NOVEMBER
DECEMBER
JANUARY
FEATURED \ PAGE 16
ON THE RISE
OWNERSHIP
Don Levin Chairman of the Board/Governor
Wendell Young Vice Chairman/Governor
Buddy Meyers Advisor
Wayne Messmer Senior Executive Vice President
Seth Gold Director
OPERATIONS
Courtney Mahoney President of Operations
Dan Harris Vice President of Operations
Mark Abernethy Marketing
Imran Javed Creative Director
Chris Kuc Director of Public Relations
Danny Karmin Public Relations Assistant
Michael Roche Video Production Coordinator
Ian Babcock Community Relations Coordinator
Sammy Frieri Operations Coordinator
Matthew Gordon Community Relations Coordinator
Abby Ettel Social Media Coordinator
Eugene Lee Motion Designer
Grace Maher Graphic Designer
Luke Mallette Graphic Designer
Jason Shaver Play-by-Play Broadcaster
Bill Gardner Color Analyst
Ryan Mason Mascot Coordinator
BUSINESS OPERATIONS
Jon Sata President of Business Operations
Greg Sprott Vice President of Partnership Sales
Chris Friederich Director of Partnerships
Anissa Patterson Senior Manager, Client Services Corporate Partnerships
Gabe Gordon Client Services Coordinator, Partnerships
Tim Weaver Senior Manager, Partnerships and Media Sales
Sydney Rosinski Corporate Partnerships Executive
Samantha Davis Vice President of Ticket Sales
Eric Zavilla E xecutive Director of Ticket Sales
Jackie Schroeder Senior Director of Ticket Retention and Services
Stefanie Evans Senior Director of Program Development
Jack Metz Director of Ticket Sales
Colette Hankin Ticket Sales and Service Coordinator
Jacob Patzelt Group Sales Account Representative
Daniel King Group Sales Account Executive
Jackson Newell Group Sales Account Executive
Tripp Schulte Group Sales Account Executive
Jake Lesiak Group Sales, Youth Hockey
Drew Vozza New Business Account Executive
Sherwin Thomas Inside Sales Representative
Rosemarie Barnes Inside Sales Representative
Nick Guca Inside Sales Representative
GAMEDAY STAFF
Chris Dubiel Address Announcer
Hannah Arbitman In-Arena Host
Joe Rakestraw, Rodrigo Perez, Taylor Kuester, Brian Kozek, Alyssandra Dehlin, Jeremy Innis, Eric Burger, Justin Jensen, Nick Torre, Ryan Pasterz, Chris Jaimon, Rafael Gonzalez, Christian Washington, Tara Cercone, John Bubala, Delaney Zaucha, Adam Cloutier, Abbigail Placido, Anthony Vazquez, Ryan Apter, Thomas Fumagalli, Matt Glavach, Jon Midlock, Brandon Scurto, Lauren Stoeck, Kelly Tragas, Rachel Steinhouse, Benjamin Spowich, Justin Sata, Kelly O'Connor, Emily Murdach, Lily Freedman, Morgan Chicalace, Katie Castillo, Clarissa Messina, Rachel Mullany
BREAKAWAY MAGAZINE
Editorial Producer: Courtney Mahoney
Publication Writers: Chris Kuc, Danny Karmin
Publication Photographer: Ross Dettman
Publication Designers: Christina Moritz, Morgan Prato, Imran Javed
PROCEEDS BENEFIT
PURCHASE YOUR SCRATCH & WIN TICKETS AT THE CHICAGO WOLVES CHARITIES TABLE BEHIND SECTION 105!
SCAN TO PURCHASE
Scott Howson PRESIDENT & CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Hockey League
A Message from The President
Dear Fans,
It is my pleasure to welcome you to the 2024-25 American Hockey League season, the latest chapter in a tradition of excellence that can be traced back to our league’s founding nearly nine decades ago.
The AHL is as proud as ever of its role as the top development league for nearly all of the players, coaches, executives, trainers, broadcasters and officials who you see throughout the National Hockey League today. Generations of our great fans have cheered on future superstars, Stanley Cup champions and Hockey Hall of Famers as they have come through the AHL.
This season is sure to be another memorable one, from the excitement of opening night to the pageantry of the AHL All-Star Classic in Coachella Valley to the pure emotion of the Calder Cup Playoffs.
On behalf of all of our teams, thank you for your continuing support of the AHL.
Sincerely,
Scott Howson President & CEO | American Hockey League
American
PROUDLY SERVING YOUR COMMUNITY FOR 125 YEARS! BE SOCIAL.
WOLVES CHAMPIONSHIP HISTORY
CEMENTING CHAMPIONSHIPS
THE WOLVES HAVE WON AN IMPRESSIVE FIVE LEAGUE TITLES DURING THEIR FIRST 30 SEASONS. HERE’S HOW THEY ACCOMPLISHED EACH...
1998 TURNER CUP
REGULAR SEASON
55-24-3 (first in Midwest Division)
WESTERN CONFERENCE PLAYOFFS
Quarterfinals: Wolves 3, Manitoba 0
Semifinals: Wolves 4, Milwaukee 2
Conference Finals: Wolves 4, Long Beach 2
TURNER CUP FINALS
Wolves 4, Detroit 3
PIVOTAL MOMENT
In the third period of Game 7 of the finals, Chris Marinucci broke a scoreless tie off a rebound from defenseman Bob Nardella’s shot to give the Wolves a lead they didn’t relinquish in front of 16,701 at Rosemont Horizon.
POSTSEASON MVP
Alexander Semak, Wolves
2000 TURNER CUP
REGULAR SEASON
53-21-8 (first in Midwest Division)
WESTERN CONFERENCE PLAYOFFS
Semifinals: Wolves 4, Long Beach 0
Conference Finals: Wolves 4, Houston 2
TURNER CUP FINALS
Wolves 4, Grand Rapids 2
PIVOTAL MOMENT
Derek Plante’s two goals in 26 seconds in the second period of Game 6 proved to be the daggers as the Wolves capped off their second Turner Cup in three seasons at Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids.
POSTSEASON MVP
Andrei Trefilov, Wolves
02 WOLVES CHAMPIONSHIP HISTORY
2002 CALDER CUP
REGULAR SEASON
37-31-7-5 (fourth in West Division)
WESTERN CONFERENCE PLAYOFFS
Qualifying Series: Wolves 2, Cincinnati 1
Quarterfinals: Wolves 3, Grand Rapids 2
Semifinals: Wolves 4, Syracuse 3
Conference Finals: Wolves 4, Houston 1
CALDER CUP FINALS
Wolves 4, Bridgeport 1
PIVOTAL MOMENT
In front of 15,132 fans at Allstate Arena–the second-largest postseason crowd in AHL history–the Wolves captured the title when Yuri Butsayev scored in double-overtime of Game 5 to secure a 4-3 victory.
POSTSEASON MVP
Pasi Nurminen, Wolves
2008 CALDER CUP
REGULAR SEASON
53-22-2-3 (first in West Division)
WESTERN CONFERENCE PLAYOFFS
Division Semifinals: Wolves 4, Milwaukee 2
Division Finals: Wolves 4, Rockford 3
Conference Finals: Wolves 4, Toronto 1
CALDER CUP FINALS
Wolves 4, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton 2
PIVOTAL MOMENT
Behind Jason Krog’s Game 6 hat trick and goals from Nathan Oystrick and Brent Sterling, the Wolves won their third championship on home ice.
POSTSEASON MVP
Jason Krog, Wolves
2022 CALDER CUP
REGULAR SEASON
50-16-5-5 (first in Central Division)
WESTERN CONFERENCE PLAYOFFS
Central Division Semifinals: Wolves 3, Rockford 0
Central Division Finals: Wolves 3, Milwaukee 1
Western Conference Finals: Wolves 4, Stockton 2
CALDER CUP FINALS
Wolves 4, Springfield 1
PIVOTAL MOMENT
After falling behind in the series via an overtime loss in Game 1, the Wolves prevailed over their next four games to win their fifth championship in team history. Alex Lyon made 28 saves in the 4-0 Game 5 clincher at Springfield.
POSTSEASON MVP
Josh Leivo, Wolves
COMING CLOSE
In addition to winning five league championships, the Wolves have reached the finals on three other occasions.
In 2001, Chicago knocked off the Milwaukee Admirals and Manitoba Moose in the playoffs before succumbing in the Turner Cup Finals to the Orlando Solar Bears 4-1.
In 2005, the Wolves roared through the Houston Aeros, Cincinnati Mighty Ducks and Manitoba Moose in the Calder Cup Playoffs before falling short in the finals to the Philadelphia Phantoms 4-0.
In 2019, before falling to the Charlotte Checkers 4-1 in the Calder Cup Finals, the Wolves dispatched the Grand Rapids Griffins, Iowa Wild and San Diego Gulls, respectively.
WOLVES OWNERSHIP
DON LEVIN CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD/ GOVERNOR
Don Levin founded DRL Enterprises, Inc., in 1969. The Glenview-based company has holdings in many industries including tobacco processing, aircraft and medical equipment leasing, licensed sports product manufacturing and distribution, and motion picture production and distribution.
Levin’s film company has made nearly 20 motion pictures distributed in the U.S. and overseas.
Levin founded the Chicago Wolves with Buddy Meyers and Grant Mulvey in January 1994 and has served as the team’s chairman of the board since the franchise’s inception. Levin donates his time and serves on the board of directors for several charitable organizations.
Levin dedicates a good portion of his time and energy to helping dogs find forever homes. The Wolves host Adopt-a-Dog Night one Saturday each month during the season and make it easy for fans to adopt homeless dogs.
The Adopt-A-Dog program has found homes for 1,700 dogs in its first 23 seasons. In 2003, Levin purchased and donated the Animobile — a mobile adoption unit and a modern clinic staffed by Chicago of Animal Care and Control veterinarians and adoption specialists. In 2014, he pledged a $2 million donation to CACC to spur an $8.2 million renovation.
Levin was inducted into the Illinois Hockey Hall of Fame on Jan. 27, 2013. He was honored as the International Hockey League’s Executive of the Year for the 1999-2000 season.
Before beginning his business career, Levin served in the United States Marine Corps, from which he was honorably discharged.
WENDELL YOUNG VICE CHAIRMAN/ GOVERNOR
After 15 seasons as general manager of the Wolves, Wendell Young was promoted to Vice Chairman/Governor on May 3, 2024.
During Young’s stint as GM, which began in August of 2009, the Wolves captured the 2022 Calder Cup and reached the 2019 Calder Cup Finals.
Young also helped capture eight American Hockey League division titles: the 2010 West, 2012 Midwest, 2014 Midwest, 2017 Central, 2018 Central, 2019 Central, 2021 Central and 2022 Central.
Young has been a member of the Wolves organization in virtually every capacity — including player, coach and executive — since the team’s inaugural campaign in 1994.
Young stands as the Wolves’ all-time leader among goaltenders in games (322), wins (169), saves (8,467), minutes (17,912) and shutouts (16), and was a member of Chicago’s 1998 and 2000 Turner Cup championship squads. His jersey number “1” was retired on Dec. 1, 2001.
He is currently the only player in hockey history to have won the Memorial Cup, Calder Cup, Turner Cup and Stanley Cup.
BUDDY MEYERS ADVISOR
Buddy Meyers has been involved in the world of hockey for more than 46 years. He is a former certified agent of the National Hockey League Players’ Association and is past attorney for the Soviet Red Army Hockey Team (CSKA).
He is a practicing attorney and the principal in the law firm of William Buddy Meyers, Ltd. His concentration is in the areas of worker’s compensation and personal injury litigation. Additionally, he is a member of the Illinois Bar Association, Illinois Trial Lawyers Association and Illinois Workers Compensation Lawyers Association; a former director of the Better Boys Foundation and River North Association; and a recipient of the Shomrim Society of Illinois’ Man of the Year Award in 2006. He also supports numerous charitable and environmental organizations.
Meyers, who was inducted into the Illinois Hockey Hall of Fame on Jan. 26, 2014, is a graduate of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and holds a juris doctor degree from the Illinois Institute of Technology/Chicago Kent.
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THROUGHOUT
THE WOLVES’ FIRST 30 SEASONS, THERE HAVE BEEN AN ABUNDANCE OF HISTORIC MOMENTS— including five league championships—but not all of them have gone according to plan.
Here are some of the strangest and most unforgettable moments from the franchise’s rich history.
FAILURE TO LAUNCH
JUNE 2001
2001 TURNER CUP FINALS, WOLVES VS. ORLANDO SOLAR BEARS
Defending their 2000 Turner Cup Championship, the Wolves finished the ’00-01 regular season 43-32-2-5 and entered the postseason flying high. They met and went through the Milwaukee Admirals and Manitoba Moose to set up a matchup with Orlando in the Turner Cup Finals. What proved to be a difficult matchup on the ice started with off-ice drama.
Set to embark to Orlando for Game 1 of the finals, the Wolves boarded a charter flight and settled in as the plane started down the runway at O’Hare International Airport. Players and team personnel were jolted by a loud bang and the plane slowed to stop.
After a short delay, those on the plane disembarked and after a four-hour delay— spent at a local hotel bar—boarded a second plane flown in from Milwaukee and eventually headed to Orlando. Things didn’t get much better from there as the Wolves dropped the series 4-1.
PICK
UP STICKS APRIL 1998
Whether it was some hijinks from the host Milwaukee Admirals or not is still not known, but the Wolves found themselves sans sticks to use prior to a playoff game against their arch-rivals.
With the Wolves’ equipment truck parked in a hotel near the arena in Beer Town, then-Wolves equipment manager Craig Kogut discovered the morning of a game that it had been broken into and players’ sticks had been stolen.
A Wolves staffer who lived near Allstate Arena was tasked with loading up his car with as many sticks as it could hold and make the trek to Milwaukee.
He arrived just as the Wolves team bus pulled into the arena and opened the hatch of his car so players could grab their sticks and hit the ice for the team’s morning skate.
BAT MEETS THE PACK
1995-96 SEASON
A non-ticketed visitor made its way into Allstate Arena and eventually made its presence felt on the ice during a contest in the ’95-96 season.
During the Wolves’ infamous pregame fireworks display, a bat was spotted near the roof the of then-called Rosemont Horizon and as the game progressed took flight and grabbed the attention of those on and off the ice.
Midway through the opening period, the bat landed on the ice and struggled to take flight. With the puck eventually iced at the opposite end of the rink, confusion reigned as no one in attendance knew quite what to do with the winged mammal. That was when the Wolves’ Corey Beaulieu took matters into his own, er, gloves. The defenseman jumped over the over the boards, used a towel to pick up the bat and skated it to the penalty box where he handed it to an off-ice official. After the bat was dispatched, Beaulieu received an ovation from fans, teammates and opposing team.
some people just know you only cheer howl for the Wolves
Those are the people who know they could save hundreds
MEET THE WOLVES
FORWARDS
6 - RYAN SUZUKI
H: 6-1 W: 190
May 28, 2001
London, Ontario
2023-24: Springfield (AHL)
9 - JACKSON BLAKE
H: 5-10 W: 158
Aug. 3, 2003
Fargo, N.D.
2023-24: Univ. of North Dakota, Carolina (NHL)
10 - NOEL GUNLER
H: 6-1 W: 175
Oct. 7, 2001
Lulea, Sweden
2023-24: Karpat (Sweden)
12 - DANNY KATIC
H: 6-5 W: 220
Aug. 4, 2000
South Porcupine, Ontario
2023-24: Norfolk (ECHL)
13 - NICK SWANEY
H: 5-10 W: 178
Sept. 9, 1997
Lakeville, Minn.
2023-24: Iowa (AHL)
14 - FELIX UNGER SöRUM
H: 5-11 W: 170
Sep. 14, 2005
Trondheim, Norway
2023-24: Leksands IF (Sweden)
15 - NIKITA PAVLYCHEV
H: 6-7 W: 225
March 23, 1997
Yaroslavl, Russia
2023-24: Greenville (ECHL); Ontario (AHL)
17 - TYSON JOST
H: 5-11 W: 187
March 14, 1998
St. Albert, Alberta
2023-24: Buffalo (NHL); Rochester (AHL)
18 - AUSTIN WAGNER
H: 6-1 W: 195
June 23, 1997
Calgary, Alberta
2023-24: Oskarshamm IK (Sweden)
21 - DOMINIC FRANCO
H: 6-5 W: 218
Jan. 7, 1996
Scituate, R.I.
2023-24: Chicago (AHL)
22 - SKYLER BRIND’AMOUR
H: 6-2 W: 185
July 27, 1999
Raleigh, N.C.
2023-24: Charlotte (AHL)
23 - JOSIAH SLAVIN
H: 6-0 W: 161
Dec. 31, 1998
Erie, Colo.
2023-24: Toronto (AHL)
28 - SAHIL PANWAR
H: 6-1 W: 185
Jan. 26, 2002
Mississauga, Ontario
2023-24: Cincinnati (ECHL); Hartford (AHL)
NOEL GUNLER
51 - JUHA JAASKA
H: 6-0 W: 196
Feb. 9, 1998
Helsinki, Finland
2023-24: HIFK Helsinki (Finland)
71 - GLEB TRIKOZOV
H: 6-1 W: 185
Aug. 12, 2004
Omsk, Russia
2023-24: Omskie Krylya (Russia)
The Carolina Hurricanes’ second-round selection (41st overall) in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft began his career in his home country of Sweden before heading to North America to join the Wolves during the 2021-22 season. Gunler had three goals and two assists in 11 regularseason games and added a goal and an assist in 10 postseason contests as the Wolves captured the ’22 Calder Cup championship. In 2022-23, the 22-year-old played 31 games with Chicago and finished with eight goals and 10 assists. Last season, Gunler played overseas with Karpat, SM-Liiga in Sweden and had five goals and three assists.
37 - JAKE McGREW
H: 5-10 W: 183
Feb. 25, 1999
Orange, Calif.
This is the second stint with the Wolves for the forward, who was the Hurricanes’ first-round selection (28th overall) in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft. Suzuki played three seasons with the Wolves from 2020-23 and was a key member of the ’22 Calder Cup championship squad—Chicago’s fifth league title in history. In 110 career games with the Wolves, Suzuki has 25 goals—three of them game-winners-and 31 assists. During the 2023-24 season, the ondon, Ont., native had areer-high 14 goals along ith 16 assists in 51 contests or the Springfield Thunderbirds.
82 - BRADLY NADEAU
H: 5-10 W: 160
May 5, 2005
2023-24: Vasterviks IK (Sweden)
St-Francois-de-Madawaska, New Brunswick
2023-24: Univ. of Maine, Carolina
93 - JUSTIN ROBIDAS
H: 5-8 W: 180
March 13, 2003
Plano, Texas
2023-24: Norfolk (ECHL)
MEET THE WOLVES
DEFENSEMEN
2 - DOMENICK FENSORE
H: 5-7 W: 151
Sept. 7, 2001
Bronxville, N.Y.
2023-24: Norfolk (ECHL); Chicago (AHL)
3 - ANTTONI HONKA
H: 5-10 W: 179
Oct. 5, 2000
Jyvaskyla, Finland
2023-24: JyP HT Jyvaskyla (Sweden)
5 - CHARLES-ALEXIS LEGAULT
H: 6-3 W: 207
Sept. 5, 2003
Pierrefonds, Quebec
2023-24: Quinnipiac Univ.
8 - RONAN SEELEY
H: 6-1 W: 192
Aug. 2, 2002
Olds, Alberta
2023-24: Chicago (AHL)
24 - TY SMITH
H: 5-11 W: 176
March 24, 2000
Lloydminster, Saskatchewan
2023-24: Wilkes-Barre/Scranton (AHL)
34 - ALEKSI HEIMOSALMI
H: 5-11 W: 170
May 8, 2003
Pori, Finland
2023-24: Assat Pori (Finland)
55 - SCOTT MORROW
H: 6-2 W: 195
Nov. 1, 2002
Darlen, Conn.
2023-24: UMass-Amherst; Carolina (NHL)
58 - BRYCE MONTGOMERY
H: 6-5 W: 216
Nov. 12, 2002
Washington, D.C.
2023-24: South Carolina (ECHL)
61 - RILEY STILLMAN
H: 6-1 W: 196
March 9, 1998
Peterborough, Ontario
2023-24: Buffalo (NHL); Rochester (AHL)
RONAN SEELEY
The 22-year-old defenseman spent four seasons honing his skills with Everett of the WHL before joining the Wolves during the 2022-23 season. In his first campaign in Chicago, Seeley had four goals and 21 assists in 70 games. Last season, the Hurricanes’ seventhround selection (208th overall) in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft played 11 contests with Norfolk of the ECHL before being reassigned to the Wolves on Nov. 12, 2023. Seeley went on to score two goals and add 12 assists in 58 games while becoming a regular in the Wolves’ defensive corps.
GOALTENDERS
DOMENICK FENSORE
After spending four seasons at Boston University, the 23-year-old defenseman began the 202324 campaign with Norfolk of the ECHL where he recorded two goals and eight assists in 10 games. Fensore was reassigned by the Carolina Hurricanes to the Wolves on Nov. 12, 2023. The third-round selection (90th overall) by the Hurricanes in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft appeared in 39 games with the Wolves and finished with two goals—both game-winners-and 14 assists. Fensore notched his first career American Hockey League goal against the Moose on Jan. 24, 2024 in Manitoba and finished the season strong with assists in two of
30 - SPENCER MARTIN
H: 6-3 W: 205
Jun. 8, 1995
Oakville, Ontario
2023-24: Columbus (NHL); Carolina (NHL)
60 - YANIV PERETS
H: 6-1 W: 181
March 4, 2000
Dollard-des-Ormeaux, Quebec
2023-24: Norfolk (ECHL)
80 - RUSLAN KHAZHEYEV
H: 6-4 W: 201
Nov. 20, 2004
Chelyabinsk, Russia
2023-24: Chelyabinsk Belye Medvedi (Russia)
BEHIND THE BENCH
Cam Abbott, Head Coach
Dan Price, Assistant Coach
Spiros Anastas, Assistant Coach
HOCKEY OPS & SPECIALTY COACHES
Stan Dubicki, Goaltenders Coach
John Stanier, Video Coach
Jake Nitsche, Strength & Conditioning Coach
Austin Kasper, Athletic Trainer
Rob Kennedy, Head Equipment Manager
CJ Reif, Assistant Equipment Manager
ON THE RISE
FAMILY HELPED SHAPE NEW COACH CAM ABBOTT—AND NOW HE’S READY TO SHAPE THE WOLVES INTO WINNERS
By Chris Kuc | Photos courtesy of the Abbott Family
As a licensed pilot, Cam Abbott is used to soaring to new heights.
The 40-year-old certainly ascended to the next level of his coaching career when he was named the 14th Head Coach in Wolves history in June.
After seven years of coaching in Sweden—including his last stop as the man behind the bench for Rogle BK of the Swedish Hockey League—following a storied playing career at Cornell and then in Europe, Abbott has been tasked to guide the Wolves during their 31st season.
Abbott’s journey to the American Hockey League from his birthplace of Sarnia, Ontario, to Cornell to Europe and now to the Wolves, begins and remains with family.
The father of three grew up in what he described as “wonderful, competitive environment.”
That makes sense considering his parents, Joanne and Bill, were elite athletes. Joanne and Bill competed together in sailing for Canada during the 1996 Summer Olympic Games in Atlanta, finishing fifth in Mixed Soling (an open keelboat). In 2000 at the Summer Games in Sydney, Bill sailed alongside his brother, Matt, in Mixed Soling and finished 13th.
Being around parents—as well as more distant family members who also sailed in the Olympics—helped shape Cam’s competitive nature.
“My parents really devoted themselves to excellence in their area,” Cam said. “A big part of my upbringing was that if you
choose to do something, you do it to the best of your ability and you really commit yourself to it.”
First, Abbott committed to being a top-notch player. He played four seasons at Cornell from 2002-06 during which the forward had 23 goals and 39 assists in 125 NCAA games and helped The Big Red capture ECAC conference titles in ’02-03 and ’04-05.
After a stint with Bossier-Shreveport of the Central Hockey League in 2006-07, Abbott headed to Europe where he appeared in 42 games with Frisk Asker in Norway in 2007-08 and followed that with 276 Swedish Hockey League contests with Rogle BK and Lulea HF from 2008-15, recording 74 goals and 92 assists, before retiring due to concussions.
“I’d like to think there was an awful lot of grit,” Abbott said of his playing style. “My skating ability wasn’t to the level of the guys I get to work with today and with that the case, you had to be smart and figure out how you can find your way in the game and bring value to what you were doing.”
Through nearly every step of their playing careers, Cam and twin brother, Chris, were teammates and they were determined to prove themselves by their tenacity on the ice.
“There was a lot of competitiveness that raised the bar both in practice and in games for our teammates as for how hard everybody needed to work,” Cam said. “There was some skill at times, but for sure we prided ourselves on the work ethic and I think that endeared us to a lot of teammates and fans.
“We excelled at pushing each other to be the best we could be,” he continued. “That’s an attribute we definitely had from early on. It didn’t matter if it was road hockey or ice hockey or riding
"IF YOU CHOOSE TO DO SOMETHING, YOU DO IT TO THE BEST OF YOUR ABILITY AND YOU REALLY COMMIT YOURSELF TO IT.”
bikes home from school the fastest, we competed in every facet of our lives and that carried over. Everyone has their own hockey journey and we’re certainly proud of the one we were able to create for ourselves.”
That journey continued for the Abbotts even after they hung up their skates. Eventually, Chris became general manager of Rogle BK with Cam the coach—something that perhaps was always in the cards.
“Chris and I always had a lot of interest in discussing the game when we were playing,” Cam said. “We were always talking about hockey and analyzing different plays and talked about great things our coaches brought at the time and things we would have done differently.
“Also, I just loved playing the game so much that when I had to stop due to some concussions in 2015 I didn’t feel like I was done with the game,” continued Cam, who listed his parents and the coaches he had through his playing career as biggest influences in his life. “I really wanted to try to give back. I just wanted to help the next generation of young players on their journeys.”
While helping the next generation of players as coach of the Wolves, Abbott will balance that with parenting his children, William, Charlie and Lily, along with his wife, Malin.
“I love to spend time with my kids,” Cam said. “I’ve been coaching their teams the last couple of years and being involved as much as I can in their lives. It’s a wonderful time to see them grow.”
All the while, Abbott will continue to do the things he enjoys to help offset the rigors of coaching.
“I love the outdoors, I love to fish, and I love to spend time canoeing and sailing when I can,” he said. “Also, I have a pilot’s license and I love to get up in the plane.”
Now with the Wolves, it’s clear Abbott is flying high both personally and in his profession.
ONE LUCKY FAN WILL WIN HALF OF THE NIGHTLY JACKPOT; THE OTHER HALF SUPPORTS CHICAGO WOLVES CHARITIES
PURCHASE YOUR 50/50 JACKPOT TICKETS AT THE CHICAGO WOLVES CHARITIES TABLE BEHIND SECTION 105 OR LOOK FOR THE SELLERS IN GREEN!
GOING TO THE DOGS
THE WOLVES’ COMMITMENT TO HELPING DOGS DURING ADOPT-A-DOG NIGHTS HAS RESULTED IN MORE THAN 1,700 FURRY FRIENDS FINDING THEIR FOREVER HOMES.
BY CHRIS KUC
It’s a frigid Saturday night in February and Allstate Arena is filled with the sounds of hockey: Skates slicing across the ice, slap shots rebounding off the boards … and the barks of dogs emanating from the concourse’s South Lobby.
The Chicago Wolves’ Adopt-A-Dog program is in its 24th season. One Saturday night per month during the season, the organization hosts dogs from three Chicago-area shelters and fans who come to see the Wolves chase their sixth league championship also have an opportunity to enrich their families with a new furry friend.
The program is the passion project of Wolves owner Don Levin, whose dedication to hockey is only transcended by his commitment to bettering the community and finding dogs their forever homes.
“Helping animals is in my blood,” Levin said. “I’ve been doing it literally since I was 10 years old. This is just what I do.”
Throughout the ’23-24 season, 158 dogs found their forever homes over the course of seven Adopt-A-Dog Nights. Since the
Adopt-A-Dog program—nicknamed Skates’ Sidekicks—began, 1,748 dogs have been adopted at Wolves games.
The Wolves work with three area shelters— Anderson Humane, Border Tails Rescue and Wright-Way Rescue—and they set up shop in the concourse where during games fans interact with dogs and once a connection is made the adoption process is easy.
For an affordable price, in addition to their new best friend, families receive a screening process for the dogs, spaying or neutering, all vaccinations, Chicago pet license and a Wolves bandana.
“What’s really amazing is how many people know it’s AdoptA-Dog Night and come with the intentions of adopting,” said Rochelle Michalek, a member of Wright-Way Rescue’s Business Development and Strategy Team. “You’ve got three rescue organizations there so you know you’re going to have a variety. And it’s kind of fun to say, ‘I got my dog at the Wolves game.’ ” Count staffers at the shelters among those who were surprised that adopting a dog at a hockey game would be successful.
“When I was first told they we were doing it, I was like, ‘who’s going to adopt a dog at a hockey game?’ ” said Harleigh Garcia, Founder & Executive Director of Border Tails Rescue. “But it’s crazy because almost all the dogs get adopted every night we do it.
“We’ve had so many long-term dogs adopted, dogs that people see in the shelter and overlook but then people see how amazing they do at the Wolves games with such a busy crowd,” Garcia continued. “It’s really great to reach an audience with this platform. We take almost all older, larger dogs and lots of Bully Breeds that unfortunately fill our shelters because they get overlooked. But we know that they do really well getting adopted at Wolves games.”
Levin and the Wolves’ commitment to helping animals goes beyond the monthly Adopt-A-Dog Nights. In addition to staging Pet Health Fairs, staffers from the Wolves frequently volunteer their time to visit shelters and help care for the dogs by taking them for walks and giving them baths among a myriad of other duties.
In 2003, Levin purchased and donated the Animobile—a mobile adoption unit and a modern clinic staffed by Chicago of Animal Care and Control veterinarians and adoption specialists. In 2014, he pledged a $2 million donation to CACC to spur an $8.2 million renovation and in ’24 donated $5,000 and offered to match donations up to another $5,000 to Heartland Animal Shelter after it was heavily damaged in a flood.
“The commitment to social responsibility and impacting your community in a positive way is top of the Wolves’ list,” Michalek said. “It’s just so awesome to see because you normally don’t see that. The passion and compassion of the Chicago Wolves to do programs like these to make our community better and to give these animals an avenue through hockey is just really spectacular.”
"THE PASSION AND COMPASSION OF THE CHICAGO WOLVES TO DO PROGRAMS LIKE THESE TO MAKE OUR COMMUNITY BETTER AND TO GIVE THESE ANIMALS AN AVENUE THROUGH HOCKEY IS JUST REALLY SPECTACULAR.”
It all starts with Levin, who throughout the years has adopted 15 dogs through the Adopt-A-Dog program—and counting.
“What an amazing person,” Michalek said of Levin. “To have that love and that support and the creativity to put together this Adopt-A-Dog program is truly phenomenal. It really has impacted thousands of homeless dogs’ lives in a great way.”
Throughout Wolves home games and during Adopt-A-Dog Nights during the 2024-25 season—the dates are Oct. 12, Nov. 30, Dec. 21, Jan. 4, Jan. 18, Feb. 15, March 18 and April 19—the organization collects new or gently used dog toys to support Anderson Humane, Border Tails Rescue and Wright-Way Rescue. That’s in addition to finding homes for dogs in need.
“There are a lot of problems in the world and dogs didn’t cause them,” Levin said. “They’re domesticated animals and they love to be around people. If we can improve their lives, it’s very important.”
COWBOY
JAN. 4 GLOW NIGHT
PRESENTED BY WENDY’S • PREGAME GLOW BASH, PRESENTED BY RECORD-A-HIT
ENTERTAINMENT • GLOW BATON GIVEAWAY
ADOPT-A-DOG DATES
CHICAGO WOLVES
SATURDAY, OCT. 12
SATURDAY, NOV. 30
SATURDAY, DEC. 21
SATURDAY, JAN. 4
SATURDAY, JAN. 18
SATURDAY, FEB. 15
SATURDAY, MARCH 8
SATURDAY, APRIL 19
JAN. 18 SUPERHERO NIGHT
SUPERHERO CAPE GIVEAWAY, COURTESY OF CAMPFIRE MARSHMALLOWS
FEB. 1 STAR WARS NIGHT
PLAYER BOBBLEHEAD GIVEAWAY, COURTESY OF C.D.E. COLLISION CENTERS
FEB. 15 HAWAIIAN SHIRT GIVEAWAY
15 SCALLY CAP GIVEAWAY
COURTESY OF JEWEL-OSCO
MARCH 29 SALUTE TO MILITARY FAMILIES
PRESENTED BY KIA • YEAR-END MERCHANDISE SALE
MARCH 30 TRADING CARDS GIVEAWAY
COURTESY OF VIENNA BEEF
APRIL 19 GOALIE BOBBLEHEAD GIVEAWAY
COURTESY OF REPUBLIC BANK OF CHICAGO
FAMILY SUNDAY, PRESENTED BY SCOTT CREDIT UNION
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FORWARD THINKER
RYAN SUZUKI IS BACK WITH THE WOLVES AND LOOKING TO TAKE THE NEXT STEP IN HIS CAREER.
By Chris Kuc, Photo by Ross Dettman
Growing up the younger brother of a future NHL standout he idolized and followed around relentlessly, often meant Ryan Suzuki was stuck playing goaltender during road hockey games.
“I always wanted to play mini-sticks or road hockey with my brother, Nick, and his friends and I’d always get the short end of the stick and end up in net,” Ryan said. “I remember that I’d do anything to be around those guys.”
Suzuki’s time in goal extended to Tyke hockey in his hometown of London, Ontario—for a while.
“We would rotate being goalie and our team was undefeated when I was playing out front and as soon as I went in net we lost,” Ryan said. “Once I realized that, it was a no-brainer.”
That no-brainer meant a permanent shift to forward and resulted in Suzuki—whose favorite player growing up was the Penguins’ Sidney Crosby—ascending the hockey ranks to the American Hockey League and the Chicago Wolves. After being selected in the first round (28th overall) by the Carolina Hurricanes in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft, Suzuki eventually landed with the Wolves with whom played three seasons and became one of the more popular players in the organization. In 2023-24, he skated for the Springfield Thunderbirds and notched a career-high 14 goals and added 16 assists in 51 games.
Now back with the team, it is avoiding those injuries that throughout recent seasons have kept Suzuki from realizing his full potential.
With the Hurricanes and Wolves reaffiliated, Suzuki is back in the Carolina organization as well as familiar surroundings in Chicago.
“I had a good opportunity in Springfield and it was fun playing for a different organization but being with the Wolves is one of the best spots to be in,” Ryan, 23, said. “The organization knows how to win. They’ve been good for so long.
“One of the biggest things with the AHL is it’s a lot of moving parts and it’s kind of nice to know you have familiar faces around,” he continued. “Last season going into a new organization was a little tough to start trying to see how everybody is and how you fit in. It’s nice to know I have friends in Chicago.”
Suzuki made plenty of friends in his first stint with the Wolves, including helping the team capture the 2022 Calder Cup. Despite missing the postseason due to an injury, Suzuki calls winning the championship the highlight of his first stint with the Wolves.
“It definitely can be frustrating,” Ryan said. “You work so hard in the summer and you’re excited to get the season going and then something fluky happens and it sets you back a couple of months. It’s not easy but having good people around me supporting me and giving me positive affirmation makes it easier for me. You never plan for an injury but if you can get through it, you’re always better on the other side.”
Among that support group are Suzuki’s parents, Amanda and Rob, and sibling Nick, who is playing in his sixth season with the Montreal Canadiens.
“They’ve been with me through everything,” Ryan said. It certainly doesn’t hurt that Ryan has Nick to emulate and also receive advice. “I’m his biggest fan,” Ryan said. “I’m always rooting for Nick and want to see him do well. There are going to be comparisons between us but I never really look into too much because I’m proud of who he is. But anytime I have a question about anything, he’s always there to answer it. He knows so much. Even though he’s young (25), he’s very experienced and I can always rely on him for a good answer.”
These days, Ryan Suzuki is happy that the answers don’t involve him donning a mask and taking the net for the Wolves.
“Definitely not, no,” he said with a laugh.
“Though it would be fun.”
CHICAGO WOLVES BY THE NUMBERS
Number of former goaltender and current Wolves Vice Chairman/Governor Wendell Young, who ranks first on the team’s all-time lists for wins (169), saves (8,467), minutes played (17,912), shutouts (18) and goalie assists (14).
2
Wolves players who have had their numbers raised to the Allstate Arena rafters. Wendell Young was the first retired by the organization in 2001, followed by Steve Maltais in 2006 as the Wolves’ all-time leader in points (951), goals (454), assists (497), games (839) and penalty-minutes (1061).
Times the Wolves have won the league championship, with their most recent the 2022 Calder Cup.
21
Number of penaltyshot goals the Wolves have scored across their 30 seasons. In 202324, forward Hudson Elynuik scored the only penalty-shot goal for the team. 22
9
Most team shutouts in a single Wolves season (1999-2000). Wendell Young finished with six, followed by Andrei Trefilov’s three.
13
112
The Wolves have amassed 21 postseason berths (154-113) en route to five championships.
Most shorthanded goals scored in a Wolves season (2005-06 campaign). Forward Karl Stewart led the way with six shorthanded tallies, followed by forwards Brian Maloney (four), Colin Stuart (four), Patrick Dwyer (two), Preston Mizzi (one), Derek MacKenzie (one), Billy Tibbetts (one), Kevin Doell (one), and defenseman Mark Popovic (two).
Most power-play goals scored in a Wolves season (2006-07). Forward Brett Sterling led with 21 goals with a man advantage followed by forwards Darren Haydar (17), Cory Larose (12), Jason Krog (11), Niko Dimitrakos (six), Kyle Wanvig (four), Steve Martins (four), Alex Bourret (three), Jordan LavalleeSmotherman (three), Jared Ross (two), Derek MacKenzie (one), Joey Crabb (one) and defensemen Nathan Oystrick (10), Mark Popovic (nine), Andy Delmore (nine), Brian Fahey (four), Troy Milam (three), Jimmy Sharrow (three), and Braydon Coburn (one).
117
All-time hat tricks completed in Wolves history. Steve Maltais is the franchise leader with 18.
2024-25 TEAM MAP
Abbotsford Canucks • Bakersfield Condors • Belleville Senators • Bridgeport Islanders • Calgary Wranglers • Charlotte Checkers • Chicago Wolves • Cleveland Monsters • Coachella Valley Firebirds • Colorado Eagles • Grand Rapids Griffins • Hartford Wolf Pack • Henderson Silver Knights • Hershey Bears • Iowa Wild • Laval Rocket • Lehigh Valley Phantoms • Manitoba Moose • Milwaukee Admirals • Ontario Reign • Providence Bruins • Rochester Americans • Rockford IceHogs • San Diego Gulls • San Jose Barracuda • Springfield Thunderbirds • Syracuse Crunch • Texas Stars • Toronto Marlies • Tucson Roadrunners • Utica Comets • Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins
CHICAGO WOLVES RECORDS
ALL-TIME FRANCHISE RECORDS & AWARDS
GOALS LEADERS
GOALS-AGAINST AVERAGE LEADERS
FAST FACTS
6
Over the course of the past 10 seasons, the Chicago Wolves have claimed the Central Division crown six times, the most division titles across the American Hockey League regardless of division.
11
The most goals scored by the Wolves in a single game. On Dec. 30, 2005 against the Peoria Rivermen, nine players found the back of the net, including: Colin Stuart, Ramzi Abid (two goals), Karl Stewart, Travis Roche, Justin Morrison, Billy Tibbetts (2), Mark Popovic, Patrick Dwyer and Brian Maloney.
17
Number of years Jason Shaver has served as the team's play-by-play announcer since joining in 2008.
10. TIM BRESLIN.
LES CUNNINGHAM AWARD
(AHL REGULAR-SEASON MVP)
42
330
DARREN HAYDAR ....... (2006-07)
JASON KROG ........... (2007-08)
KENNY AGOSTINO (2016-17)
DANIEL CARR ............ (2018-19)
WILLIE MARSHALL AWARD
(AHL’S LEADING GOAL-SCORER)
BRETT STERLING (2006-07)
JASON KROG ........... (2007-08)
WADE MEGAN
(2016-17)
STEFAN NOESEN (2021-22)
YANICK DUPRE MEMORIAL AWARD
(AHL MAN OF THE YEAR)
KURTIS FOSTER .......... (20 03-04) SCOOTER VAUGHAN (2017-18)
LEO LAMOUREUX MEMORIAL TROPHY
(IHL REGULAR-SEASON SCORING CHAMPION)
ROB BROWN (1995-96)
ROB BROWN .............. (1996-97)
STEVE MALTAIS ....... (1999-2000)
STEVE LAROUCHE (2000-01) Shared
JOHN B. SOLLENBERGER TROPHY
(AHL’S LEADING REGULAR-SEASON SCORER)
STEVE MALTAIS (2002-03)
DARREN HAYDAR ....... (2006-07)
JASON KROG ............ (2007-08)
KENNY AGOSTINO (2016-17)
ANDREW POTURALSKI .... (2021-22)
IHL MAN OF THE YEAR AWARD
(OUTSTANDING COMMUNITY SERVICE)
TIM BRESLIN (1996-97)
CHRIS MARINUCCI ....... (1998-99)
WENDELL YOUNG (2000-01)
THOMAS EBRIGHT AWARD
(CAREER CONTRIBUTIONS TO AHL)
WENDELL YOUNG ......... (2017-18)
55
The Wolves franchise record for victories in a season, set during the 1997-98 campaign. That mark also led the International Hockey League.
336
The most penalty minutes by a player in one season in Wolves franchise history, set by Kevin MacDonald in 1994-95.
476
Number of games played by Bob Nardella, the most by a Wolves defenseman.
776
Number of players who have suited up for the Chicago Wolves throughout the history of the team.
839
Forward Steve Maltais’ record for most games played in a Wolves uniform.
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