‘Friendship and family’

February 12, 2026

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EMOTIONAL HALL CALL FOR WENDELL YOUNG

Wendell Young knew the tears were coming.

“There’s a good chance I’ll be crying here,” Young said shortly after stepping to the lectern during the Wolves Vice Chairman/Governor’s induction into the American Hockey League Hall of Fame on Wednesday in Rockford.

He wasn’t wrong. During a 10-minute speech that was at times both humorous and poignant, Young became emotional while thanking those who befriended and helped him through his journey to the Hall.

“The Chicago Wolves have a core covenant, and the first line is, no matter what, family is first,” Young said to a large audience that featured his family, friends, Wolves staff and players, including 2026 AHL All-Stars Bradly Nadeau, Domenick Fensore and Justin Robidas. “Not just your immediate family but everyone around you. Your friends, your teammates and your staff. So, this is my thank you to my family.”

A standout goaltender who helped the Wolves capture their first two of five league championships since the team’s inaugural campaign in 1994, Young also served as assistant coach and executive director of team relations before transitioning into the general manager role and now Vice Chairman/Governor.

The Halifax, Nova Scotia, native, has had a role in all five of the Wolves’ league titles, earning him five championship rings. Before joining the organization, Young backstopped the Hershey Bears to a title in 1988 and helped the Pittsburgh Penguins win back-to-back Stanley Cups in 1991-92.

“I’ve been very lucky in my life and career,” Young said. “It seems like I’ve been in the right place at the time to be around winners constantly.”

Young then reeled off a long list of those he wanted to thank, including former teammates, coaches, team executives, trainers, equipment managers and medical personnel. He also had a special thank you to Wolves owner Don Levin, who was also in attendance.

“He cares about so many people,” said Fensore, who is in his third season with the Wolves. “In his speech he just kept rattling off names. It’s crazy how many people he’s met in the hockey world. Everyone loves him and that’s a testament to him and what he’s all about.”

The 62-year-old Young wrapped up his speech by returning to the theme of family.

“In closing, thank you to this great game of hockey,” he said. “It’s given me so much more than accolades. It has given me friendships and family.”

SEEING STARS

A trio of Wolves were among those who shined the brightest during the 2026 AHL All-Star Classic festivities Tuesday and Wednesday at BMO Center in Rockford.

Forwards Bradly Nadeau and Justin Robidas and defenseman Domenick Fensore participated in the Skills Competition on Tuesday and then represented the Central Division in the All-Star Challenge on Wednesday night.

During the Skills events, Nadeau led the Western Conference All-Stars and finished second overall in the Hardest Shot Competition with a blast of 103.0 m.p.h.

“I got a good piece of it,” Nadeau said of the blistering shot. “I did not expect it so I’ll take it. The last time I did it was back in juniors in the BCHL (with Penticton during the 2022-23 season) and I got up to 92 so I was just hoping there would be improvement from back then and there was, so I’m happy with it.”

Meanwhile, Robidas had a little adventure during the Fastest Skater event. The forward raced around the rink in a Western Conference-leading 14.039 seconds despite nearly taking a spill.

“It’s harder than you think,” Robidas said with a smile. “That second corner when I turned I thought I was going to fall so I kind of stopped skating. But it was definitely a great experience and fun to be a part of.”

During Wednesday’s All-Star Challenge, Nadeau scored two goals during the Central Division’s four games while Robidas had two assists and Fensore one helper.

To a man, the Wolves players said participating in the AHL All-Star experience–the first for each–was a thrill.

“Just knowing you’re one of the top players and being recognized for it is really cool,” Fensore said. “And we get to play some of these guys so just to see them on the ice and get to talk to them was pretty cool.”

Added Nadeau: “This was one of those moments you look back on and you’ll remember forever.”

 

IMPACT NETWORKING PLAY OF THE WEEK

During last Friday night’s game against the Eagles in Colorado, Wolves forward Felix Unger Sorum delivered the overtime dagger in the first meeting between the teams since April 7, 2019.

C.D.E. COLLISION CENTERS’ COLLISIONS OF THE WEEK

Wolves forward Yanick Turcotte finished his check on the Eagles’ Danil Gushchin during Saturday night’s game in Colorado.

 

SAVE OF THE WEEK

During Friday night’s game in Colorado, Wolves goaltender Cayden Primeau denied Eagles forward Jake Wise’s point-blank chance.

 

Weekly rewind (1-1-0-0)

FRIDAY, FEB. 6

Wolves 5, Eagles 4 (OT): Felix Unger Sorum had two goals—including the game-winner in overtime—and added an assist, Nikita Pavlychev scored and had a helper and Dominik Badinka and Domenick Fensore each tallied to lift the Wolves in the first meeting between the teams since April 7, 2019.

SATURDAY, FEB. 7

Eagles 6, Wolves 2: Noel Gunler and Juuso Valimaki scored but it wasn’t enough as the Wolves settled for a split of the back-to-back games between the teams. With the loss, Chicago saw its 15-game road points streak snapped.

First Star of the Week

Where we stand

22-11-5-5, second in the Central Division.

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