ABBOTSFORD, B.C.---The Chicago Wolves remained undefeated as they produced a 3-2 shootout victory Friday night before a pro-Wolves crowd of 6,871 at Abbotsford Entertainment and Sports Centre.

Goaltender Eddie Lack stopped 27 shots in regulation and overtime before repelling all three of Abbotsford’s shootout tries for the Wolves (4-0-0-0).

Right wing Zack Kassian and center Nathan Longpre scored in regulation while center Jordan Schroeder, right wing Darren Haydar and Kassian tallied during the shootout.

The Wolves opened the scoring at 9:45 of the second period as center Andrew Ebbett set up Kassian at the blue line. Kassian roared down the left side past the defense and beat Abbotsford goaltender Danny Taylor (2-0-1) on the short side.

Abbotsford (2-0-0-1) pulled even on Tyler Ruegsegger’s power-play goal at 2:06 of the third. Krys Kolanos’ slapshot deflected off Ruegsegger and sneaked past Lack.

The Wolves didn’t wait long to regain the lead. Longpre fought through traffic around the net to tap the puck home at 3:55 of the third. Abbotsford answered with Roman Horak’s power-play goal at 5:02.

The Wolves, who are off to the second 4-0-0-0 start in their 19-year history, have yet to trail in 252 minutes and 59 seconds this season.

Chicago faces the Heat again at 9 p.m. Saturday at Abbotsford E&S Centre. The Wolves return to Allstate Arena on Friday, Oct. 27, to face San Antonio on Breast Cancer Awareness Night. For tickets, call 1-800-THE-WOLVES or visit ChicagoWolves.com.

CHICAGO 3, ABBOTSFORD 2 (shootout)

Chicago 0 1 1 0 -- 3
Abbotsford 0 0 2 0 -- 2

First Period---None. Penalties---Joslin, Chicago (cross-checking), 2:51; Baertschi, Abbotsford (interference), 3:03; Friesen, Chicago (delay of game), 9:12.

Second Period---1, Chicago, Kassian 2 (Ebbett), 9:45. Penalties---Olson, Abbotsford (hooking), 4:04; McKelvie, Abbotsford (roughing), 11:44; Pinizzotto, Chicago (roughing), 16:43; McCarthy, Abbotsford (roughing), 16:43.

Third Period---2, Abbotsford, Ruegsegger 1 (Kolanos, Walter), 2:06 pp; 3, Chicago, Longpre 3 (Pinizzotto, Gordon), 3:55; 4, Abbotsford, Horak 3 (Walter, McCarthy), 5:02 pp. Penalties---Rodin, Chicago (hooking), 1:42; Tanev, Chicago, (tripping), 4:18; Piskula, Abbotsford (interference), 5:38; Kassian, Chicago (fighting), 10:04; Piskula, Abbotsford (fighting), 10:04;

Overtime---None. Penalties---None.

Shootout---Chicago 3 (Schroeder G, Haydar G, Sweatt NG, Kassian G); Abbotsford 0 (Street NG, Baertschi NG, Kolanos NG). Shots on goal---Chicago: 11-12-8-0-1—32; Abbotsford: 10-5-12-1-0—29. Power plays---Chicago 0-4; Abbotsford 2-4. Goalies—Chicago, Lack (27-29), Abbotsford, Taylor (29-31). A---6,871. Referee---Darcy Burchell. Linesmen---Ryan Gibbons and Justin Hull.

This weekend we head north of the border to play two games in Abbotsford, BC against the Heat. Unlike most road trips, we actually get a warm reception in Abbotsford, because we are associated with the Vancouver Canucks, who play about an hour away.

Packing for a road trip is something I haven’t had to do in quite a while.  Over the years, I have picked up some tips to successfully packing for a weekend of hockey.  A suit is essential, as we are required to wear one while traveling, as well as, to and from games.  Shoes and a toothbrush are the other key essentials.  Unfortunately, I know from personal experience that forgetting dress shoes can be a costly mistake, because your only options are to buy a new pair, or pay the fine and have the #thebooys remind you of it for weeks to come.  The option I chose, trying to pass black sneakers for dress shoes, was a poor one as I didn’t even make it down the hotel hallway before I heard laughter and saw some pictures being taken. 

Personally, another key item to pack is an extra dress shirt or two depending on the length of the trip.  Nothing worse than only having the one shirt and you end up spilling something down the front.  For me, it’s usually the chocolate sauce from the pregame ice cream. 

The last key to packing for a road trip is managing to get everything to fit into a carry-on bag.  Here the usual tricks work, travel size toiletries, rolled up tees, etc.  It’s a lot easier for the European players, because their clothes tend to be smaller and a bit tight, not to mention any specific players, but one rhymes with Smeddie Tack!

Maddog….out!