End of a Season

(No computer access is really frustrating...)

April 11th at the Allstate Arena concluded the Wolves' 08-09 season. A crowd of over 16,000 cheered on our team to a 5-2 victory.

Team	GP	W	L	OTL	SOL	PTS
MIL	80	49	22	3	6	107
PEO	80	43	31	2	4	92
HOU	80	38	31	2	9	87
RFD	80	40	34	0	6	86
QC	80	36	31	6	7	85
CHI	80	38	37	3	2	81
IOW	80	33	33	4	10	80
SA	80	36	38	2	4	78

Looking at the standings, it seems like it's right there, yet so far away. About the first half of the season whenever we suffered a loss, my dad would always say, "It's just one game. You can afford to blow off some early." But seeing as it was only a few games that kept us from the playoffs, does it still seem like not that big of a deal? For those guys who played like they didn't give a crap - if they put forth some more effort just a few more times, the season wouldn't be over now.

Yet, maybe it is those guys who didn't give a crap that made seem missing the playoffs a bit less disappointing. Even some of our best didn't always play with that full effort and it would of been embarrassing to get swept away so easily. Pavs is getting knee surgery, which would of left us with Krahn between the pipes and a poor performing team in front of him. I'd say this is surely a team with playoff potential, and it could/should have happened. But alas, that is not the case.

The Blackhawks have made the playoffs after a seven year drought, so that is a team I will be rooting for, continuting my hockey season. Following this though, it does seem like a long summer ahead. Throughout this summer I hope Wolves management takes notice on some things and pays attention to what the fans say.

One of the biggest things in recent mention in head coach, Don Granato. When things aren't going well with a team the coach needs to be there to put things together. The very beginning of the season presented a winning team, but one that had not yet found it's identity. While it seemed that it was finally coming together, it was lost just as fast. It's been too long that I've seen a bunch of individuals playing with each other, rather than a team. Two lines were overworked and those with good skill and potential were not played. Hoff who wasn't afraid to drop the gloves gets benched for sticking up for his team. Don did not get things together, and before you know it, it is too late. There may have been higher expectations coming from a year we recently won the cup, but it still should have been better than what we have seen. Many fans want Don kicked out, but reading comments from management has made it seem like they want him to stay. It is very disappointing and I, along with the many other angry fans, are frustrated with Granato. However, this is his first year behind the Wolves' bench. In my opinion, I give him one more year to show us what he can give. If another disappointing year shows again though, I hope he starts packing his bags soon.

Also, rumor of Rush Cheerleaders coming here? Err, as a female, girls waving their pom poms around doesn't seem very entertaining. Even if it does attract a new audience, which yes, that is what sex appeal does, I don't think it should be in our den.

A Dreadful Wek

Illness still lingering, a computer not loading, and a team not making the playoffs. Can't get much better than that. A busy past couple weeks that are not the most friendly.

As one sickness leaves, another attacks when I'm weak. Not enough to keep me bedridden, but still enough to keep me slouching around like a sloth. Then my head bouncing around making me feeling like an illiterate fool.

Living with the family can be fun, but my dad lives like he is still in the 60's. According to him, a computer is pretty much only need for work and school. When it comes to personal reasons, well, it's all about him and playing poker. Yet he acts totally surprised when all four of us need to be on at once for school/work. On top of that, nothing wanting to load just makes things totally great.

Then the best(worse) for last, as the Wolves just suffered a 3-2 loss to Milwaukee, playoff chances are statistically eliminated. It seems like majority of fans had already given up on on the playoffs, but I guess I can say I was one of those who held on to that slim bit of hope(although not much confidence behind it).

The effort in some of the past games was pretty pathetic and tonight wasn't much better. Names that come to mind of guys who stuck out(in a good way) are Jordan Lavallee, Matt Anderson, Brett Sterling, & Mike Hamilton. Haven't found many good things to say about the defense as of late, and tonight really is no exception.

The Wolves started off with a sloppy first period giving up all three of Milwaukee's goals. There have been mixed views on Skinner's play, whether he was a good asset to his team. I found much more things I was happy with, compared to faults I found in his play. Although tonight just gives a big red "X". Just coming from behind the net to lead a rush into the offensive zone on the PP; the usual. But unlike the usual, Skinner makes a faulty play in his on zone, giving up possession and letting Milwaukee soar the puck over Krahn's glove. From there nothing really seemed to go right.

With less than three minutes left in third, Joe Motzko lit the lamp, sliding one past on his knees. With so little time it really didn't draw much spark, as even Motzko has a disgusted look on his face after that. Less than a minute later though, Brett Sterling got one through and it definitely had a change. The smile shown on guys like Lavallee & Steve Martins as they saw the puck hit the back of the net gave clear to they knew it wasn't over. With the last shred of hope they had, they definitely were hungry for the puck and were getting their chances, but couldn't capitalize.

Guess we get to save money on playoff tickets. *Shrug* Unfortunate, for I was hoping to put my photography skills to the test more than one more time this season. Was never big on photography, but was catching more of my interest as of late. So I took my father's camera to the game on the 28th and tested out my skills. I had done it before, but only gave it a few shots.

Here are some of the photos I came out with:

I know the quality isn't great and I shrunk them down quite a bit, but these would be some of best out of the 100+ which I took(including the one up top). Wish I had more than just April 11th to give this camera another shot behind the glass, but the classes I'll take will give me time to improve and such.


Another thing in addition, is Pavelec getting recalled from from the Wolves & making the switch with Dan Turple. Honestly, I've been hoping for Krahn to get the start for quite some time & giving the work-horse Pavs a break. Unfortunately Krahn's start in quite some time had him behind an unorganized team. Can't exactly say Pavs would have been a better choice behind the pipes, as it didn't seem Milwaukee had too many quality chances, but either way, that is the past. Hope to see him start for the last few games.

Spring Has Sprung! ...or has it?

"It was one of those March days when the sun shines hot and the wind blows cold: when it is summer in the light, and winter in the shade." -Charles Dickens

March 20th is officially the first day of spring. Most people thing of melting snow(if not already), flowing blooming, no more brown grass, and warm weather. Well I guess all of our visions of spring can't be true.


Spring
–verb (used without object)

And after nearly 40 definitions of "rising" and "leaping" and whatever, I finally found something of what I was looking for...

*(in temperate zones) the season of the year following winter and characterized by the budding of trees, growth of plants, the onset of warmer weather, etc.


A very grueling winter has passed. Done. Most trees though, still look pretty bare, and plants aren't exactly alive. After a marvelous day earlier this week with 70°F weather, I was hoping for more of that. But alas, no. If I were to go outside, I'd be welcomed to 45°F weather. Not totally freezing, compared to the cold I've had to deal with for quite a few months already, but not worth going out.

So today was the last day of school before our Spring Break finally coming up. After this week going by incredibly slow, a week off is a nice gift. Unfortunately, there are no plans to go out anywhere, meaning I'm pretty much stuck here. But going outside and enjoying the weather isn't all that bad! ...wait. Enjoying the weather? I guess my break isn't going to go exactly as planned.

Not like you can trust the weatherman(which really, they get the info from some technological machines & are told what to say so it's not their fault), but whatever. And this is the forcast I got...

Saturday and Sunday are going to be around 60°. So really, that's not bad. I like that weather.
Monday is gonna be mid 50s. Tuesday mid 60s(whoo!), and Wednesday and Thursday back to mid 50s.

Sixties are pretty nice. Not too hot, but nice enough to go out and do stuff. 50s are... well, not bad. But I still prefer 60s. Of course the end of the break won't be so nice.

Expected for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday is around 40-50°. Now I really hope it is wrong. My last three days of break I'd rather enjoy - and okay, going to a hockey game that weekend makes it better : ), but with spring I'm hoping for nicer weather.

Of course to ever get my hopes up for really nice weather is kinda ridiculous. Okay, it's very ridiculous. Every winter is getting colder and every spring in result is coming up colder as well. For Chicago area, our average March temperature is 40°. Whoopee doo da. And living here all my life, you'd think I'd get used to it, but no. Guess I just hate the cold that much. Last year I remember winter temperatures still visiting us in April. Oh God. I'm really sick of this winter.

So as it wasn't obvious enough this was going to happen, I get to be frustrated with our climate all over again. Harumph.

/end rant/

Thrashers Set Franchise Record

Being sick = absences = missing class = tons of work to make up. Whoo -.-

However, with every downside comes an upside, and it happened on March 16th, 2009 when the Thrashers set a franchise record for winning 6-straight games in a row. Luckily it was shown on Versus the other night, giving me the opportunity to watch this brilliant game.

Although the Thrashers allowed 50 shots on net(where was the D?), they dictated the game, skating hard, and bringing their offense. Lehtonen staying consistent throughout the game, blocked 49 of the 50 shots, allowing one to get by him within the last two minutes of the game. However, not just the saves, but the timing of the saves definitely saved this club. Kari also denied Alex Ovechkin, hungry to get his 50th goal. This victory was also without the help of their captain, Ilya Kovalchuk.

"In the Capitals' locker room after the game, Ovechkin refused to answer reporters' questions. Boudreau indicated that the NHL's leading goal scorer and reigning MVP wasn't just upset that he was stifled by Lehtonen, against whom Ovechkin had beaten more than any other netminder (16 goals)." -Washington Post

The game allowed a familiar Wolves player, Spencer Machacek, to make his NHL debut. While his plays weren't anything special, he played consistant and stayed up with the pace. On the ice, he was solid on the forecheck and managing the puck well.

Brett Sterling who was called up from the Wolves on the 14th also had a strong night. He worked the puck well, and it showed too when he drew quite a few penalties.

A great comparison can't be made, as I am limited to hearing the games, rather than seeing them. However, it can be noticed that the team is coming along much better these past couple months, and had a strong game. Inconsistancy has been a problem though... it's really about time next year starts off as something different. Although one really shouldn't get their hopes up...

And I know there was more to say... but you know, when you're sick, you're kind of out of it and things slip. Hmm. Well hopefully this passes soon.

#17 Gets His 17th of the Year! Chicago takes Milwaukee in SO 5-4

Now this game was something surely to be talked about. I was hoping that after a game such as last night the momentum would carry on, and it certainly did for quite a bit. There were times where we had difficulties in our own zone and getting puck possession, but we took the win, with a few guys inparticular standing out to me.

Now, starting with the title, I was loving Jordan Lavallee's play tonight. He certainly was fun to watch. His wrister finding the back of the net was nice, and his game was very physical. Whenever he was on, he was always in on the forecheck and not afraid to get in somebody's face; especially after Martins' second goal of the game. His big hit on...the Admiral(honestly, the name slipped me a few minutes after he left the ice - whoops) was very nice, but I hope he's alright. And even though he had a ten minute miscoduct at the end of the first period, it was nice to see him not back down.

Steve Martins since getting back from his injury has had some very nice plays as well. A veteran like him is someone who needs to keep the guys going on the ice, and that was certainly done. Whether setting up plays or scoring a couple goals himself, the effort shows.

Scott Lehman was big hits all around. Even though I'm not always thrilled with his puck possession, he is always in on the forecheck as well. During the first when he was down on the ice taking the hits from Wilson, I expected him to get up and retalliate. But staying down ended up being a good thing, as we ended up getting the five on three play.

Pavelec had his good and bad times tonight. His glove hand wasn't always the strongest, as two goals had slipped right against the glove. But he did shake it off and used that glove to make some brilliant saves, including Milwaukee's fifth shot in the shoot-out to win us the game. The second after Pavs had made that save was so silent, you could hear a pin drop.


Coming off the ice and into peoples' hands are numerous St. Patty's Jerseys, as tonight was the last day to auction on them. Unfortunately with a wallet that's a bit dry, I was behind the rail with many others, on the side of "the broke folks who can't afford 'em." As expected, Steve Martins' jersey went for a high $1650 and Sterling's hitting over $1400. Many hit over $1000, and guys like Joey Crabb and Mike Hoffman's jersey had people going back and forth way after time was up for the auction to end. Lavallee's went for $800, quite a bit less than what I heard his camouflage Jersey went for, which was over $1700. Didn't have the chance to check the prices for all of them though, for it seemed like some people wanted to rip my head off if I got too close to the paper...

Standings are as close as ever, with just 7 points now separating second, which we are now tied for, and sixth place Quad City. The downside is we have two or more games played than each team, which can definitely hurt. But if we keep up a hot streak, hopefully we'll keep it going to the playoffs.

Wolves vs. Chops W 4-7

Well we can say tonight definitely wasn't a boring game, as I was sort of expecting after Wednesday's performance. Although the same effort wasn't given throughout the whole 60 minutes, they came out seeming like a playoff team.

First goal came just 20 seconds in the game. Alex Brooks made a dump in, which Sterling got to and went driving to the net. Although Sterling's shot was stopped, the puck laid loose and Matt Anderson was able to find it and put it in the net. This seemed like a good beginning, and Brett Sterling especially, came out hungry for the puck. This really wasn't a good stop LeNeveu's part, for as the puck laid next to him, he just sat there and didn't look around for it. Seemed to just assume it was under him, although the whistle never went off.

Joey Crabb came in only 19 seconds later notching the Wolves' second goal of the game. Driving along the left wing boards, Crabb took a sharp angle shot on the near side of LeNeveu and it snuck behind him. Usual good work ethic shown by Crabb and it seemed like LeNeveu probably should of had that, but it bounced off behind him.

Three goals in less than 2 minutes, and within 1:36 of each other was how the third goal came about. Clay Wilson had nice puck control in the offensive zone and with the puck in the crease, Brett Sterling is able to bank it in behind the newly assigned Levasseur.

The Wolves were able to get their final goal of the first period when Joey Crabb, getting his second of the game, redirects the puck which just barely gets behind the goal line. 13: 41 in the first, Wolves were up 4-0.

Iowa didn't let themselves go totally try in the first, though, and are able to get one goal with 4:12 left in the first frame.. Kontiola, using his long reach, stretches his stick across the goal and banks the puck in on the left side of Pavelec, ending the first period with the Wolves leading 4-1.

Wolves come out strong again when the second period comes along. 36 seconds into the second, Riley Holzapfel tips the puck out in front of Levasseur who makes the stop. However, Machacek is able to get to the puck and poke it in.

After taking a commanding 5-1 lead, the Chops have a good shift out on the ice. Iowa is able to get their second goal of the game when Salcido gets a long shot past traffic 11:17 into the second. With numerous bodies in front of the net, Pavelec did not see the puck coming at all.

Then ten minutes later with 17 seconds left in the second period, the Chops get another good shift out that really wears down our D. Bodie with the puck is able to sneak it barely inbetween the post and Pavelec's stretching glove.

Once the third period arrives, the Chops take it strong onto the ice. The Wolves find it hard to set up in the offensive zone and Iowa maintains pressure. The Wolves while on a power play loose puck posession and Banes speeds through center ice putting it pst Pavs at 10:38. While the Chops were short-handed as the rush was made down the ice, the penalty had just ended before the puck found the back of the net. With the score at 5-4, the Wolves had to step up their game.

While Iowa had the ice tilted in their favor for mostly the rest of the third, the Wolves were able to bank in two empty net goals. The first happened when Brett Sterling chipped out a loose puck against the boards to Steve Martins who sent it down the ice into the empty net. Following that, Sterling worked against a few chops players along the right wing boards in the offensive zone and was able to get the puck and find the net.


Seeing eleven goals during sixty minutes of play is something that we haven't seen in quite some time, along with the Wolves themselves scoring 7 goals for the first time this season.
Last game Wolves scored 6 goals: December 30th
Last game Wolves scored 5 goals: November 19th
So it's been a while since even seeing 5 or 6 goals scored in a game. Glad to see the offense finally get cooking tonight! Besides a not so great third period, it was an impressive first forty minutes. The effort was definitely showing and the guys were very offensively minded.

Lavallee; As all season, a very offensive game was brought by him tonight. He put himself in the right positions and was able to get to loose pucks, but unfortunately was unable to capitalize on any of those situations. Also sporting a new buzz cut.

Crabb; Although he doesn't have the same jump as he did his first week or so when he returned from Atlanta, he had a strong game as he always. He was able to work the boards, find loose pucks, and tonight, get those pucks in the net.

Sterling; Three goals in three games since coming back from a broken finger, and he surely hasn't lost his great momentum. He's fun to watch on the ice because of the worth ethic that he always brings and he offensive attitude. As he said during Billy's New Year Resolutions, "I don't think I have many hookings this year. No, usually roughings. Well, I try to be tough."

Kulda; Having a couple poor plays here and there, tonight was a great game for him. Even during one of his shifts during the third period, he was playing an offensive game and getting the puck to the net plenty of times.

Motzko; A goal scorer, but that's pretty much all. And those goals come by planting himself somewhere and hoping the puck finds his stick. Lately though, and especially tonight, he was puck-handling quite well and giving a solid effort which was nice to see for a change.

Pavelec; Let four goals slip by him, but otherwise made some spectacular saves! Beat a bunch of guys with the glove and had the butterfly working for him well.


Now during the third, what happened with the glass? I mean that's one way to pass 20 minutes if you want. And you could just tell Pavs, Lavallee, and Sterling were thrilled, with the three leaning up against the net, waiting for the job to get done.


Some other games tonight have had a bit of an effect on our standings. Grand Rapids took a win over Peoria which is very good since Peoria is creeping up extremely close behind us. Quad City also took a win over Houston which is kind of a good thing. Houston still in second, but not getting any more points. But the Flames are only five points behind us now. And unfortunately Rockford took the win against San Antonio putting them a point ahead of us.

Overall, a much better night.

Serious Hockey. Serious Fun.

A motto you're sure to hear when stepping into Allstate Arena or turning a game on tv for a Chicago Wolves game. What seemed like just another sports team a few years ago and turned into a big part of my life.

All of my life growing up, hockey was just a word. The only time I ever played hockey, was floor hockey, as it was required for my gym class in grade school. But aside from that I had never played, knew someone who played the sport, or had watched a game. It was a pretty foreign thing to me. If someone to ask me what hockey was, my response would of been along the lines of, "You try to shoot the puck in the net." Which yes, if you want to sum it up nine words that is what it is. But now it is so much more than that.

Approximately 4 years ago, my Aunt had heard about the Chicago Wolves through somebody at work. She went to a couple games herself and found out that she really enjoyed it, even though she had never had any experience with hockey, either. She soon brought it up with our family and we made arrangements to check out the game. The whole family enjoyed our first couple games and we decided we'd go to a couple more that year as well. Our first season attending, I believe we made it to somewhere between 3 & 5 games. I myself had a lot of fun at the games, but that was it. I did not understand the game all that much(nor did I try to make an attempt to), and when it came for the games to end, that would be it. Did not bother to check with the standings, know who the players/coaching staff were, see how the team was doing - nothing.

The following year was mostly the same at the beginning of the season, but things started to change. I began paying more attention and understanding the game better. Although we probably only went to 4 or 5 games that season as well, I was wanting to become more into it. I wasn't too involved right away, but it came to where I was becoming an actual fan.

From there it was all uphill(or as my anti-hockey friends would say, downhill) with me and the Wolves. Even with only attending a few games that season, I became more involved with them, starting with knowing more about hockey & the Wolves organization in general. While gradually learning, I came to understand more about the players, coaches, and what is overall expected for a team. So by the time that season ended(the '06-'07 season, I believe), I was ready for the next.

When the '07-'08 season came around, I'd say yes, I was excited. I thought I was ready for what was coming, but in all honesty, I wasn't. Watching a quarter of a season(though not intently) and reading stuff online didn't do me much good. So when it came time to watch the games, I was surprised. Reading about plays being set up was quite a bit different than watching it get done. Seeing penalties get called(the good and bad) gave a new meaning to the word "hooking", "interference", and such. And icing - yea I had see 'em be called and read the definition, but that one thing in particular came out and something totally different. There was still so much I had to learn. Luckily I had the chance to do so watching a great team play.

Unfortunately the rest of my family was about a year behind me and they didn't start watching the game all that much until close to the playoffs last season. So with unenthusiastic parents, we made it to maybe 7-10ish games, and about five playoff games - including June 10th : D

Now this season coming along, the Wolves have become part of the family. With a new enthusiastic mom and sister(although she blew off Sunday's game last week to stay home and play Wii), and a kinda into it dad, this family is filled with true Wolves fans. So far this season we've hit around 10 games, with a few more to come. Plus playoff games, if the team actually gets something going and plays like a team, actually making the playoffs.

Next season will be our first as season ticket holders, getting the select-21 pack. And this is regardless of how poor this year's team performs. After seeing people say they're not going to renew their season tickets because of bad coaching/no effort/etc, well fine for them. So even though I've only been following the team for a few years, I will be sticking with them.

Now, as just said, only following the team for a few years, still leaves me with much to know about the Wolves and hockey itself. I'm often finding myself learning knew things about the past and present Wolves. So if you were to put me in an conversation saying which team has been the best in the past 10 years, I obviously couldn't say. And I'm not going to start up an argument with someone who has been watching hockey for 25 years. So even though my years following the Wolves have been few, I will keep on rooting for them and learning while enjoying the game of hockey.

Dementophobia- Fear of insanity.

"The only thing we have to fear is fear itself." -Franklin D. Roosevelt

Well what if there is a 100 ft monster made of toxic wastes that is terrorizing the city and coming to eat you and your family? I dunno about you, but I'd fear that.

Hi, I'm Sarah and I am here to entertain myself(and you, possibly). I've heard of blogspot however long ago, but not being much of a blogger I never cared for it, nor any other blogging site. But my friend Shelbee came along with a blog and reminded me of the site. Still, not much interest. But reading the blogs of friends, idols, and random people "inspired" me to get up and blog(or in my case, it'll probably be a lot of ranting). Now here I am to talk about basically everything I feel like putting. It'll probably be mostly about many pointless things in my life & my favorite sports teams :D But really, I don't know. Yesterday I was in the mood to rant about commercials. Yes, commercials.

To most people in this world, I guess I'd still be considered a "kid". And heck, I'm perfectly fine with that. When you're younger you're always wanting to be older. When you're a toddler, you want to be a big kid. When you're a "big kid" you want to hang out with the older kids. From older kids, it's the cool teenagers. Once a teenager, you're finally ready to get your drivers liscence(with now a quite extended 9 month wait). You got your liscence, now it's time to be old enough to drink and go partying - if you're not already doing it illegally. Things keep going by fast and before you know it, you're old. Not that getting older is a burden or anything, but the times you are young you really should cherish. You only get to be a kid once, and once you're "grown-up", that's it forever. So enjoy the time playing dress up and running outside with your friends playing all sorts of games. There shouldn't be a rush to worry about getting a job, especially in this economy, and paying gas prices and taxes. Enjoy your youth.

Living not in Chicago, nor anywhere very close to it, but close enough to consider it my town. So yea, I'm a Chi-towner. It's actually only an hour or so away, but in my life I have been there very few times. Then I hear people saying they love the big-city and have always wanted to go there/go there again. So maybe I'm taking my location for granted, something like that? As a kid I never got a kick of the museums - they were always boring to me. But it's been years and I want to head up there in the near future and get a whiff of the big city.

Now if I actually get all I want to say out there, I'd say my future posts will end up having a high word count. I'll also probably be updating this a lot. Wish I could say the same for my English class, though. An essay that was due weeks ago I still have yet to find any motivation to take the small time it would to finish up what I have left. Hmm.

Now I have absolutely no experience blogging so this whole thing is an experiment for me. So expect weird things coming about for a while.