312 Sports - Chicago Wolves Home Page

Photo by Ross Dettman/Chicago Wolves

The Atlanta Thrashers have recalled defenseman Chris Chelios from the Chicago Wolves.

The 48-year-old defenseman has appeared in 46 games with the Wolves this season and ranks second on the team and ranks third in the American Hockey League with a +34 plus/minus rating. He has posted a plus or even rating in 41 of his 46 outings with the team.

The 25-year National Hockey League veteran ranks second among Wolves defensemen with 17 assists and fourth among team rearguards with 22 points.

CHELIOS leads all American-born players with 1,644 career NHL outings, and has racked up 948 points (185G, 763A) and 2,891 penalty minutes with the Montreal Canadiens (1983-90), Chicago Blackhawks (1990-99) and Detroit Red Wings (1999-2009).

Read more: Thrashers Recall Chelios

Reid Simpson (right) fights while a member of the Albany River Rats.  (Photo: J.S. Carras — The Record)

The Chicago Wolves have signed left wing REID SIMPSON to a Standard Player Contract (SPC). In addition, the club has reassigned left wing PATRICK GALIVAN to the ECHL's Gwinnett Gladiators.

SIMPSON, a veteran of 301 National Hockey League games, has recorded two assists and 30 penalty minutes in 12 games with the Wolves since being signed to a Professional Tryout Contract on Feb. 2.

The 40-year-old forward collected 18 goals, 18 assists, 36 points and 838 penalty minutes over parts of 12 NHL seasons with the Philadelphia Flyers, Minnesota North Stars, New Jersey Devils, Chicago Blackhawks, Tampa Bay Lightning, St. Louis Blues, Montreal Canadiens, Nashville Predators and Pittsburgh Penguins.

The Flin Flon, Manitoba, native also amassed 63 goals, 137 points and 1,178 penalty minutes in 328 career AHL contests with the Hershey Bears, Albany River Rats, Milwaukee Admirals and Wilkes/Barre-Scranton Penguins, prior to joining Chicago.

Read more: Reid Simpson Signs with Wolves, Galivan Reassigned

The Chicago Wolves and Easter Seals of Metropolitan Chicago will unveil the Chicago Wolves Library, located at 1939 W. 13th Street in Chicago, on Wed., March 10, at noon. The library, located at Easter Seals Therapeutic School and Center for Autism Research, was made possible by funds raised through the Wolves annual St. Patrick's Day jersey auction and raffle.

Wolves President MIKE POLISKY and former players Steve Martins and Bob Nardella will be on hand for the ribbon-cutting ceremony, along with Second Ward Alderman BOB FIORETTI and ESMC President and CEO TIM MURI.

"The Chicago Wolves Library was created to enhance the education of students attending Easter Seals' Therapeutic School and Center for Autism Research," said Polisky. "We're proud to support this wonderful facility, offering students with autism an opportunity to build and strengthen their reading skills - an integral part of their overall education and development."

Read more: Wolves and Easter Seals Unveil New Library Wednesday

WELLER has appeared in 60 American Hockey League contests with the Houston Aeros and Providence Bruins this season, notching 11 assists, 15 points and 69 penalty minutes during his eighth professional campaign.

The 28-year-old forward spent last season with the National Hockey League's Minnesota Wild, where he recorded three points (G, 2A) and 47 penalty minutes in 36 games. Overall, he has accrued 10 assists, 14 points and 127 penalty minutes in 95 career NHL contests with the Phoenix Coyotes and Wild, spanning two seasons (2007-09).

The Calgary, Alberta native also registered 42 goals, 99 points and 593 penalty minutes in 351 career AHL contests with the Hartford Wolf Pack, Aeros and Bruins, spanning six seasons (2002-07, 09-10).

WELLER will join the Wolves when they host the Toronto Marlies at the Allstate Arena on Fri., March 12 at 7:30 p.m. For more information, or tickets to the home games, call 1-800-THE-WOLVES or visit chicagowolves.com.