Reading through Jane and Kris's comments about the end of the regular season, I have to confess that I've felt burned this year by the Chicago Wolves too. In the past two seasons we've been fortunate to follow the Rockford IceHogs to the United Hockey League Colonial Cup victory and the Chicago Wolves, the next season, to the American Hockey League Calder Cup victory.

There was a significant difference in the way the two teams celebrated their wins. Jane spells it out well describing how the Hogs faced the crowd and the Wolves formed a circle with their backs to the crowd. The problems of engaging the crowd, the fans, has existed in the Wolves organization since before Mike Berndt suddenly left in December. It has been an issue for some time. Berndt may have been largely responsible for it, but to some extent it has continued.

The happy hockey family that is described in the infrequently in the Chicago Tribune, the Chicago Sun-Times and the Daily Herald is a thing of the past. Sure, you can talk to Don Levin, but I don't get the sense that anything will change if you do talk to him. Regular season ticket holders noticed it this season and explained it as being due to the hiring of the Rush front office to manage the team.

I don't know about that. One of the key things the Rush people did was have everyone greet the fans as they exited, thanking them for attending the game. Except for the ticket representatives, I hadn't seen that ever before.

The new president of the team, Mike Polisky, has made that positive change. The team's success rests on support from the fans. Polisky has made the front office staff more aware of the fan's role in the success of the team.

Still, this feature's experience with the Wolves front office has been disappointing. Among the AHL teams, it is the only team we've dealt with that does not talk to us, provide us with press support and the small amount of access we've requested. The reason has something to do with the fact that Jane and I are also season ticket holders. Apparently the “public relations” director of the Wolves feels we are trying to get something for nothing. Therefore, why even bother talking to us?

Indeed, why are we paying for season tickets in an organization that doesn't appreciate us?

As a fan, I am disappointed in the season. In particular I am worried about the coaching style of Don Granato. Granato has made decisions that I'd like to talk to him about. I'm willing to be open and listen and report to the readers of this feature. But, as I mentioned, the PR director and the president of the Wolves do not want us to have access.

So, here are some questions I'd put to Don Granato, if I were allowed. Don, if you want to reply you can use the comments section.

First, Ondrej Pavelec was ridden like a horse. After watching the man for several seasons it is apparent to me that he is not the type of goalie who can be put in net every night and be his best. What is the reasoning behind this decision? Did it help Pavelec in his efforts to overcome his injury and how did it do that?

Second, the decision to bench players who fight seems unstated. Was it the policy of the coach? What is the purpose for this policy? Will players with more physical styles such as Mike Hoffman be allowed to move to teams where they can develop and be appreciated? Is this a policy of the Atlanta Thrashers or of the current coach?

Third, Brian Sipotz is not going to make it to the NHL. It is very likely that his time in the AHL is limited. Why was he given a clear day spot when there were promising players such as Chad Denny who were benched? Denny is of particular interest as he was moved to a wing position from a blue line position. How successful was that move? Was it a mistake? What is Denny's role next season?

Fourth, continuing with Denny, it appears that the team has mismanaged Denny, due to the discussion above. What is the coach's reaction?

Fifth, a successful team, no matter what the owner says, is hitting on all cylinders in early April. The 09 team fell flat. What will the coach be doing different in the next season to bring the team into peak condition and momentum in time for the playoffs?