The Chicago Wolves will kick off their 25th anniversary season and new campaign, “Last Team Standing” on Monday, August 13th with events and activations along Chicago’s famous Magnificent Mile.
The Wolves will unveil 15 larger-than-life Wolves goalie masks (54”x74”) as an art installation along Michigan Avenue. Each goalie mask features a different design worn by a former Wolves player, representing the team’s 25-year history.
“We’re extremely proud of what we’ve achieved as a team since 1994,” said Wolves co-founder and owner, Don Levin. “Each of these 15 goalie masks are impressive on their own, but together they create a truly memorable experience. It reminds us that every Wolves team member, whether on the ice or in the front office, is working towards the same goal—to be the Last Team Standing.”
Four of the 15 designs that will be on display are by Chicago designer and former Wolves art director Don McClelland. “It’s been such a privilege to see my designs worn by such talented Wolves players over the years,” said McClelland. “Seeing those designs out there as an art installation will be as exciting as the first day I saw them worn on the ice. I hope they’ll give Chicago locals that same feeling.”
Five of the masks will be featured at a media event at 10 a.m. on Monday August 13, in Pioneer Court (401 N. Michigan Ave.). The event will be filled with Wolves-themed excitement like slap shot competitions, photo opportunities with the Wolves mascot, Skates, along with current and former Wolves players. Levin, McClelland, Vice Chairman, Buddy Meyers and Wendell Young, current General Manager and former championship-winning goaltender for the Wolves will be available for interviews. Beloved Chicago sports announcer and singer, Wayne Messmer, will also be in attendance and available for interviews. Messmer famously made his emotional return to singing the national anthem at the first Wolves game in October of 1994 after recovering from a nearly-fatal gunshot wound.
“This anniversary is significant to me in more ways than one,” said Messmer. “The Wolves will always hold a special place in my heart because the team represents strength and the fight to overcome all obstacles—just like I had to in order to sing at the first game 25 years ago.”
Following the media event, the Wolves will be on-site to interact and celebrate with fans. Later that evening, the Wolves will hold a special private alumni event at the Chicago Sports Museum, which will highlight notable Wolves memorabilia from the team’s history and celebrate the team’s quarter-century as a Chicago sports community fixture. The Chicago Sports Museum has been a proud supporter of the Chicago Wolves since its opening in 2014 with a major interactive display feature of Wendell Young along with multiple Wolves-themed exhibits.
“We’re thrilled to pay tribute to the Wolves through hosting the alumni event at the Chicago Sports Museum as a way to celebrate everything the team has accomplished since 1994,” said Grant DePorter, President and Managing Partner of Harry Caray’s Restaurant Group.
For the grand finale on Monday evening, the Wolves will showcase a custom-designed pyro/laser/light show in Pioneer Court at 8:50 p.m. as a sneak peek for the team’s new opening show, which will debut at the Wolves home-opener at Allstate Arena on Saturday, October 13.
“It’s a special season because of everything the team has achieved these past 25 years,” said Levin. “We’re extremely excited to celebrate that with our fans, and to pull out all the stops for our silver anniversary season. August 13th is only a preview of what’s to come in the arena this season, and we look forward to the Chicagoland sports fans joining us on that journey.”
