30 Facts About Minnesota Wild Hockey

The Birth of Minnesota Wild

Minnesota Wild, the professional ice hockey team based in Saint Paul, Minnesota, has a rich history filled with interesting facts. Let's dive into some fascinating details about this beloved team.

1. The Minnesota Wild was established in 1997 as part of the NHL's expansion.
2. The team played its first game on October 11, 2000, against the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim.
3. The Wild's home arena is the Xcel Energy Center, which opened in 2000.
4. The team's colors are forest green, iron range red, harvest gold, and Minnesota wheat.

Memorable Moments

Throughout the years, the Minnesota Wild has had its share of unforgettable moments. Here are some highlights that fans cherish.

5. The Wild made their first playoff appearance in the 2002-2003 season.
6. During that playoff run, they reached the Western Conference Finals.
7. In 2003, the team made history by coming back from a 3-1 series deficit twice in the same playoff year.
8. The Wild's first playoff series win was against the Colorado Avalanche in 2003.

Star Players

The team has seen many talented players don the Wild jersey. Some have left a lasting impact on the franchise.

9. Marian Gaborik was the first-ever draft pick for the Wild in 2000.
10. Gaborik also holds the record for the most goals in a single season with 42 in 2007-2008.
11. Mikko Koivu, drafted in 2001, became the longest-serving captain in team history.
12. Zach Parise and Ryan Suter both signed with the Wild on July 4, 2012, in a landmark deal.

Fan Culture

Minnesota Wild fans are known for their passion and loyalty. Here are some facts about the fan culture surrounding the team.

13. The "Let's Play Hockey" tradition before every home game is a fan favorite.
14. The team has a mascot named Nordy, introduced in 2008.
15. The "State of Hockey" anthem is played before every home game, celebrating Minnesota's rich hockey heritage.
16. Fans celebrate "Hockey Day Minnesota" annually, featuring high school, college, and Wild games.

Records and Achievements

The Wild have set several records and achieved numerous milestones over the years. Here are some notable ones.

17. The team set a franchise record for most points in a season with 106 in 2016-2017.
18. Devan Dubnyk holds the record for most wins by a goaltender in a single season with 40 in 2016-2017.
19. The Wild's longest winning streak is 12 games, achieved in the 2016-2017 season.
20. Mikko Koivu holds the franchise record for most points with 709.

Community Involvement

The Minnesota Wild is deeply involved in the community, making a positive impact off the ice as well.

21. The Wild Foundation supports various charitable causes throughout Minnesota.
22. The team hosts an annual "Wild About Children" event to raise funds for local children's hospitals.
23. The Wild partners with local schools to promote youth hockey and education.
24. Players often visit hospitals and community centers to engage with fans and give back.

Rivalries

Every team has its rivals, and the Wild is no exception. These rivalries add excitement to the games and fuel fan passion.

25. The Wild's biggest rival is the Chicago Blackhawks, with intense matchups every season.
26. Another notable rivalry is with the Colorado Avalanche, stemming from their 2003 playoff series.
27. The Wild also have a budding rivalry with the Winnipeg Jets, given their geographical proximity.
28. Games against the St. Louis Blues are always highly anticipated by fans.

Fun Facts

Here are some fun and lesser-known facts about the Minnesota Wild that might surprise you.

29. The team's name, "Wild," was chosen from over 13,000 submissions in a name-the-team contest.
30. The Wild's logo features a hidden bear head within the landscape, symbolizing the wilderness of Minnesota.

The Final Whistle

Minnesota Wild hockey has a rich history filled with memorable moments, passionate fans, and a deep connection to the state. From their inception in 2000 to their playoff battles, the team has carved out a unique place in the NHL. Players like Marian Gaborik and Kirill Kaprizov have become household names, while the Xcel Energy Center remains a fortress for the Wild faithful. The team's community involvement and dedication to the sport make them more than just a hockey team; they're a symbol of Minnesota pride. Whether you're a die-hard fan or new to the sport, there's always something exciting happening with the Wild. Keep an eye on this team—they're always ready to surprise and entertain. So, next time you catch a game, remember these facts and enjoy the thrill of Minnesota Wild hockey.