Wolfe opts for security of IHL Shaun Bill Jan 26, 2009 - 12:59:54 AM

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BLOOMINGTON, Ind - Job security is hard to come by these days. Whether you flip burgers, flip houses, or flip hockey pucks, a little job security can mean a lot, especially if you have a family to support. Those thoughts were on the mind of Jason Wolfe on his first day on the job as a goaltender for the Bloomington PrairieThunder. Earlier in the week, Wolfe has asked for, and was granted, his release from New Mexico Scorpions, where he held a similar position.

It was a difficult situation," were the first words out of Wolfe's mouth when asked about the situation leading up to his request to be released. "I enjoyed the city. The guys are great. The coach is great. I was treated with respect. But the Scorpions are facing some hard times right now."

"It was a very difficult situation," repeats Wolfe, this seasons first CHL Player of the Week.

When ask for specifics, Wolfe pointed to "equipment difficulties" as an example.

"Look at the sticks, skates and pads," he said, indicating that the equipment was in disrepair. "I am a family guy. These are uncertain times and there is a very uncertain situation in New Mexico (with the Scorpions). I felt there was some insecurity there. I asked for my release. They were willing to do that."

Wolfe did make it clear that the players are getting paid. "When I left I was up-to-date with my pay and that was never a problem."

Wolfe was part of a goaltending tandem with Andrew Martin in New Mexico, with both splitting the games almost evenly and both putting up similar numbers. He and Martin were, most likely, the highest paid players with the team. The separation happened without much of a fuss and one

Photo courtesy of New Mexico Scorpions

might speculate that, when Wolfe asked for his release, the Scorpions may have actually been relieved to be left with just a lone number one goalie and just a single number one goalie contract.

Still, Wolfe was worried about leaving "a great bunch of guys." I respected my teammates, didn't want to play against them. I thought it might be better to go someplace else.a different league."

And so the Washington D.C. native landed in Bloomington and in the IHL with old teammates Marty Standish (Oklahoma City) and Shaun Fisher (Augusta). Wolfe will pair with rookie Ryan Ludzik while veteran Scott Fankhouser recovers from an ankle injury.

As his teammates playfully jab his pads as he talks to a reporter in the tunnel outside the locker room, Wolfe seems relaxed and maybe a little relieved. Any traces of uneasiness or uncertainly appear to be gone. In fact, a quick check of his MySpace page lists a different emotion, instead. His current mood is listed "Determined."

Contact the author at shaun.bill@prohockeynews.com.

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