Differences

This shows you the differences between two versions of the page.

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
+====== Minnesota Wild ======
+===== Foundation Date =====
+The Minnesota Wild were officially awarded an NHL expansion franchise on June 25, 1997, marking the return of professional hockey to Minnesota seven years after the North Stars relocated to Dallas. [([[https://kids.kiddle.co/Minnesota_Wild|Kiddle]])]
+===== Inaugural Season =====
+The team began its first season of play in 2000–01, competing as a member of the Northwest Division in the Western Conference. [([[https://kids.kiddle.co/Minnesota_Wild|Kiddle]])]
+===== First Head Coach =====
+Jacques Lemaire was named the first head coach in franchise history, leading the team through its formative years and emphasizing a disciplined, defensive-minded system known as "the trap." [([[https://www.britannica.com/topic/Minnesota-Wild|Britannica]])]
+===== Historic 2003 Playoff Run =====
+In their first-ever playoff appearance in 2003, the Wild became the first team in NHL history to win two seven-game series in a single postseason after trailing 3-1 in both. [([[https://www.britannica.com/topic/Minnesota-Wild|Britannica]])]
+===== First Division Title =====
+The Wild secured their first division championship during the 2007–08 season, finishing at the top of the Northwest Division with 98 points. [([[https://www.britannica.com/topic/Minnesota-Wild|Britannica]])]
+===== Team Name Finalists =====
+The nickname "Wild" was chosen from six finalists in a fan contest; the other options considered were the Blue Ox, Freeze, Northern Lights, Voyageurs, and White Bears. [([[https://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/nhl-team-names/|Sportsnet]])]
+===== Franchise Ownership Transition =====
+Originally funded by Bob Naegele Jr., the franchise was sold in 2008 to Craig Leipold, who had previously owned the Nashville Predators. [([[https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/sports-and-leisure/minnesota-wild|EBSCO]])]
+===== Arena Opening =====
+The team’s home arena, the Xcel Energy Center in Saint Paul, opened on September 29, 2000, and was built on the site of the former Saint Paul Civic Center. [([[https://ultimatepopculture.fandom.com/wiki/Xcel_Energy_Center|Ultimate Pop Culture Wiki]])]
+===== First Home Victory =====
+The Wild earned their first-ever win at the Xcel Energy Center on October 18, 2000, defeating the Tampa Bay Lightning in a high-scoring 6–5 game. [([[https://ultimatepopculture.fandom.com/wiki/Xcel_Energy_Center|Ultimate Pop Culture Wiki]])]
+===== Arena Attendance Record =====
+The record for the largest crowd at a Wild home game was set on May 6, 2014, when 19,416 fans attended a playoff game against the Chicago Blackhawks. [([[https://ultimatepopculture.fandom.com/wiki/Xcel_Energy_Center|Ultimate Pop Culture Wiki]])]
+===== Custom Arena Seating =====
+To enhance fan comfort, the Xcel Energy Center completed a massive project in 2016 to replace every single seat in the building with new cushioned seating. [([[https://www.grandcasinoarena.com/assets/doc/Fact_Sheet-1-b666b4558c.pdf|Grand Casino Arena Fact Sheet]])]
+===== Wi-Fi Innovation =====
+The Minnesota Wild’s home was the first NHL venue to offer AT&T Wi-Fi to fans, providing nearly 300 access points throughout the seating and concession areas. [([[https://www.grandcasinoarena.com/assets/doc/Fact_Sheet-1-b666b4558c.pdf|Grand Casino Arena Fact Sheet]])]
+===== High School Jersey Tribute =====
+Encircling the arena concourse is a "State of Hockey" tribute featuring jerseys from every boys' and girls' high school hockey team in the state of Minnesota. [([[https://www.grandcasinoarena.com/assets/doc/Fact_Sheet-1-b666b4558c.pdf|Grand Casino Arena Fact Sheet]])]
+===== Complex Mechanical Design =====
+The construction of the Xcel Energy Center utilized a design-assist approach for its mechanical systems, which required self-performing the plumbing and HVAC piping for the 18,000-seat facility. [([[https://www.metromech.com/portfolio/project/xcel-energy-center|Metropolitan Mechanical Contractors]])]
+===== Logo Designer =====
+The primary logo was designed by graphic artist Stephen O'Laughlin, who intended to capture the ruggedness of the Minnesota wilderness and the state's outdoor lifestyle. [([[https://history.vintagemnhockey.com/page/show/4709151-minnesota-wild-logo-creation|Vintage Minnesota Hockey]])]
+===== The North Star Eye =====
+As a tribute to the departed Minnesota North Stars, the "eye" of the animal silhouette in the Wild's primary logo is depicted as a shining North Star. [([[https://history.vintagemnhockey.com/page/show/4709151-minnesota-wild-logo-creation|Vintage Minnesota Hockey]])]
+===== Official Color Palette =====
+The team's official colors include "Iron Range Red," "Forest Green," "Harvest Gold," and "Minnesota Wheat," each named to reflect the state’s natural resources and heritage. [([[https://history.vintagemnhockey.com/page/show/4709151-minnesota-wild-logo-creation|Vintage Minnesota Hockey]])]
+===== Foundation Grant Total =====
+Since its inception in 2009, the Minnesota Wild Foundation has distributed over $5.9 million in grants to local hockey organizations and children’s medical charities. [([[https://www.givemn.org/organization/Minnesota-Wild-Foundation|GiveMN]])]
+===== Split the Pot Success =====
+The team’s "Split the Pot" raffle program has dispersed more than $7.9 million to local charities through in-game fundraising at home matches. [([[https://www.givemn.org/organization/Minnesota-Wild-Foundation|GiveMN]])]
+===== Pediatric Medical Support =====
+A primary mission of the Wild Foundation is supporting pediatric medical causes, serving as a vital funding source for families and health initiatives across the state. [([[https://www.givemn.org/organization/Minnesota-Wild-Foundation|GiveMN]])]
+===== Little Wild Program =====
+The "Little Wild Learn to Play" program is designed for children aged 5–8 who have never played organized hockey, providing them with full equipment and professional instruction. [([[https://www.nhl.com/wild/community/hockey-programs/little-wild|NHL.com]])]
+===== 2024 Charitable Impact =====
+During the 2023–24 season, the Wild Foundation distributed nearly $600,000 in direct grants to 21 different charities, including various youth hockey associations. [([[https://www.nhl.com/wild/foundation/impact|NHL.com/Wild Foundation]])]
+===== DEI Funding Goals =====
+In recent years, the Wild Foundation has allocated approximately 28% of its total annual giving specifically toward Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion efforts within the sport. [([[https://www.nhl.com/wild/foundation/impact|NHL.com/Wild Foundation]])]
+===== Community Grant Allocation =====
+The Wild Foundation balances its annual giving between health initiatives and hockey development, with approximately 51% of funds going to children's health charities. [([[https://www.nhl.com/wild/foundation/impact|NHL.com/Wild Foundation]])]
+===== Fundraising Initiatives =====
+Beyond game-day raffles, the team hosts major annual events such as "Whiskey & Wine with the Wild" and "Wild Off The Tee" to raise money for community programs. [([[https://www.nhl.com/wild/foundation/|NHL.com/Wild Foundation]])]
+===== All-Time Goals Leader =====
+Marian Gaborik remains the franchise’s all-time leader in goals, having netted 219 pucks during his tenure from 2000 to 2009. [([[https://www.hockey-reference.com/teams/MIN/history.html|Hockey-Reference]])]
+===== Franchise Points King =====
+Mikko Koivu holds the record for the most total points in Wild history, finishing his career in Minnesota with 709 points over 1,028 games. [([[https://www.hockey-reference.com/teams/MIN/history.html|Hockey-Reference]])]
+===== Single-Season Points Record =====
+Kirill Kaprizov set the franchise record for the most points in a single season during the 2021–22 campaign, totaling 108 points. [([[https://www.hockey-reference.com/teams/MIN/history.html|Hockey-Reference]])]
+===== Iron Man of the Defense =====
+Jared Spurgeon has played nearly 1,000 regular-season games for the Wild, cementing himself as one of the most durable and productive defensemen in team history. [([[https://records.nhl.com/min/records/skater-records/points/most-points-career|NHL Records]])]
+===== Kaprizov's Elite Pace =====
+Since joining the league, Kirill Kaprizov has maintained an elite scoring pace, reaching the 450-point milestone in just 373 games. [([[https://records.nhl.com/min/records/skater-records/points/most-points-career|NHL Records]])]
+===== Short-Handed Specialist =====
+Wes Walz holds the franchise record for short-handed goals, scoring 14 times while the team was at a numerical disadvantage. [([[https://records.nhl.com/min/records/skater-records/points/most-points-career|NHL Records]])]
+===== Zuccarello’s Scoring Rank =====
+Norwegian-born Mats Zuccarello has become one of the team’s top all-time scorers, surpassing 360 points during his seven seasons with the club. [([[https://www.eliteprospects.com/team/63/minnesota-wild/stats/all-time|Elite Prospects]])]
+===== Jonas Brodin’s Longevity =====
+Defenseman Jonas Brodin is one of the longest-tenured active players on the roster, having spent 14 consecutive seasons with the Wild organization. [([[https://www.eliteprospects.com/team/63/minnesota-wild/stats/all-time|Elite Prospects]])]
+===== Matt Boldy’s Goal Milestone =====
+Young star Matt Boldy has quickly ascended the franchise ranks, scoring 131 goals in his first 336 games through early 2026. [([[https://www.eliteprospects.com/team/63/minnesota-wild/stats/all-time|Elite Prospects]])]
+===== Franchise Best Record =====
+The 2021–22 Minnesota Wild season was the most successful in team history in terms of standings, as they achieved a record-breaking 113 points. [([[https://www.statmuse.com/nhl/ask/minnesota-wild-best-record-in-a-season|Statmuse]])]
+===== Kaprizov's Calder Trophy =====
+In 2021, Kirill Kaprizov became the first player in Minnesota Wild history to win the Calder Memorial Trophy, awarded to the NHL's top rookie. [([[https://www.nbcsports.com/nhl/news/wilds-kirill-kaprizov-wins-calder-trophy-as-nhl-rookie-of-the-year|NBC Sports]])]
+===== Marc-Andre Fleury’s Milestone =====
+Future Hall of Fame goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury joined the Wild in 2022, reaching significant career milestones in wins and games played while in a Minnesota uniform. [([[https://www.cbssports.com/nhl/players/playerpage/402434/marc-andre-fleury|CBS Sports]])]
+===== ESPN's Top Venue Ranking =====
+In 2004, ESPN named the Xcel Energy Center the best overall sports venue in the United States, citing its atmosphere, sightlines, and fan experience. [([[https://www.espn.com/nhl/news/story?id=1846560|ESPN]])]
+===== Hockey Day Minnesota History =====
+The Wild are central to "Hockey Day Minnesota," an annual statewide celebration that has been held at various outdoor locations since 2007. [([[https://www.startribune.com/hockey-day-minnesota-history-locations-list/600246263/|Star Tribune]])]
+===== TRIA Rink Facility =====
+The Wild’s practice facility, TRIA Rink, is located on the rooftop of a repurposed Macy’s building in downtown St. Paul, featuring a unique urban training environment. [([[https://www.fox9.com/sports/minnesota-wild-unveil-new-practice-facility-at-tria-rink-in-st-paul|Fox 9]])]
+===== Custom License Plates =====
+In 2023, the state of Minnesota launched official Wild-themed specialty license plates, with proceeds benefiting the Minnesota Wild Foundation. [([[https://www.mprnews.org/story/2023/12/12/minnesota-wild-specialty-license-plates-now-available|MPR News]])]
+===== State of Hockey Origin =====
+The "State of Hockey" slogan was officially adopted by the team at its launch to celebrate Minnesota's deep-rooted cultural connection to the sport. [([[https://bringmethenews.com/minnesota-sports/why-is-minnesota-called-the-state-of-hockey|Bring Me The News]])]
+===== Nordy the Mascot =====
+The Wild’s mascot, Nordy, is a creature of unknown species with a green "W" on his forehead, and is frequently ranked among the most energetic mascots in the NHL. [([[https://www.yardbarker.com/nhl/articles/every-nhl-mascot-ranked/s1_16448_37746404|Yardbarker]])]
+===== Youth Scholarship Grants =====
+Through the Gabe Fleming Memorial Hockey Scholarship Fund, the Wild Foundation helps provide financial assistance to youth hockey players who might otherwise be priced out of the game. [([[https://thehockeynews.com/news/minnesota-wild-foundation-announces-2023-24-grant-recipients|The Hockey News]])]
+===== 1997 Expansion Fee =====
+To join the league in 1997, the Wild ownership group paid an expansion fee of $80 million, a stark contrast to the $650 million paid by the Seattle Kraken decades later. [([[https://www.si.com/nhl/2016/06/22/nhl-expansion-fees-history-vegas-golden-knights|Sports Illustrated]])]

User Tools

Site Tools

Differences

Page Tools