Welcome to Wolves Insider: the weekly report that gives you the scoop on the 2019 Western Conference champions as they embark on the journey toward the 2020 Calder Cup.
SAY HELLO TO LUCAS ELVENES
On Opening Night for the Wolves in 2017, a strapping young forward named Alex Tuch scored four points in his Wolves debut. After two more games with the Wolves, Tuch was recalled from loan by the NHL’s Vegas Golden Knights never to be seen in the AHL again.
Lucas Elvenes is going to need more time before he gets his chance to join Vegas, but that doesn’t make his Wolves debut any less impressive. The 20-year-old Elvenes made his North American professional debut Saturday night against the Grand Rapids Griffins and piled up four points — joining Tuch as the only Wolves players in the last 13 years to to score four points in the team’s season opener.
Elvenes, a native of Angelholm, Sweden, is one of several prized rookies on the Wolves’ roster. He was selected by Vegas in the fifth round of the 2017 NHL Entry Draft, which is a nice achievement — but he’s not even the highest NHL pick in his own family. His father, Stefan, was taken by the Chicago Blackhawks in the fourth round of the 1988 NHL Entry Draft (the same year, Lucas’ uncle, Roger, went in the eighth round to the Toronto Maple Leafs).
Stefan Elvenes never played for the Blackhawks or any other NHL team, but he averaged more than 20 goals per year for more than a decade playing at the highest levels in Sweden and Denmark.
plenty of fun on the promotional calendar
Looking to add to your bobblehead collection? Then you’re going to want to be at Allstate Arena on Feb. 1 for the Oscar Dansk bobblehead giveaway (courtesy of Atturo Tires) and on March 14 for the Curtis McKenzie bobblehead giveaway (courtesy of My50).
Do you enjoy theme nights? Then make sure to be on hand for Star Wars Night (Dec. 14), Teddy Bear Toss (Jan. 18) and eSports Night (March 14). If you’re a member of the military — or just like to thank veterans for their service — Military Appreciation Weekend (Nov. 9-10) and Salute to Military Families Night (March 28) are great opportunities.
Want to bring the family for an enjoyable afternoon that won’t keep the kids out late? The Wolves’ schedule features 10 Little Debbie Sunday games — all of which start at 3 p.m. There’s always a giveaway at the doors for the kids from popular Chicago-area attractions as Brookfield Zoo, Dave & Buster’s, GameWorks, Legoland, Raging Waves, Santa’s Village Azoosment Park and more. Then, once inside, there’s free face-painting, sign-making and caricature-drawing as well as postgame autograph sessions with players.
To discover all the giveaways and theme nights, click here. The complete 2019-20 promotional schedule can be found here.
STICK IT TO BREAST CANCER
Here’s a great opportunity to mingle with friendly Wolves players while helping a great cause: Attend the Stick It To Breast Cancer fundraiser on Wednesday, Oct. 16, at Peggy Kinnane’s in Arlington Heights. Proceeds help A Silver Lining Foundation and Chicago Wolves Charities.
TOP LINE
Quite a North American professional debut for the 20-year-old from Angelholm, Sweden. Elvenes recorded his first assist in the first period, his first goal in the second period and added two assists in the third to finish with four points in the Wolves’ 8-5 loss in Saturday night’s opener. Elvenes shares the AHL lead in points with four others.
One of the Wolves’ leading scorers last year with 19 goals, the 24-year-old Quinney picked up where he left off in the 2019 Calder Cup Finals. Quinney posted one goal and one assist in Game 5 on June 8, then produced the Wolves’ first goal of the new season just 5:28 into Saturday’s season opener. He also added an assist while centering the team’s top line and playing in all situations.
After enjoying a strong preseason camp with the NHL’s Vegas Golden Knights, the 21-year-old Coghlan rejoined the Wolves last week and got off to a strong start with a pair of assists in the Wolves’ opener Saturday night. Coghlan, who led all AHL rookie defensemen with 10 power-play goals last season, earned both of his assists Saturday while piloting the power play.
OPENING NIGHT REWIND (0-1-0-0)
SATURDAY, OCT. 5: GRAND RAPIDS 8, (at) CHICAGO 5
- In the second highest-scoring opener in Wolves history, the Griffins and Wolves combined for 13 goals — five on the power play — to light the lamps early and often at Allstate Arena.
- Forwards Gage Quinney, Lucas Elvenes, Patrick Brown, Tye McGinn and Curtis McKenzie scored goals while Elvenes added three assists in his North American professional debut.
- Goaltender Oscar Dansk posted 18 saves.
NEXT FIVE GAMES
Friday, Oct. 11 | at San Antonio | 7 p.m. | AT&T Center | AHLTV |
Saturday, Oct. 12 | at San Antonio | 7 p.m. | AT&T Center | AHLTV |
Friday, Oct. 18 | at Rockford | 7 p.m. | MetroCentre | My50 Chicago |
Saturday, Oct. 19 | vs. Rockford | 7 p.m. | Allstate Arena | My50 Chicago |
Sunday, Oct. 20 | vs. Milwaukee | 3 p.m. | Allstate Arena | My50 Chicago |
My50 Chicago is the home for 40 Chicago Wolves broadcasts during the regular season. All Wolves games are streamed on AHLTV.