Season of milestones for Wolves captain Chris Terry
The only way Chris Terry knows when he’s approaching a career milestone is if the Chicago Wolves captain gets a random text from a family member or friend or if he hears it mentioned on a TV broadcast.
This season, there have been plenty of those milestones Terry has achieved.
During the 2023-24 American Hockey League campaign, which concludes for the Wolves this weekend beginning Friday night in Rockford against the IceHogs and wrapping up at the Allstate Arena in tilts against the Iowa Wild and IceHogs on Saturday and Sunday, respectively, Terry has surpassed:
· 800 career AHL games
· 300 career AHL goals
· 700 career AHL points
Throw in the fact Terry was named the 16th team captain in Wolves franchise in February, and it has been a milestone season for the Brampton, Ontario, native.
“Those milestones are pretty fun to hit,” Terry said. “I’ve loved being part of the Wolves organization. It’s first class, so for those milestones to happen here is very special.”
One common theme for Terry, who has appeared in 152 NHL games with Carolina and Montreal and another 812 in the AHL with Albany, Charlotte, St. John’s Laval, Grand Rapids, Bridgeport and now the Wolves, is that he has had the ability to find the back of the net no matter what jersey he dons.
With 20 goals this season for the Wolves, Terry has reached that mark in 10 AHL seasons — and 30 in four campaigns.
“There’s a little bit of luck, but it’s also my craft,” Terry said of his scoring ability. “That’s who I’ve been as a player and it’s obviously something I focus a lot on. I think the league and the game have changed in ways to score so I’m finding new ways. You work hard on your weaknesses, but you work even harder on your strengths to make sure they’re sharp.”
While Terry remains focused on scoring goals and winning championships, he also spends much of his time mentoring younger players as they work their way toward the NHL.
“There are things that I’ve been through that a lot of these guys are going through or are going to go through,” Terry said. “I just try to make myself available. It’s a very fine line of pushing info on people and them wanting it. I try to walk that line and try to offer any advice I can.”
That advice, as well as leading by example, is embraced by teammates.
“He treats everybody with respect, no matter if you’re a rookie or you’re playing in your fifth season in this league,” Wolves forward Nathan Sucese said. “He’s obviously had a tremendous amount of success and he’s still in this league for a reason. You pick up little things from him and use it to your advantage.”
At 35 Terry knows he’s in the twilight of his career, but he remains motivated and has plans to play beyond this season.
“I love what I do,” he said. “When I stop enjoying coming to the rink it will be time. When I get to the rink on a game day I still get the same excitement that I did when I first started.
“I feel great and I still have a drive to play,” Terry added. “Without a doubt, next season is a go.”