It has been a very interesting season for the Chicago Wolves. With the numerous injuries the Carolina Hurricanes have endured causing the AHL roster to be in flux, and the coaching change that came out of nowhere, it's a wonder they are second in the Central Division in mid-January. On Thursday, a few Wolves earned additional recognition.
The AHL unveiled its rosters for the AHL All-Star Classic on Thursday, with Bradly Nadeau, Justin Robidas, and Domenick Fensore claiming spots for the Central Division, their first appearances at the AHL's all-star festivities. All three players have NHL experience, seeing the ice for the Carolina Hurricanes this season.
The trio represents three of the Wolves' top four scorers. Robidas leads Chicago in both goals (15) and points (27). Nadeau is second in both respects, sitting alone in goals (11) and tied with Felix Unger Sorum in points (25). Fensore is one of two Wolves defensemen with double digits in points (23), anchored by his 17 assists, which are tied with Unger Sorum and Ryan Suzuki for the team lead.
Robidas got a pair of games around Thanksgiving with the Hurricanes. He debuted last April, earning points in both games, including his first goal in Boston. He provided an assist against the Jets on November 28 on a late goal by Alexander Nikishin. Fensore dressed a month prior in the team's 6-3 loss to Vegas, logging almost 20 minutes.
Nadeau was with the group a little longer, playing eight games in two separate stints. He got a six-game run in late October and early November, which featured his first career goal against the New York Islanders. He played twice more before Christmas, adding his second goal, and first on the power play, against the Lightning on December 20.
The trio will participate in the skills competition and tournament on February 10 and 11 in Rockford, Illinois. Each of the AHL's four division participate in a round-robin tournament before the two best teams meet in the championship game. The Central Division is trying to defend its crown after knocking off the Atlantic Division in a shootout to win it all last season.