So I hear reports coming from Hazelton that they've been doing some pretty intense training. Whether this statement is true or not it might not even matter.

Bottom line is apparently the Wolves are beefing up the team this year with some more young guys and an overall better team. Also there have been reports of former CIHL all star sniperholic Curtis "The Mad Cat" Cardinal may be wearing a Wolverines uniform this season. This is just a rumor I have heard around the water cooler, apparently his old lady resides in the Hazelton area somewhere.

The Wolves will be fueled by returning youngsters Matt Ranahan, Patrick O' Brian, Skye Jones and most likely a lot of the same young guns as last season. Matt Wolfenden is expected to be back in the line up this season but they are still apparently working out an extension. Louis Parent will most likely not be in the line up this season after signing a contract extension with his girlfriend in Victoria which will probably see him out of the line up for the majority of the 09-10 CIHL season.

Mitch Marshall will be back as well as captain Stu Barnes. Amedee Marshall, who despite being a resident of Calgary all of last year but still played in a bunch of games, is questionable for the upcoming campaign. Reports say that Am has put on some unwanted weight and may be less effective, only time will tell whether that statement is true. I expect to see Am in the line up for at least a few games this season. Reports say after near fatal heart problems, Cody Stephens has not been cleared to play by team doctors and has effectively been waived. Mitch Hobenshield is expected to come back to add some depth to the Wolves structure, apparently he's in a lot better shape than last season.

On the defensive front who knows what is happening with the Wolverines dismal defensive core. I'm not sure who, other than Pat O' Brian and Skye Jones, that will be on the blue lines this year.
Though I expect to see Enforcers Colin "KO" Jack back in the line up as well as Phil Morrison.

Goaltenders Cory "The Magician" Crawford is back and as well with Cody Smith. Boyd David, despite being regarded as one of the best goalies in Hazelton will probably still not be back in the line up after departing the team half way through their inaugural season due to "irreconcilable differences."

Well there you have it. Who knows how the Wolverines will do this season. After looking terrible in the early years of their franchise, the Wolverines showed some heart and character last season winning and being in some close games. Bottom line is the team lacks defense and a solid combination and chemistry of at least 2 solid lines. Needless to say the old barn will be rocking as always with sellout crowds; Lets just hope the thing stays standing another year.

-B69, CIHL Network.

hopefully your right, but I'll believe it when I see it. The crowd was sparce at best when Williams Lake was in town last year and I honestly believe Curtis will be playing somewhere where the bank account is deeper. Money talks with that guy.

The times I was in Hazelton that place has always been rocking, and rocking pretty hard to say the least. Regarding Curtis, to my understanding the 'rines do have some money to throw around. Countless times last year they apparently paid for transportation for Matt Wolfenden and Amedee Marshall to come back who both were living in Kamloops and Calgary respectively. I know Am was flown back a number of times. Who knows if that money is still kicking around but I wouldn't be surprised if he's wearing the old Red, White and Black in the upcoming season. (Wolverines not Rampage colors)

fair enough. I've always heard Hazelton has a great atmosphere and good support in the old barn, but when we went there last year it was more then half empty in a very small arena. Maybe it was a one time thing?

Go Stamps Go!

Yeah who knows.

The wolves should come into this season the way they went out last year. They won a few games and had big confidence. They are a real good hard working young team that can keep winning if they stay out of the penalty box. We went over to Prince Rupert on two different weekends and watched Hazelton beat the Rampage. Hazelton kept their heads up and played hockey and it really showed on the score sheets. I saw Phil Morrison get beat into the boards, slashed, elbowed, punched in the face, and he skated away from it all. Phil, wake the fu&^ up. You can help this team. Play the game. Who cares who is leading at the end of the year in penalty minutes. The best team wins, and they are the ones that we talk about for the next year. I can't see Terrace changing their chippy ways so they will surely be at the bottom of the barrel.

No doubt, I can see them being really pumped to start the new season. Apparently training regiments are much more strict than this year according to their site, sounds like they are preparing to be an actual contender this season. I hope they do well this season, it would be an overall boost for the league in general. Apparently they're developing a new Web Site as well....