Football
Associated Press 18y

Avs looking to a rookie for a spark in series against Stars

DENVER -- After limping into the playoffs on a three-game
losing streak, the Colorado Avalanche are counting on a rookie
named Wojtek Wolski to give them a spark when the playoffs begin
Saturday at Dallas.

Wolski, 20, was added to Colorado's playoff roster Wednesday and
skated with Alex Tanguay and Ian Laperriere as the team's
second-line center at practice.

"I couldn't put it into words how excited I am," he said.
"It's something I definitely wanted. I'm just going to work hard
and pitch in as much as I can."

Coach Joel Quenneville said Wolski probably will get some time
on the power play. Colorado could use some offensive punch. The
Avalanche scored only five goals in the last three regular-season
games.

"The first thing I noticed today were his quick hands,"
Quenneville said. "He looks like a complete player. We got to find
out that he could play center, and I think he's going to give us a
huge boost."

It's been an ugly year for Colorado on the injury front. They
lost leading goal scorer Marek Svatos to a shoulder injury last
month. Already gone for the season are Steve Konowalchuk (wrist)
and Ossi Vaananen (leg).

Wolski was used as a left wing in the Avalanche's first nine
games of the season before he was sent to the junior leagues. It
was a tough choice for Quenneville.

"The first five days of training camp, he was our best player.
The upside is huge," he said.

Avalanche captain Joe Sakic said the decision to send him down
was a good one.

"He played well here, but going back and getting that extra ice
time and playing the way he did is only going to help him," Sakic
said. "I'm a big believer in that -- young kids have to play a
lot."

Wolski came to Denver after scoring 47 goals and 128 points in
the Ontario Hockey League playing for the Brampton Battalion. He
and several Brampton teammates dyed their hair blond for the
playoffs, and several sandy streaks remain.

"I was going to grow a beard, too, but it takes a pretty long
time for me," he said.

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