Welcome to Wolves Insider, presented by Are You Really Winning?: The weekly report that gives you an inside look at the latest Chicago Wolves news and happenings. Look for a new edition of Wolves Insider each week.
CHRIS TERRY NEARING A RETURN TO LINEUP
When Chris Terry first hit the ice after a collision near the goal during a game against the Cleveland Monsters on Feb. 18 at Allstate Arena, the Wolves captain feared the worst.
“Any time you leave a game and are told you’re done for the day, scariness kind of sets in,” Terry said. “You’re worried.”
While the knee injury Terry suffered on the play has sidelined him for a month, the 34-year-old is thankful it wasn’t season-ending. On Tuesday, Terry practiced fully with Wolves teammates and is nearing a return to the lineup.
“It’s day-to-day right now,” Terry said. “It’s feeling really good. I’m really excited to be out practicing with the guys. It’s one step closer to getting back into a game.”
With the Wolves in a battle for the fifth and final Central Division postseason berth, Terry is eager to return and provide a lift during a crucial time of the season.
“Nobody wants to miss games and being where we’re at by being in a playoff push it’s quite an exciting time to be playing games,” Terry said. “You never want to miss games but it’s hard when you’re missing this time of year.”
Getting Terry back in the lineup would not only provide a mental boost to the team, but the veteran’s scoring prowess is needed. Terry had 17 goals and 20 assists in 46 games prior to the injury.
Terry is also looking forward to lacing up his skates instead of watching games in the press box, often next to broadcasters Jason Shaver and Bill Gardner.
“I’m not a good spectator,” Terry said. “Fortunately, in my career I haven’t really missed extended periods of time. If you ask Billy and Jason, when I was standing with them I’d do some fist pumps, some leg kicks and some head nods. I’m very into what’s happening in the games and the results.”
NEW ADDITION
A fresh face joined the Wolves last weekend with the signing of forward Patrick Moynihan.
The 23-year-old inked an Amateur Tryout Contract on Sunday and could make his professional debut during the Wolves’ three-game road trip that kicks off against the IceHogs on Wednesday night in Rockford.
A sixth-round selection (158th overall) by the New Jersey Devils in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft, Moynihan spent four years at Providence College before completing his graduate year at Notre Dame where the Millis, Mass., native had 10 goals and 14 assists in 36 games. During his collegiate career, Moynihan was also a member of the Team USA squad that captured gold at the 2021 World Junior U-20 Championships.
Now, he’s with the Wolves.
“It’s kind of a dream come true for me and my family to finally play professional hockey—it’s awesome,” Moynihan said. “It was kind of a whirlwind couple of days to get up here but I’m settling in.”
During Tuesday’s practice, Moynihan skated on the fourth line alongside Jake Wise and Zach Jordan and afterward said he’s eager to showcase his playing style.
“My biggest strengths are my quickness and speed and finding open ice and being able to use my shot,” Moynihan said. “At this level, it has to be a complete game so I’m always trying to work on my 200-foot game to get better in that area.”
“Up here, there’s less time and space,” Moynihan continued. “Guys are bigger and stronger and the pace of play is just a little bit quicker. So it’s about making decisions quicker in my head and being smart with the puck.”
Another adjustment for Moynihan, who grew up a Boston Bruins fan and admired the playing style of Bryan Rust, will be wearing a shield instead of a full cage, which is required in college hockey.
“It’s a little different at first,” Moynihan said of losing the cage. “I wouldn’t say I’m a handsome guy so getting a little damage up top in the face won’t hurt.”
IMPACT PLAY OF THE WEEK
Forward Max Comtois had two goals to help the Wolves secure a point against the Manitoba Moose on Friday night at Allstate Arena. For his second score, Comtois fired this one-timer off a pass from Domenick Fensore for a power-play goal.
REPUBLIC BANK SAVE OF THE WEEK
Wolves goaltender Adam Scheel stoned the Moose’s Nikita Chibrikov on two point-blank chances during Friday night’s contest.
C.D.E. COLLISION CENTERS’ COLLISION OF THE WEEK
During Saturday night’s game at Allstate Arena, Wolves forward Max Comtois leveled Manitoba Moose forward Nikita Chibrikov with this hit.
Weekly rewind (0-2-0-1)
FRIDAY, MARCH 15
Moose 3, Wolves 2 (SO): Max Comtois had two goals in regulation for the Wolves but Jeff Malott notched the winner in the shootout for the Moose.
SATURDAY, MARCH 16
Moose 6, Wolves 2: Tory Dello and Nathan Sucese scored for the Wolves but Manitoba got two goals each from Parker Ford and Henri Nikkanen to help sweep the set of back-to-back games.
SUNDAY, MARCH 17
Wild 3, Wolves 2: Nathan Sucese had two goals for the Wolves before the Wild erased a two-goal deficit and prevailed when Sammy Walker scored with 13.9 seconds remaining in the third period.
First Star of the Week
Where we stand
21-30-3-3, sixth in the Central Division.
UPCOMING SCHEDULE
Wednesday, March 20 | at Rockford | 7 p.m. | BMO Center | AHLTV |
Friday, March 22 | at Iowa | 7 p.m. | Wells Fargo Arena | AHLTV |
Saturday, March 23 | at Iowa | 6 p.m. | Wells Fargo Arena | AHLTV/My50 Chicago |
Wednesday, March 27 | Rockford | 7 p.m. | Allstate Arena | AHLTV/My50 Chicago/NHL Network |
Friday, March 29 | Grand Rapids | 7 p.m. | Allstate Arena | AHLTV/My50 Chicago |