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T-Wolves Season Wrap Up
by Wayne Gryde
When the sun shed its light on the 2008/09 GTHL season, the outlook was grim for the Timberwolves, who were coming off a disappointing ’08 playoffs that saw them lose two straight games to the Hell Rams by a combined score of 12-2. It was an extension of the 2007 playoffs, where the players’ spirits were decimated when an apparent shootout win was pulled out from beneath them by a technicality and left the lowly Wolves with just a single win in their two years of existence; optimism was taking a bigger hit than the economy. The future was as grey as the jerseys they wore into battle each weekend. Question marks hung over the players’ heads like monstrous meat hooks. Would the team be able to fill the gaping holes left by the departures of offensive mainstays Sol Beaulieu, JJ Spence, and Matt Thiessen? Would shifty forward Mark Thiessen be able to endure the rigors of the GTHL season and stay injury-free after foregoing recommended surgery on his much-maligned shoulder? Would the wives still be willing to endure listless home games at the risk of being commissioned to run the scoreboard? Would the team be able to afford enough pucks for each player to have one during warm-ups? Always one to spit in the face of pessimism, grisly veteran forward Allan Thiessen commented ominously, “The night is darkest before the dawn.” Only time would tell if those words would prove prophetic or pathetic.
The ‘Wolves were slated once again to meet The Chiefs in the season opener. In last year’s inaugural meeting, the two teams battled to a 6-6 draw, but the T-Wolves couldn’t rekindle that magic and suffered an all too familiar 11-3 drubbing at the hands of the Boys in Blue. It would be the start of a lengthy losing streak, culminating with a 9-0 shutout loss to perennial powerhouses The Southwinds. The Wolves seemed once again destined to be the league’s doormats as they crawled from the ice with their tails between their legs. The standings showed The ‘Wolves with zero wins and six losses while facing the loss of second-line grinder Dennis Thiessen to mid-season wrist surgery. This was Timberwolves hockey at its darkest. When asked about the situation, leading scorer Landon Elhard replied, “I don’t know what to say. This is Timberwolves hockey at its darkest.” Defenseman/Forward Josh Thiessen added, “Yeah dude, it’s dark.”
But then a thin shaft of light broke through the cloud. Outnumbering the Heaters 10-6, the Wolves smelled blood and went for the jugular. With an excellent display of teamwork and tenacity, the Wolves skated hard and eventually caused the Heaters to overload. Maybe it could also be contributed to a bold move by management to give incumbent goaltender Tim ‘Thomas’ Thiessen the night off to relieve the shellshock by swapping him with his brother and teammate Matthew Thiessen for two games. Having an inexperienced netminder may have prompted the team to play a tighter game. When the smoke dissipated, every single player had contributed at least a point in the process of cooling the Heaters and the score read 8-3 for the boys in grey. The celebration was strangely subdued, despite the fact this was the biggest margin of victory in Timberwolves history. When asked to explain the lack of jubilancy, Mark Thiessen remarked, “For me, it was a case of not knowing how to react. I mean, we haven’t had much practice with it, and I was scared if I got too crazy, I might dislocate my shoulder again.” Tim Thiessen offered his take on the game, “Eight goals? That’s more than our average shots per game! Why can’t they do that when I’m in net?”
It was the beginning of the most successful season so far for a budding Timberwolves club, where they would rattle off three more wins through the regular season. That included a hard-fought 3-1 nail-biter over cross-town rivals, the Phantom ‘Menace’s’, where you could say you went to a fight and a hockey game broke out. Other highlights consisted of a couple one-goal wins - a 7-6 win over the Classics and an exciting 8-7 shootout win over the Dycks, punctuated by a demonstration of surgical precision by ‘Doctor’ Myron Thiessen posting two goals and an assist from the point.
The upstart club even opened the 2009 playoffs with a 3-1 win thanks to a hat-trick performance by Landon Elhard before personnel problems led to an early exit. The three goals by Elhard, consequently, were exactly half as many as he totaled the entire regular season, virtually cementing his status as a big-game, clutch, go-to, when-the-chips-are-down, pressure-cooker, dependable type of player. He currently is under a lifetime contract with the Wolves, but he may be looking to renegotiate a bigger salary in the offseason given his playoff propensity.
Looking back on the season, there were obviously highs and lows. A three-game stretch where the Pack lost by a combined score of 34-5 would be a decent example of the low side, as would goaltender Tim Thiessen racking up two full minutes in penalties due to his lack of control over his emotions. At times, he looked eerily like a young Billy Smith. On the bright side though, the team was able to walk away from the rink holding their collective heads high, knowing that they iced a team that threatened to pull out of the league basement and effectively silenced the naysayers – well, most of them, anyway.
Next up for the Timberwolves hockey club is the annual awards ceremony. The awards are voted on by an anonymous group of people who may or may not have any real knowledge of the sport.
Here’s a list of this year’s nominees:
Veritable Virgin (Rookie of the Year) – Kevin Thiessen, Ivan Verinder
Substitute Sniper (best player not eligible for playoffs) – Ryan Peters, Dean Waldner, Greg Gryde
Dominant Defenseman – Josh Thiessen, Myron Thiessen, Kenton Thiessen, Wayne Gryde
Bounce-back Bandaid (player who best persevered through injury) – Dennis Thiessen, Mark Thiessen
Thiessen Twine Tender (minimum one win requirement) – Tim Thiessen, Matt Thiessen, Kevin Thiessen
Prodigal Son Memorial (players who started as regulars only to disappear) – Matthew Thiessen, Jeff Penner
Thiessen Memorial (player with Thiessen for last name) – Allan Thiessen, Dennis Thiessen, Jonathan Thiessen, Joshua Thiessen, Kenton Thiessen…(WHEW!)… Kevin Thiessen, Mark Thiessen, Matthew Thiessen, Myron Thiessen (are we done yet?), Tim Thiessen (finally!)
Sure-shot James Award (most goals) – Allen Thiessen
Melvin’s Happy Helper Award (most assists) – Landon Elhard
Gerald’s Goon Gang (most penalty minutes) – Josh Thiessen & Ivan Verinder
The Timberwolves Hockey Organization would like to thank everyone involved, especially all those who agreed to Scoring Duty. It’s a dirty job, and we appreciate those who sacrificed their freedom for 39 minutes each game to help bring a more professional feel for the fans and the players. Thank You!
A Duel for the Ages
by Tim Thiessen
The sun began to dip to the west in the waning hours of the day, a thick cloud of vultures nearly blocking its presence, sensing the battle to come. General Landon could be heard issuing his orders to the troops, rallying them for the coming conflict. He knew in his heart that his smaller, slower and less experienced soldiers had little chance against the overpowering hell rams but there was no choice but to fight.
A fog descended upon the battlefield as the two forces drew their battle lines at center ice, a hush fell upon those around. And then it began, the Hell Rams immediately began their assault on the Timber Wolves driving quickly through their forces, only to be stopped by the heavily armored Timothy deep in the T-wolves territory. The men in grey quickly countered the attack and began their own offensive, hacking and swinging until Allen Thiessens Piercing shot drove a dagger into the enemy Rams. The wolves did not stop there as they once again pushed their foes back, their enemy dumbfounded at the aggressive strategy of the wolves. When the ice settled the Wolves held onto a 2-0 lead.
A bellow could be heard from the forces of the Rams and the battle lines were once again drawn. Regrouped and in raged the Rams drove their attack into the wolves, cutting deep into the enemy ranks. Even the heavily armored Timothy was unable to block the thrusts of the enemy as many of their attacks found their way into the back of the net. The attack continued on until tragedy struck the wolves as they saw their general fall to the ice, caught by the blade of one of their own, private Jonathon, a new recruit. With the General wounded and the Rams continuing their attack, the T-wolves could do nothing but watch in agony as their chances of victory were dashed.
It was a valiant effort by the Wolves that day and their impressive stand will be remembered throughout the weeks. General Landon would return to lead his troops into battle once again, the young private Jonathon would not, banished to the barren lands of the west.
Last Weekends Battle
This past weekend saw the T-Wolves play in games against the Dycks and the Heaters. With a fight to stay out of last place the Pack needed as many points as they could muster out of the weekend. They had never beaten the Dycks before but were eager to try their luck against them once again.
It all started on a very warm and sunny afternoon in the Ste. Agathe arena. The boys in grey are silent in the dressing room as they are in deep meditation, preparing for the game. They get the word that the tractor is off the ice and make there way to the ice. All was quiet as the first player glided onto the ice leaving a white scar in the perfect glass like surface. After a brief warm-up the shriek of a whistle is heard, it’s game time. Two teams one in red and the other in grey line up for what everyone knows will be a battle. Not only is this a battle of raw skill and physical strength but that of mental strength as well.
The smack of a puck is heard in front of a full capacity crowd of roughly 15 eager fans. The clash of sticks and cutting of blades through the ice fill the arena, the game is under way. The Dycks come out strong and are controlling play in the T-Wolves zone. Both teams are exchanging chances and the crowd is getting restless. No one can solve the goaltenders and then it happens. “Whack” a snap shot is unloaded by a man in red that finds itself entangled in the twine. The Dycks have broken the tie. A little disgruntled the T-Wolves collect themselves and line up for another face-off. Again the Dycks are storming the T-Wolves zone and again they find the back of then net. This continued on for five minutes that seemed more like an eternity. When the dust settled the Pack found themselves trailing 5-0.
This however did not waver the T-Wolves and they started on there long journey to equality. After goals from Mark, Josh, Allen, and Myron respectively the Pack found themselves trailing by just two goals with under five minutes to play in the final frame. That is when Myron Thiessen unleashed a shot from the point that sent the rubber disk sailing toward the goal like a spinning saw blade. Capable of slicing through flesh and bone but yet was stopped by the mesh in the back of the 4 x 6 cage. The Wolves had just drawn to within one goal. Could they complete the comeback? That was yet to be determined. With one minute left in the period Josh Thiessen skating by the bench saw a glimmer in Tim Thiessen’s eye and he knew right there that Tim needed to get out there. So with under a minute remaining Tim Thiessen jumped onto the ice like a leaping gazelle as Josh rumbled in to the gate. He skated around gracefully for a few seconds only to find himself on a two man break away with Mark Thiessen. As they skated over the blue line the cunning Tim made an absolute brilliant fake pass to the streaking Mark Thiessen and instead delivered a howitzer on goal. This was a shot above all shots and found the only chink in the Dycks goalie’s armor. With just 10 ticks on the clock the Wolves found themselves tied at 6.
The buzzer rang out through the arena like a fog horn. The game was going to a shootout.
First up was the Wolves Allen Thiessen. He skated in towards the Dycks tender only to have the puck bounce on him like a rubber ball that had been thrown into an empty grain bin. (Don’t try that at home) Up next were the Dycks and they found a way to put one in through the legs of goaltender Kevin Thiessen. Up next was Landon Elhard. He glided out to center ice with the demeanor of a cat on the prowl. He got to about the hash marks and let out a leg kick like a ballerina on steroids. The Dycks goalie bit on it and Landon found himself glaring into an open net and placed the puck with authority right down the center. The Dycks player was up next and he skated up to the hash marks only to wipe out and fail to score. Josh Thiessen stepped up to the plate next. He skated in and faked to the backhand. Almost as convincing as Tim Thiessen’s fake pass earlier in the game. The goalie once again bit on the fake and Josh was able to find the net as well.
With the Wolves up 2-1 in the shootout it all came down to this. The Dycks player started out from center almost seeming to be in slow motion. Kevin Thiessen came out to challenge like a Lion protecting his harem. The man in red released a shot and Kevin Thiessen came up with the save of a life time. Kevin threw his hands in the air, and the crowd erupted like Mt. St. Helens. The Wolves howled in happiness as they skated over to Kevin to celebrate the victory. The Pack through all odds had come back to win down 5-0. This was the best comeback and most exciting game in team history.
In other news the T-Wolves lost on Sunday despite scoring a goal that was clearly over the line. The game should have ended in a tie and gone to a shootout. And considering they had only two extra skaters against a full team, they played amazing. They deserved the win and should have at least gotten a tie.
Schedule Adjustments
Here is the schedule for the rest of the regular season
Feb 7 in Ste. Agathe against the Dycks @ 4:15
Feb 8 in Niverville against the Heaters @ 7:15
Feb 14 in Ste. Agathe against the Hell Rams @ 6:00
Post Season schedule to come
Timberwolves are on the Prowl
by Mark Thiessen
After what seemed like an eternity, the Timberwolves opened the new calendar year with some good old fashioned hockey. In true Pack style, they skated as hard as they could for about 3 minutes before succumbing to Christmas turkey and stuffing. The Chiefs out-skated, out-muscled, out-numbered (well, it seemed like it!) and out-played the Thiessen team, leaving them licking their wounds, easy prey for the Classics in the game on Sunday.
But all was not as it seemed. First of all, the Wolves scored first, and quite early too. Tim seemed to be having a solid game in the opening stages of the first, and continued his solid play through to the end of the period. With the Pack up by a few goals at the break, nothing appeared to be impossible for this rejuvenated team. Then two Classic goals quickly erased the notion that this would be an easy contest. The score sat at 3-3. Typically, this would be the place the Wolves roll over and play dead, if they were playing anything at all…but just as soon as the worry set in, two break-a-way goals came from Dean Waldner and Mark Thiessen breaking out of scoring mediocrity. Once again, however, the Classics rebounded with goals of their own, and the scored was knotted at 5. Now, on a normal night, this would be the place the Wolves roll over and play dead…until you guessed it, another break-a-way goal to take the lead 6-5 halfway through the 3rd. Could the fragile confidence of the Timberwolves withstand such a see-saw of emotions? Apparently not, as the ensuing Wolves power-play not only failed to enter the offensive zone, it gave up a short-handed goal to find the game dead-locked at 6. This game was destined to be a tie, until two players (remember the ones breaking out of scoring mediocrity) decided to take matters into their own hands. Insert name here forced a neutral zone turnover and sent the puck up ice to Mark Thiessen, who skated down the left side in a two-on-one with Dean for a chance to put the game away for good. With 3 minutes left on the clock, and Mark running out of room to make a pass, he centered the puck to the streaking Dean Waldner , who one-timed the puck into the open net! The Classics would pull the goalie in a last-ditch effort to save the game, but the final score stood at 7-6.
News and Notes: The Timberwolves reached a franchise best 3 wins on the season. Tim Thiessen did not allow a weak goal the entire game. Dean did not experience any lingering heart-burn from the night before. Myron Thiessen missed the game due to recurring care group matters.
Well It's That Time Again
After a very long Christmas break the Pack are back in action this weekend. And there is no slowly getting back into game shape as there are two games this weekend....was anyone ever in game shape? Well its time to get back out of turkey shape as the Wolves play the Chiefs on Saturday at 5:00 in Niverville and then again in Niverville against the Classics at 5:45 on Sunday. Landon Elhard who has only put on a mere 11 pounds over the Christmas break which is the lowest among T-Wolf players gauranteed to play his best game of the year against the Classics. When asked how he would play against the Chiefs he just proceeded to talk about the Classics game. Tim Thiessen will get the start in net and will likely play on back to back nights. He is a true iron man.
The Wolves will have to shake off the Turkey rust early as the Chiefs are a very good team and rumor has it that they worked out during the Christmas break.
Well it will be nice to get back on the ice again as I am sure I am not the only one who is suffering from withdrawl.
Dr. Myron Reports Mange Test Comes Back Negative
I am happy to report that the T-Wolves have set a new franchise record. They recorded there second win of the year obliterating their old record of one win last season. Tim Thiessen has been heard saying that the Pack plans on doubling there wins each season. That is a pretty big statement and means that in year 10 the team will have to win 256 games. Landon you better start scheduling those games now.
The game was very tight but the Wolves got off to a quick start when Landon Elhard found newly acquired Mike Wiebe all alone in front of the net and he was able to put it in the gaping net. After that both teams exchanged some chances but it was all around a defensive battle. Then in the third the Phantoms got on the board tying the game up at one. But the Wolves did not quit and were rewarded for it when Mike Wiebe pantsed the D-man in front of the net and and deked the goalie for his second of the night, restoring the one goal lead. And in the final minutes Al Thiessen was able to lift a back hander down the ice that found the gaping net sealing the T-Wolves second win of the year.
The game was very well played but did seem to get a little chippy at times. The Wolves found themselves in a few scrums but cooler heads prevailed. And since we are on the records note it should also be pointed out that goaltender Tim Thiessen recieved his first penalty as a T-Wolf.
Just Another Blow Out
Well the T-Wolves were back out on the ice in a double header against the Heaters and the Bad Rams. The Heaters game went on Saturday and it was a Classic. Lets just say the T-Wolves are getting quite used to blow outs. Only one difference, the Pack was on the winning side. That’s right it’s no typo. The Wolves won and they won big. The final score was 8-3. And as if the Wolves weren’t done re-writing the record books there as they posted another team record in which every skater got at least one point.
Believe it or not the Pack found themselves trailing going into the third 3 – 2 after goals from Mark and Josh respectively. After the second intermission it didn’t take long for the tables to turn as the newly formed line of Allen, Kevin, and Tim heated up. They potted three straight goals and the Wolves found themselves up by two. And the boys in gray didn’t stop there as Ivan, Landon, and Allen scored the next three goals.
For the first time the T-Wolves actually had a pretty good breakout and played very well defensively. They also got some key saves from Matt Thiessen in his goaltending debut. The Pack controlled most of the play and were finally rewarded for it.
The second half of the double header didn’t go so well… But who really cares. We are the Champs.
Two More Losses
Well the T-Wolves had two games this past weekend and dropped them both to the Phantoms and Dycks respectively. The pack played a very good defensive game against the Phantoms only allowing three goals. The problem once again was the offence. The only goal came from Josh Thiessen on a rush up the left wing after receiving a pass from defensive partner Wayne Gryde. The game was well played by the Wolves but were not able to get a lot of chances to score. A lot of the game was played in the neutral zone as both teams were having trouble getting in close for quality scoring attempts.
The game against the Dycks on Sunday was a very well played game until the third period. They were out chancing the Dycks but were not able to beat their keeper who had an amazing game. He made some unbelievable saves, not meant for rec hockey. If the Wolves could have put some of those chances in early, the game may have been completely different. Instead the Dycks found their offense on countless odd man rushes and started to find the net in the third. Even though the game ended 8-3 it could have very easily been a much closer score. Once again the Wolves need to learn to finish. Kevin scored his first goal of the season. The other two were scored by Dennis Thiessen and Matthew Thiessen who scored on a very well placed snap shot.
The next game goes on Saturday at 4:15 pm. The game is against the Southwinds in Ste. Agathe. The Pack's main focus will be to allow less odd man rushes and to figure out how to find the back of the net.
League Home Page
I have added links to the leagues home, stats, and standings pages. Due to the stats being on that website, the stats that you will find on this web page will be the stats that are correct according to how we see it. For example Kevin obviously scored last game but the goal was given to Big Al. We will only change the game sheet if we can agree that someone else should have received a specific stat. Nothing against the referees, but they do not always get the correct numbers on the score sheet.
Gryde Behind Bars
It has been reported that Wayne Gryde may not be in the starting lineup this Saturday against the Phantoms. Gryde has a court date as he has been charged with indecent exposure after he was caught streaking through a chess tournament at the local Ste. Agathe Seniors home. A reporter went to the seniors home this morning and got this from dear old Suzy Thomas. "I was just about to say check mate sucka, when out of no where a strapping young lad with no clothes on came running through the room screaming and jumping around. I was able to get him with my cane and subdue him while Bessy called for the police."
For anyone interested in attending this case it will be held at 6:00 pm at the M & M Courthouse.
Please remember that the November 1 game is in Ste. Agathe
First home game
After a grueling road trip in which the T-wolves dropped three straight, are now back at home. A T-Wolves spokesman caught up to Mark Thiessen in the airport. "The team needs to get back to the fundamentals. Clearing the zone and skating for a full 3 periods should be second nature." Landon Elhard also piped in guaranteeing a better effort and when asked how many goals he would get in next weekends double header, he simply replied "a handfull."
The Packs first home game will go on November 1, against the Phantoms and then they will jump back on the plane for Dyck land. That game goes November 2 and should be a fierce rematch as the Wolves will try to inflict a little pay back.
Injury Report: Josh Thiessen is back from an injured little toe and will be back on defense along side Wayne Gryde.
A Lickin From The Dickins
Sunday's afternoon loss against the Dycks was a lot closer than the score of 7-3 showed. The Twolves were right in the game for the most part but couldn't find the twine quite as often as the experienced Dycks. Some would say the turning point was near the end of the first period with the Dycks up 2-1. Matthew Thiessen was flying down the left wing and let wrist shot go that made two quick clangs that the Twolves thought meant a goal. Mark and Myron also attest to the fact it hit the pipe at the back of the net. The refs seemed to miss this and play kept going. This would have made it 2-2, but it was not to be.
Goals were scored by Matthew Thiessen (T-Wolves first power play goal this year), Ivan Verinder and Landon Elhard. Matthew's and Landon's goals were both like Matthew's non-goal--driving down the left wing and letting their wrist shots go. Ivan's first goal as a T-Wolf was set up by Dennis Thiessen's nice pass after a Dyck turnover.
With only 9 skaters, the T-Wolves had to play with 3 defenseman, but Wayne Gryde, Kenton Thiessen and Myron Thiessen were up to the task. They kept the Dycks to the outside for the most part and even had a few offense opportunities of their own.
In conclusion an interesting stat that developed over the weekend was brought up by the keeper Tim Thiessen. In both games the opposition scored two goals in the 1st period, four in the second and one in the third. Lesson: "Have better second periods!"
Another Classic Loss
The Timberwolves were looking for a good start in their game Saturday against the Classics, but it wasn't to be as the opposition scored in their first shift. Getting down that early takes some wind out of a team's sails. The Twolves put up a good fight though, but still lost this one 7-4. Substitute Jeff Penner put in a good first game with the Twolves, centring Matt Thiessen and Kevin Thiessen, scoring two goals and was a force in the defensive zone. The other goals were scored by Matthew Thiessen and Landon Elhard. Also of note, Ivan Verinder, in his second Timberwolf game, got two assists as he replaced Josh Thiessen on defense.
11-3 Romping
The T-wolves started off the season with a tough loss on Saturday. They dropped the game 11-3 to the Chiefs. Landon Elhard scored the first goal of the season as him and Mark Thiessen both where hacking at the puck on the side of the net and Landon was able to sneak it by the keeper. Dennis Thiessen tickled the twine with 2:05 remaining in the second on a feed from rookie Ivan Verinder. The T-wolves scored one goal in the third as Matthew Thiessen took a pass from Josh Thiessen and went in alone and slid a puck through the legs of the sprawling tender.
As for the defense, that is a whole other story. The Pack was able to keep the Chiefs outside for the most part but where burnt on alot of odd man rushes. Also sloppy break outs and clearings where kept in the zone and were turned into scoring chances for the Chiefs. About half way through the second the Chiefs got their cycle game going and the Wolves had trouble controlling it as players were caught out of position. Kevin Thiessen who was signed as a free agent this past off-season was filling in for Tim Thiessen and was able to keep the game at least some what respectable.
The offence hopefully will start to come along as the T-Wolves continue on through the season. In this game it was basically non-existent as they were often stuck in their own end. If the Wolves could clear more pucks and figure out a break out, it would contribute alot to the offence. Also the Wolves quite simply need to put more rubber on the net as there was very few shots taken last weekend. The bad ice caused for a lot of sloppy play as the pucks were stopping dead when ever they felt like it. This created alot of turnovers which were also a huge problem in the game for the Wolves. It seemed like there was a wall on the offensive blue line that was very difficult to cross and thought it would be easier to just hand the puck to the other team instead of getting over it
Despite all the negatives to the game, the Wolves should not be too down on themselves as they played a team that was well prepared for the game. They did have some bright spots on defense and did find the back of the net on three occasions. They just need some more consistant play and eliminate the turnovers.
The T-Wolves will get a chance to redeem themselves this weekend as they play two games, one verses the Classics and the other against the Dycks. That will close out the their three game road trip.
The New Season is Upon Us
Well I am pleased to announce that my sources (who know the future league president personally) are telling me that the first T-Wolves game will be on Saturday, October 18. The game will be played in Niverville at 5:00 pm against the Dycks. Sharpen your skates gents, and lets start the season with a win for the first time in franchise history.