Oh Baby, Where Are You?

In October of 2005, when most people in Houston were glued to their televisions watching the Astros play the Chicago White Sox in the World Series, my family and I went to see the Houston Aeros host the Chicago Wolves. We bought the tickets way ahead of time and had great seats. Besides, who would have thought that either (let alone both) Houston and Chicago would be in the World Series?
The wolves won the game, but our main focus was on Stephen Baby, right winger for the Wolves. We decided to cheer for him throughout the game. For Baby (and for us), it turned into an odd game.
Baby didn't get much action in the game. In fact, through the first period, he only touched the ice once and that was only for a second, as a penalty occurred and Baby was called back.
At one point in the game, he wasn't even sitting on the bench. He was sitting on an overturned bucket. I don't know if the Wolves had too many players or if the team benches in Houston are short. Either way, there was Baby, sitting on a bucket, waiting to get some ice time.
Early in the 2006-07 season, the Wolves traded Baby to the Tampa Bay Lightning organization. He finished the year with the Springfield Falcons.
He was never heard from again. Well, that might be too much drama, but seriously, I have no idea where he went after that season, nor where he is today.

Stephen Baby in the Toyota Center in Houston, TX-October 2005.

A Skating Wolf

Since their inception in 1994, the Chicago Wolves have experienced a lot of success. For much of the time, the Wolves were the #1 hockey team in Chicago.
Originally, the Wolves were an independent team, meaning they had no NHL affiliation. The Wolves would often have a handful of ex-Blackhawks and other ex-NHL'ers on their roster. Players like Wendel Young, Rob Brown and Troy Murray had nice runs with the Wolves. Local players like Steve Maltais (who had a few short trips to the NHL) and Bob Nardella (who had a long minor league career) were fan favorites.
The Wolves eventually became affiliated with the NHL Atlanta Thrashers. A few years later, long-time Wolves coach John Anderson took over the Thrashers. Throughout all of the change, the Wolves remained successful and popular. Currently, they are in 4th place, although they have an excellent record.
Years ago, I was meandering around the concourse of the Allstate Arena, when I ran into Skates (the mascot) and Jenn (from the intermission group). I had to get a picture with the duo. That Skates is one cool cat...I mean Wolf.

Jenn, Skates and me in Allstate Arena in Rosemont, IL-late 1990's.

Ice Time

Hockey is alive and well in Chicago. The Blackhawks are in 2nd place and are one of the best and youngest teams in the NHL. The Wolves are tied for 4th, but only 1 point out of 2nd and are always late bloomers. These are exciting days for hockey fans here.
Rob Brown is a former player for both the Hawks and the Wolves (and the Hartford Whalers, the Dallas Stars, The Los Angeles Kings and the Pittsburgh Penguins in the NHL). Brown had 2 tours of duty with the Wolves. He was one of the most popular players.
I had the chance to meet Brown at the AllState Arena when the Wolves brought him in for a signing between periods. Because of his popularity (even years after he retired), I did not have a chance to talk to him very long. The crowd was insane. Maybe I'll go have a conversation with my Rob Brown bobblehead. (It wouldn't be the first time.)

Rob Brown in Rosemont, IL-Winter 2006.