CHICAGO, Ill – Wendell Young has been appointed new generl manager of the Chicago Wolves. Young previously was the Wolves’ goaltending coach and succeeds Kevin Cheveldayoff, who recently was appointed assistant general manager of the Chicago Blackhawks. The Halifax, Nova Scotia native brings a wealth of experience and an impressive collection of championships both as a player and coach Young has won eight championships, playing on two Stanley Cup winners, three AHL Calder Cup champions and two Turner Cup teams in the old IHL. Originally drafted by the Vancouver Canucks in 1981, Young played ten NHL seasons with stops in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and Tampa Bay. A team player and dependable goalie, Young played with NHL greats like Tom Barrasso and Mario Lemieux and finished with a career goals against average of 3.94.
Young said that he was an early candidate of Wolves’ owner Don Levin. “I’ve had other job offers over the years, but I wanted to stay in Chicago,” Young said. ” I love the city. My kids go to school here. Plus the Chicago Wolves organization is one of the best in hockey; a very supportive hockey family.”
Don Waddell, general manager of the parent Atlanta Thrashers, met weeks ago with Young and gave him a stamp of approval. Young has worked closely over the years with Thrasher’s head coach (and former Wolves bench chief) John Anderson and Thrashers assistant coach (former Wolves assistant coach) Todd Nelson.
Wendell admitted that stopping a deke shot was his biggest challenge as a goaltender. But there will be other types of challenges in the front office. The Wolves failed to make the playoffs last year partly due to a revolving door of goaltenders. Shuffling players is a fact of life in the AHL. Look for Young to bring in a goaltending tandem that will ensure stability. Improving relations with the home-town Blackhawks will also help, as will following the winning template established by Cheveldayoff.
COntact thomas.miller@prohockeynews.com.
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