Hawks' success good for Wolves

For as long as the Chicago Wolves have been in existence, team management always has insisted that it's not in competition with the Blackhawks.

In fact, they say their theory is, if the Hawks do well, they do well.

That seems to be coming to fruition this season because the Hawks are doing very well and so are the Wolves, who have seen attendance spike by about 7 percent.

Part of the increase, however, could be attributed to the aggressive marketing campaign by the Wolves and the popular signing of former NHL star Chris Chelios, both significant investments for the club.

"If you look around right now, interest in hockey is huge," Wolves GM Wendell Young said. "It only enhances hockey everywhere. The Hawks being successful makes us even more visible.

"I talk to people who go to both Hawks and Wolves games. They enjoy it. It's a hockey town."

It's not just the teams and their fans who benefit from the success of both teams, according to Young.

"Whenever hockey comes to the forefront, youth hockey registration goes up," he said. "Both the Hawks and the Wolves are on TV. People are more interested. More kids want to play hockey.

"It's great for everyone - fans, kids in minor hockey, entertainment - everything."