Fireside Chat with Chicago Wolves Vice Chairman/Governor Wendell Young
Photo Credit: Kirsten Stickney/AHL
On February 11, 2026, Chicago Wolves Vice Chairman/Governor Wendell Young was inducted into the American Hockey League Hall of Fame. For over 31 years, Young has been involved with the Wolves organization as a player, coach, and executive, having a hand in all five of Chicago’s league titles.
As of the 2025-26 season, Young holds multiple Wolves records, all-time leader among goaltenders in games (322), wins (169), saves (8,467), minutes (17,912) and shutouts (16). On December 1, 2001, he became the first Chicago player to have their number retired.
After the induction ceremony in February, I sat down with Young to discuss what he finds beautiful about the league, his favorite memories, and what kind of legacy he hopes to leave behind one day. During our discussion I could feel the passion Young has for the sport and the deep love he has for everyone who has crossed his path, whether it be a player, coach, staff member, fan, or reporter.
Wendell Young loves the AHL, and it’s very clear that the AHL loves him back.
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Graced By Rain: What do you find beautiful about the AHL?
Wendell Young: Well, it’s just the pure of hockey. First of all, the drive of the players. They have a drive, because they have a goal to make the NHL. So, the drive is there. It’s a young league. So, it’s refreshing seeing them come out of junior, college. You see guys when they are just starting and trying to help them to reach their dreams.
As a coach or a General Manager, you try to direct them in that way. That’s what’s great.
The passion of the fans. Go to games. They are are invested. The fans are invested. So, that’s what’s great about our game.
We are a family orientated league. We draw families in. That’s what beautiful. Go to the games, you have every age group at the games. And around the league, that’s what you see. It’s a very, very unique situation, a sport where family is such a big draw to our game.
GBR: What have been some of your favorite memories of being with the Wolves?
WY: Championships {laughs} but it’s just the guys I played with. The characters, the coaches I’ve had. Again, it goes back to the people. They are just quality people.
A lot of our staff have been there almost the whole time. I’ve been there for 32 years. My assistant has been there for 32 years. Our President, Courtney Mahoney, has been there 29 years or something. That’s crazy!
So, one of my favorite things about Chicago is the continuity in our staff, because they are good people and they are good at their craft.
GBR: What kind of advice would you have for someone who is transitioning out of playing hockey?
WY: If you’re looking to get back into hockey, you’ve got to know analytics but that’s pretty much most professions now. I always tell people , like they say they want to get into scouting or get into management or coaching, you’ve got to know analytics, you’ve got to know video, you’ve got to know how to do all of that.
People coming out of the game are at a high level, whether it’s the American Hockey League or not, because they have a drive. When they hit the real world, they have that drive and they know what that teamwork is. They know how to work by themselves or work as a team.
That’s the key.
Don’t forget that part of your character. You’re a team, and you work hard.
EGS: What do you hope your legacy is in Chicago?
WY: I want to be known as an unbelievable teammate, whether I was playing or coaching or a GM or on the Board of Governors, I want to be know as a good teammate. More than the accolades of winning championships and personal awards.
It’s more about being a good teammate and a good friend.
