It was the toughest first half the Thunderwolves have had on the ice in the team's history.
Riddled by injuries to key personnel, Lakehead struggled in the first part of the OUA season with a below .500 record and start January off in 7th place in the West division.
Starting goaltender Jeff Bosch is back, and looked very sharp in a non-conference overtime loss to the University of Minnesota-Duluth over the holiday break.
Defenceman Mitch Filman is back from injury, and the blue-line corps has been strengthened by former NHL draft pick Justin Sefton who undoubtedly will be a significant addition for the rest of the season.
Back as well is high-scoring winger Cody Alcock.
The Thunderwolves have their work cut out as for the first time they find themselves battling for one of the eight playoff spot.
The first two series are against Eastern opponents including a key-showdown at the Gardens in the middle of the month against powerhouse UQTR.
On the ice, the Thunderwolves have to find the gear they ended up with last season as they came within a win of a trip to Nationals.
Off the ice, things are looking up after drawing over 6,000 in the two-game holiday series with the NCAA's Bulldogs.
