open a 2-2 tie early in the third period and held on to defeat the Manitoba Moose, 4-3, at the MTS Centre
--Center LONNY BOHONOS and defenseman GREG HAWGOOD each notched a goal and an assist
--Netminder KARI LEHTONEN registered 24 saves

Wed., Dec. 29 (at) Chicago 3, San Antonio 2
--The Wolves grabbed their first lead of the game midway through the third period and held on for a 3-2 victory against the San Antonio Rampage at the Allstate Arena
--Center LONNY BOHONOS notched the power-play game-winning goal and an assist, while right wing J.P. VIGIER chipped in a short-handed goal and an assist
--Goaltender KARI LEHTONEN posted 36 saves

WOLVES TO WATCH


--KARI LEHTONEN: Currently on an eight-game winning streak, which includes two shutouts ... Paces the AHL with 18 wins and ranks second with 826 saves ... Tied for second in the league with four shutouts and third with a .935 save percentage


--J.P. VIGIER: Ended an 11-game point streak (6G, 10A) on Saturday, which is the third-longest streak in the league ... Shares first on the team with 32 points and second with 12 goals and 20 assists ... Tied for first in the AHL with five game-winning goals ... Leads the club with a +18 plus/minus rating


--LONNY BOHONOS: Notched eight points (2G, 6A) in his last four games ... Held scoreless on Saturday to end a seven-game point streak (5G, 9A) ... Ranks sixth on the team with 22 points (8G, 14A) in 22 games ... Shares second on the Wolves with six power-play goals


--BEN SIMON: Ended a four-game point streak (4G, 2A) on Saturday ... Tallied all 14 of his points (8G, 6A) in his last 17 games


--CORY LAROSE: Posted six points (3G, 3A) during a four-game point streak from Dec. 23 to 31 ... Paces the Wolves with 13 goals and seven power-play tallies and ranks third with 28 points in 34 games


--STEVE MALTAIS: Held scoreless on Saturday to end a four-game point streak (G, 3A) ... Tied for the team-lead with 32 points in 34 games ... Shares second on the club with 12 goals and 20 assists ... Tied for second on the Wolves with six power-play markers


--GREG HAWGOOD: Shares third among league defensemen and ranks fourth on the team with 25 points ... Paces AHL blueliners and the club with 23 assists

WOLF TRACKS


--The Wolves were shut out on Saturday, ending a season-high five-game winning streak.
--The shutout marked the first time the team had been blanked since Dec. 10, 2003, a span of 94 regular-season and postseason games.
--Saturday's game marked the first time in franchise history the team played a game on New Year's Day.
-- Prior to Saturday's shutout, the Wolves had recorded 15 power-play goals during their previous nine contests; Chicago ranks eighth in the AHL at 17.9 percent (37 of 207).
--Chicago ranks seventh in the league with an average of 3.09 goals per game.

WRAPPING UP DECEMBER

The Wolves recorded 10 wins and a .750 winning percentage in December, their best month in both categories this season. Chicago also averaged 3.36 goals per game during the month, its highest average of any month this year.

NOTABLE

The Wolves will be collecting pre-paid, long-distance phone cards to donate to the United Service Organizations (USO) during home games on Jan. 11, 14 and 15. The cards will be given to the men and women stationed overseas to help them stay in touch with loved ones at home. Any denomination phone card is appreciated. For more information, call 1-800-THE-WOLVES.

THIS WEEK

Fri., Jan. 7 at Milwaukee Admirals Bradley Center 7 p.m.

Sat., Jan. 8 vs. San Antonio Rampage Allstate Arena 7 p.m.

Sun., Jan. 9 vs. San Antonio Rampage Allstate Arena 3 p.m.

ALL GAMES ARE BROADCAST ON COMCAST

Log on to www.chicagowolves.com and click on the "Listen" icon for audio webcast.




American Hockey League Stories from January 3, 2005


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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