MINNESOTA
GOES WILD!
SAINT PAUL (January 22, 1998) -
"Minnesota Hockey NHL" is no
more. In its place is the newly named "Minnesota Wild". A team name
that came from suggestions by thousands of enthusiastic Minnesota
hockey fans over the course of the past six months.
The new team name was unveiled during an
historic ceremony at Maplewood, Minnesota's Aldrich Arena. The event,
emceed by former Minnesota North Stars' Coach Glen Sonmor and former
Minnesota North Stars' defenseman Tom Reid, was a 30-minute
celebration of the excitement, glory and return of NHL Hockey to
Minnesota. Also attending the event on behalf of the NHL was Brian
Burke, Senior Vice President and Director of Hockey Operations for
the NHL.
Former Minnesota North Stars player, Neal
Broten, entered the Aldrich event with the Stanley Cup, flanked by 26
Minnesota youth hockey players wearing the jerseys of all 26 NHL
teams.
"The selection of our team name is obviously
an important step in developing our team's identity," said Jac K.
Sperling, CEO of the Minnesota Wild. "We think it best represents
what Minnesota hockey fans hold most dear ñ our rugged natural
wilderness, the premier brand hockey that's native to Minnesota and
the great enthusiasm of all of our hockey fans."
The logo, unveiled on Thursday on the side of
a large puck, depicted the word "Wild" designed in an organic,
naturalist form and included the team's official colors which are
Iron Range Red, Forest Green, Harvest Gold and Minnesota
Wheat.
"A team name reflects more than just an
identity of one player. It represents the entirety of what that team
should mean to the entire state and to our hockey fans. It will be
fun and exciting," said Sperling. "Our name is an important step in
the development of our team. But, more importantly, the NHL is coming
home.
The Minnesota Wild will begin play when the
2000-2001 NHL season opens in a new multi-purpose facility in Saint
Paul, Minnesota, that will feature great hockey sight lines.
"It's so exciting to have the tradition and
passion of Minnesota hockey return to the NHL," said David Haney,
Creative Director of NHL Enterprises, L.P. "This dynamic team
identity reflects that tradition and passion, and is a great addition
to the overall presentation of the Coolest Game on earth."
Team officials announced that merchandise
will be immediately available at all J.C. Penney department stores
and other retail outlets throughout Minnesota beginning Friday, Jan.
23. Merchandise and season tickets can be ordered by contacting the
team at:
Phone:(612) 333-PUCK
(7825)
Fax: (612) 222-1055
Website: www.wild.com
Minnesota merchandise will be available Jan.
28 in the nhl.com Online Store.
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