The Wolves then further bolstered their depth
prior to the trade deadline Tuesday by picking up forwards Mark
Versteeg-Lytwyn and the rights to Mathis Olimb from Sarnia for
a 2007 fourth round draft pick.
The Wolves also waived import Stefan Blaho,
who was picked up by the Sting.
Lytwyn is also expected to contribute right
away. Olimb is in Norway and isn't expected to join the
Wolves right away.
"Mark has a lot more to offer offensively
than what his numbers show (five goals and 15 points in 39
games)," said head coach and GM Mike Foligno. "He has a big
shot. We want him to give us some more offence. It's a
great opportunity for him to show his talents. He gives us
depth and a bigger player (five-foot-ten and 190 pounds).
"He's a fast skater and we don't
have to worry about a weak spot with him. Our intent was to
make us stronger in a few different areas that compliments our
depth."
Foligno believes the Wolves are now
positioned to gun for a title.
"We've strengthened our club and raised
the awareness level of all the existing players that we want to
be a contender. We match up well against any team in the
league. It's not so much the size, but the type of players
we have brought in. We were fortunate they had size, but they
still have to skate, handle the puck and have the will to pay
the price."
