MN Wild 2012 off season...

[streakygopher]

I think we need to look deeper at this statement. In reality, it's not an apology but an admission. Parise knows that he f'd up major once already in eschewing the home town team and he wasn't going to let that happen again. You might be able to fool a young 18-year-old kid with a shinny arena made with dirty money and a catchy song about beer...but once that kid actually has to live in NoDak and he develops some adult intellect...there's a good chance they will eventually come to see the error of their ways. Living with the shame of that choice can't be easy. He's payed the price, owned his mistake....and for that...I hear his confession and absolve him of his sin.

Better still, as if holing up on the stinking prairie wasn't bad enough, he had to suffer the humiliation of losing the chance to win a national title as the GOLDEN GOPHERS put an ass whoopin' on Michigan and the University of No Hardware (UNH), courtesy Thomas Vanek, the other player in the two-horse recruiting race that year.

[Greyeagle]

Parise was smart enough to wear shoes during the winter while serving his time in purgatory....er....Grand Forks.

[Golden FE Ranger]

I once told Robbie Earl I forgave him for being a Badger. He didn't look amused at first...

Did he dive at you?

[Armadillo]

I once told Robbie Earl I forgave him for being a Badger. He didn't look amused at first...

Did he fall down after you said that?

[Slap Shot]

Any chance all this attention for P&S alienates any teammates? I'd like to think not but it came to mind a bit as I watched replay of the press conference.

[team22tank]

Any chance all this attention for P&S alienates any teammates? I'd like to think not but it came to mind a bit as I watched replay of the press conference.

I don't think it will in anyway shape or form.

[HockeyFan85]

I think we need to look deeper at this statement. In reality, it's not an apology but an admission. Parise knows that he f'd up major once already in eschewing the home town team and he wasn't going to let that happen again. You might be able to fool a young 18-year-old kid with a shinny arena made with dirty money and a catchy song about beer...but once that kid actually has to live in NoDak and he develops some adult intellect...there's a good chance they will eventually come to see the error of their ways. Living with the shame of that choice can't be easy. He's payed the price, owned his mistake....and for that...I hear his confession and absolve him of his sin.

Not sure if you're just being facetious, but Zach said something similar during his interview on KFAN last Thursday.

He elaborated by saying that at the time he felt playing at UND was the best decision for him and that 10 years later he STILL feels that it was "one of the best decisions" he's made. He also said, "I wouldn't take it back."

[Golden FE Ranger]

I think we need to look deeper at this statement. In reality, it's not an apology but an admission. Parise knows that he f'd up major once already in eschewing the home town team and he wasn't going to let that happen again. You might be able to fool a young 18-year-old kid with a shinny arena made with dirty money and a catchy song about beer...but once that kid actually has to live in NoDak and he develops some adult intellect...there's a good chance they will eventually come to see the error of their ways. Living with the shame of that choice can't be easy. He's payed the price, owned his mistake....and for that...I hear his confession and absolve him of his sin.

Not sure if you're just being facetious, but Zach said something similar during his interview on KFAN last Thursday.

He elaborated by saying that at the time he felt playing at UND was the best decision for him and that 10 years later he STILL feels that it was "one of the best decisions" he's made. He also said, "I wouldn't take it back."

If you listen hard enough, you can hear him say "I really dropped the ball back then. I apologize. I will attempt to make it up to myself and all Minnesotans by bringing a Cup to the State of Hockey."

And like jallengarry said, he paid the price. He spent TWO years in Grand Forks and SEVEN in NJ. There are people doing 20 years that won't have served such a harsh sentence .

[Six Hole]

Any chance all this attention for P&S alienates any teammates? I'd like to think not but it came to mind a bit as I watched replay of the press conference.

Not any teammates who matter. The important guys were part of the recruitment process.

[Bushwood Gopher]

Any chance all this attention for P&S alienates any teammates? I'd like to think not but it came to mind a bit as I watched replay of the press conference.

Not any teammates who matter. The important guys were part of the recruitment process.

Exactly right.

[Handyman]

Yeah I doubt it would cause an issue. The team didnt make the playoffs last year no one has a right to have an ego

I mean the only ones who even would have a right would be Koivu and he loves the moves.

If I am Fletcher/Yeo I respond to any issues by saying "There is the door..."

[Slap Shot]

You guys are probably right - that was prob just the MN sports fan in me speaking out.

[Handyman]

Well it helps too that Parise is all "Aww shucks" like Mauer is. If he came in with an attitude then I would probably worry.

[Hobey Baker]

Any chance all this attention for P&S alienates any teammates? I'd like to think not but it came to mind a bit as I watched replay of the press conference.

Not any teammates who matter. The important guys were part of the recruitment process.

Exactly right.

100% .. These moves help the team from the locker rooom, to depth and towards attitude. I like the fact that the squad now has some pressure to perform.

[GopherPete]

Anybody go to the scrimmages for the prospects camp. I am curious as to how Haula looked. Russo and Youngblood from the Star Tribune did not comment about him (I might have missed it though). Is this because he did not stand out at all? I would have expected him to figure in on some of the offense, and with his hustle you would think he would at least get mentioned.

[team22tank]

Does anyone know what the fees are for posting tickets on the "wild ticket exchange" for buyers and sellers?

For example on stub hub the buyer of tickets pays an additional 10% on the purchase of the tickets and the seller takes a 15% hit on the selling of listed tickets.

[h8red]

Anybody go to the scrimmages for the prospects camp. I am curious as to how Haula looked. Russo and Youngblood from the Star Tribune did not comment about him (I might have missed it though). Is this because he did not stand out at all? I would have expected him to figure in on some of the offense, and with his hustle you would think he would at least get mentioned.

I went to Sunday's scrimmage. Haula was very active. He often times was able to fish out the puck & he'd make a nifty pass and the other guy either wasn't ready for it or he'd fumble it. Dumba looked really good but he spun out of his skates on a missed one-timer near the end of the game. He kinda laughed at himself and shook his head.
Nanne hustled but he looked a little lost, which is understandable. Granlund is unbelievable- he just seems to have a nack for gathering loose pucks, bad passes and rebounds. Zucker was speeding around quite a bit. The other guys that were impressive were Broda and Brodin.

[Handyman]

Does anyone know what the fees are for posting tickets on the "wild ticket exchange" for buyers and sellers?

For example on stub hub the buyer of tickets pays an additional 10% on the purchase of the tickets and the seller takes a 15% hit on the selling of listed tickets.

Never used it but this is all I could find on the web site:

Do I have to pay any fees to use this service?
Yes. Additional fees typically include an authentication and ticketFast® delivery fee.
You will also pay additional fees that may be reflected during the purchase process or that
may be included in and deducted from the listing price of the ticket.

How much can I sell my individual game tickets for?
If a ticket is sold, you will receive 90% of the ticket’s Posting Price. The “Posting Price” is an amount that you will be given the chance to designate, which will be subject to a maximum and a minimum reflected during the posting process. The tickets then will be listed for sale at the Posting Price. If the ticket is purchased, the buyer will pay the Posting Price, plus a Processing Fee and an authentication and ticketFast® fee.

[team22tank]

Does anyone know what the fees are for posting tickets on the "wild ticket exchange" for buyers and sellers?

For example on stub hub the buyer of tickets pays an additional 10% on the purchase of the tickets and the seller takes a 15% hit on the selling of listed tickets.

Never used it but this is all I could find on the web site:

Do I have to pay any fees to use this service?
Yes. Additional fees typically include an authentication and ticketFast® delivery fee.
You will also pay additional fees that may be reflected during the purchase process or that
may be included in and deducted from the listing price of the ticket.

How much can I sell my individual game tickets for?
If a ticket is sold, you will receive 90% of the ticket’s Posting Price. The “Posting Price” is an amount that you will be given the chance to designate, which will be subject to a maximum and a minimum reflected during the posting process. The tickets then will be listed for sale at the Posting Price. If the ticket is purchased, the buyer will pay the Posting Price, plus a Processing Fee and an authentication and ticketFast® fee.

Correct, I talked to a rep and they take 10% of what you list the tickets at.

[Handyman]

Well I would hope it is correct, it is from the Minnesota Wild's site

[fightclub30]

I will open this up again -

My father and I have Season tickets that we like to/have to share with other people. We are looking for a third party to take 1/3 of the season tickets. We take 1/3, and another party is interested and already paid for 1/3.

Anyone interested? Tickets a C18 Row6 Seats 3&4.

You will get 13-14 games for the regular season and 1 preseason game. We do a random lottery style drawing for the games, and usually everyone ends up with 2-3 per month. Parking across the street from Xcel at Seven corners lot is pre-paid and included. It prices stayed the same (havent checked) it is $175/game. Yes, steep, I am aware. So for 14 games it is around $2,450.

Thought I would throw it out there for anyone interested. If you wanted a third but needed to sell some games, we do have a network of people and will help you sell them but obviously won't guarantee anything.

(If more than 1 party is interested, we will be willing to split into 4 groups of tickets)

[team22tank]

I will open this up again -

My father and I have Season tickets that we like to/have to share with other people. We are looking for a third party to take 1/3 of the season tickets. We take 1/3, and another party is interested and already paid for 1/3.

Anyone interested? Tickets a C18 Row6 Seats 3&4.

You will get 13-14 games for the regular season and 1 preseason game. We do a random lottery style drawing for the games, and usually everyone ends up with 2-3 per month. Parking across the street from Xcel at Seven corners lot is pre-paid and included. It prices stayed the same (havent checked) it is $175/game. Yes, steep, I am aware. So for 14 games it is around $2,450.

Thought I would throw it out there for anyone interested. If you wanted a third but needed to sell some games, we do have a network of people and will help you sell them but obviously won't guarantee anything.

fightclub, curious if in years past if you have sold any of your tickets on stubhub or the ticket exchange as a way to make some money back?

[fightclub30]

I will open this up again -

My father and I have Season tickets that we like to/have to share with other people. We are looking for a third party to take 1/3 of the season tickets. We take 1/3, and another party is interested and already paid for 1/3.

Anyone interested? Tickets a C18 Row6 Seats 3&4.

You will get 13-14 games for the regular season and 1 preseason game. We do a random lottery style drawing for the games, and usually everyone ends up with 2-3 per month. Parking across the street from Xcel at Seven corners lot is pre-paid and included. It prices stayed the same (havent checked) it is $175/game. Yes, steep, I am aware. So for 14 games it is around $2,450.

Thought I would throw it out there for anyone interested. If you wanted a third but needed to sell some games, we do have a network of people and will help you sell them but obviously won't guarantee anything.

fightclub, curious if in years past if you have sold any of your tickets on stubhub or the ticket exchange as a way to make some money back?

We have used the Minnesota Wild run thing before, and had decent luck. Our best luck comes from people at work and friends when we cant go. We have never sold above face value, but also never tried. In years past it was very easy to sell tickets. Last 2 years have been tough. A few day-of games where we need to sell on very short noticed we took a big hit (maybe only got $100-$120). We've donated a couple games to big brothers/big sisters in years past. We've traded for a pair of vikings tickets. So we get money back on games we dont go to, usually close to face. Only 1 game went unused last year out of all 41 games (giving tickets free to people after no buyers only sets a precedent I've found).

We heard from the people next to us that Stubhub was a waste of time, and I think ticket-exchange is the one run by the Wild. Their fee is pretty minimal to be honest. They just cant sell our parking pass with it, so we try to sell it as a package ourselves most of the time.

[team22tank]

I will open this up again -

My father and I have Season tickets that we like to/have to share with other people. We are looking for a third party to take 1/3 of the season tickets. We take 1/3, and another party is interested and already paid for 1/3.

Anyone interested? Tickets a C18 Row6 Seats 3&4.

You will get 13-14 games for the regular season and 1 preseason game. We do a random lottery style drawing for the games, and usually everyone ends up with 2-3 per month. Parking across the street from Xcel at Seven corners lot is pre-paid and included. It prices stayed the same (havent checked) it is $175/game. Yes, steep, I am aware. So for 14 games it is around $2,450.

Thought I would throw it out there for anyone interested. If you wanted a third but needed to sell some games, we do have a network of people and will help you sell them but obviously won't guarantee anything.

fightclub, curious if in years past if you have sold any of your tickets on stubhub or the ticket exchange as a way to make some money back?

We have used the Minnesota Wild run thing before, and had decent luck. Our best luck comes from people at work and friends when we cant go. We have never sold above face value, but also never tried. In years past it was very easy to sell tickets. Last 2 years have been tough. A few day-of games where we need to sell on very short noticed we took a big hit (maybe only got $100-$120). We've donated a couple games to big brothers/big sisters in years past. We've traded for a pair of vikings tickets. So we get money back on games we dont go to, usually close to face. Only 1 game went unused last year out of all 41 games (giving tickets free to people after no buyers only sets a precedent I've found).

We heard from the people next to us that Stubhub was a waste of time, and I think ticket-exchange is the one run by the Wild. Their fee is pretty minimal to be honest. They just cant sell our parking pass with it, so we try to sell it as a package ourselves most of the time.

Cool. I picked up season tickets this year as well (first time). I have one guy buying 10-15 from me and I expect to go to about 10-15 myself. Which means I will have to sell about 10-15. I have a hunch it will be easy to dump tickets this year especially early on and then continually if the team is doing well. I can already tell from a number of people I have talked to that this will be a very hot ticket in town.

[fightclub30]

Team22tank, a word of advice. The games you want to go to, will be the easiest to sell...

Vancouver, Edmonton, Colorado, Calgary... We see them 4 times a year. MTL, TOR, CHI, PIT, PHI, etc. choose a few of those games to sell and you will save yourself some heartache in trying to unload divison opponent tickets. The exception being if the Wild are in a playoff run near the end of the season, then people want the divisonal tickets. But that hasnt happened since '03...

[team22tank]

Now before everyone gets their panties in a bunch, take a deep breath and settle down. No one is saying this is going to happen but if the Wild wanted to sell even more tickets...

http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nhl-puck- ... --nhl.html

[mnwildfan79]

Cool. I picked up season tickets this year as well (first time). I have one guy buying 10-15 from me and I expect to go to about 10-15 myself. Which means I will have to sell about 10-15. I have a hunch it will be easy to dump tickets this year especially early on and then continually if the team is doing well. I can already tell from a number of people I have talked to that this will be a very hot ticket in town.

I've been selling extra tickets on the exchange since it was created a few years ago and on stubhub before that.

The number 1 piece of advice I have is to determine which games you need to sell as early as possible and get them for sale ASAP. My speculation on this is people are either buying them as presents or people that only go to 1 game a year like to plan it out way ahead of time. Either way, get them on there early. If you consider the secondary ticket market is just that, a market... buzz and demand isn't going to get much higher than it is right now.

Fightclub's advice is also pretty solid from the standpoint that I believe the market is a lot more fickle than I am regarding which games are "better". My tickets in the first row of the cheapest section sell regardless, but I can get a lot more money for some of the 'big ticket' type games so I mix some of them in to the games I sell.

[team22tank]

Cool. I picked up season tickets this year as well (first time). I have one guy buying 10-15 from me and I expect to go to about 10-15 myself. Which means I will have to sell about 10-15. I have a hunch it will be easy to dump tickets this year especially early on and then continually if the team is doing well. I can already tell from a number of people I have talked to that this will be a very hot ticket in town.

I've been selling extra tickets on the exchange since it was created a few years ago and on stubhub before that.

The number 1 piece of advice I have is to determine which games you need to sell as early as possible and get them for sale ASAP. My speculation on this is people are either buying them as presents or people that only go to 1 game a year like to plan it out way ahead of time. Either way, get them on there early. If you consider the secondary ticket market is just that, a market... buzz and demand isn't going to get much higher than it is right now.

Fightclub's advice is also pretty solid from the standpoint that I believe the market is a lot more fickle than I am regarding which games are "better". My tickets in the first row of the cheapest section sell regardless, but I can get a lot more money for some of the 'big ticket' type games so I mix some of them in to the games I sell.

Thanks for the advice. We have already selected the ten games that we want to go to and have a buddy that is buying ten. The day we get the tickets or the day that our account allows us to post the remaining tickets we are doing so (my guess is about a month before the season).

Because I coach also there are some natural conflicts, we can't go to Philly or Washington for example both tickets I would assume have a bit higher demand because they only come once and their "star power" so we have mixed in a handful of games like that. I have had Wild tickets the last two years when they pair up w/ the Final Five Weekend and learned that is a very hot ticket (probably for out of towners) I sold both years for a nice price and both seasons the Wild were in the cellar.

Having had Vikes season tickets and Gopher hockey I hope I have learned quite a bit with those roller coasters! My hunch is early games in October and November will sell quickly due to the "buzz" if the team does well games down the road will follow suit.

[mnwildfan79]

I made a nice little dent in this years tickets by selling a bunch of 2nd half games last year when we were in first in the NHL. My theory was if they kept playing like that we'd need the cash for playoff tickets and if they didn't make the playoffs that meant they tanked the 2nd half and I wouldn't want to go anyways.

[team22tank]

I made a nice little dent in this years tickets by selling a bunch of 2nd half games last year when we were in first in the NHL. My theory was if they kept playing like that we'd need the cash for playoff tickets and if they didn't make the playoffs that meant they tanked the 2nd half and I wouldn't want to go anyways.

That is what we are thinking for this year (the playoff part hopefully). Now we will see if there is a full season or not.

[JWG]

Now before everyone gets their panties in a bunch, take a deep breath and settle down. No one is saying this is going to happen but if the Wild wanted to sell even more tickets...

http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nhl-puck- ... --nhl.html

OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG....
.
.
.
.
OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG...
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I'd certainly pick up a few tickets to watch Modano back in a MN jersey... just sayin...

[Armadillo]

Russo keeps doing his best Reusse impression on Twitter: "there's NO WAY Modano's coming here, STOP CALLIN' AND ASKIN'!!!"

I'm not so certain. If Fletcher can get Modano for one year, low salary, content to be a role player, why the hell not?

[sec 16 row16 seat 16 17]

bring WILLA with.

[team22tank]

Modano is on the front page of NHL.com. This would certainly bring the "Favre" element to the plate.

[GopherFan85]

Russo keeps doing his best Reusse impression on Twitter: "there's NO WAY Modano's coming here, STOP CALLIN' AND ASKIN'!!!"

I'm not so certain. If Fletcher can get Modano for one year, low salary, content to be a role player, why the hell not?

If you can get him at a low salary I wouldn't mind him coming. However, given what could be a roster with good talent being sent to Houston I would rather have him as a special assistant to the head coach or in a front office scout like position.

[Chris83]

bring WILLA with.

Lord, no s**t!!!!!

[dxmnkd316]

"STOP CALLIN' AND ASKIN'!!!"

One of the best clips in Minnesota radio history.

[Blueliner]

I'm not so certain. If Fletcher can get Modano for one year, low salary, content to be a role player, why the hell not?

They currently only have 1.4M in cap space and will need to reserve some room for injury call ups etc. Do you really want to trade players to get Modano on the team? Do you really think there's a spot on the first two lines for Modano or that he would want to play on a 3rd or 4th checking line? I just don't see anyway he fits in with where this team is going. It would just eliminate yet another position where you're able to call up a Coyle, Zucker, Larsson, Bulmer, etc. on an injury/performance basis to get them some NHL experience.

[Armadillo]

I'm not so certain. If Fletcher can get Modano for one year, low salary, content to be a role player, why the hell not?

They currently only have 1.4M in cap space and will need to reserve some room for injury call ups etc. Do you really want to trade players to get Modano on the team? Do you really think there's a spot on the first two lines for Modano or that he would want to play on a 3rd or 4th checking line? I just don't see anyway he fits in with where this team is going. It would just eliminate yet another position where you're able to call up a Coyle, Zucker, Larsson, Bulmer, etc. on an injury/performance basis to get them some NHL experience.

Nope. No trading, no mortgaging anything. Modano can absolutely NOT get in the way of the team's advancement. What I'm saying is that if it's possible to do that, go for it.

[gopherguy13]

Modano is on the front page of NHL.com. This would certainly bring the "Favre" element to the plate.

I get what you are saying, but Modano coming here would be about 1/1000 of what the Favre element was

[sunbone]

Why would a team that is trying to develop young talent waste a roster space on Modano? If you are just going to bring a guy back who has no game left because you are feeling nostalgic, why not just bring back Neal Broten? Or Jack Carlson?

[Bushwood Gopher]

Why would a team that is trying to develop young talent waste a roster space on Modano? If you are just going to bring a guy back who has no game left because you are feeling nostalgic, why not just bring back Neal Broten? Or Jack Carlson?

I have been trying to understand if this phenomenon is unique to MN fans or not. Either way, I am left scratching my head just like you...

[gopherhockeyfan7]

The year for Modano to come here was the year he went to Detroit, but at that time we weren't looking so great so it's obvious why he chose there. He's my favorite player of all time and really wanted him to come here to finish his career, but whatever. I agree that we don't have the room for him now. It would've been fun, but we have to think about developing our young guys first.

[gopherguy13]

Why would a team that is trying to develop young talent waste a roster space on Modano? If you are just going to bring a guy back who has no game left because you are feeling nostalgic, why not just bring back Neal Broten? Or Jack Carlson?

I don't think there's any chance it happens. Hopefully Leipold has talked to Modano and said "Thanks, but no thanks."

[h8red]

Why would a team that is trying to develop young talent waste a roster space on Modano? If you are just going to bring a guy back who has no game left because you are feeling nostalgic, why not just bring back Neal Broten? Or Jack Carlson?

I don't think there's any chance it happens. Hopefully Leipold has talked to Modano and said "Thanks, but no thanks."

I'd rather see Ciccarelli than Modano.

[gopheritall]

bring WILLA with.

I couldn't even read the article with that picture on the page.

[Hobey Baker]

I'm not so certain. If Fletcher can get Modano for one year, low salary, content to be a role player, why the hell not?

They currently only have 1.4M in cap space and will need to reserve some room for injury call ups etc. Do you really want to trade players to get Modano on the team? Do you really think there's a spot on the first two lines for Modano or that he would want to play on a 3rd or 4th checking line? I just don't see anyway he fits in with where this team is going. It would just eliminate yet another position where you're able to call up a Coyle, Zucker, Larsson, Bulmer, etc. on an injury/performance basis to get them some NHL experience.

Just playing devils advocate: What if Modano wants to come here and is willing to do whatever is asked of him? We all know that some of these young kids aren't going to be ready and a year in Houston would be good for them. Would Fletcher be interested???

[Chris83]

Just playing devils advocate: What if Modano wants to come here and is willing to do whatever is asked of him? We all know that some of these young kids aren't going to be ready and a year in Houston would be good for them. Would Fletcher be interested???

I guess that was my thinking on this as well. If they brought him to camp and said "Hey, he looks like he could help"? Just wondering.

[sunbone]

I'm not so certain. If Fletcher can get Modano for one year, low salary, content to be a role player, why the hell not?

They currently only have 1.4M in cap space and will need to reserve some room for injury call ups etc. Do you really want to trade players to get Modano on the team? Do you really think there's a spot on the first two lines for Modano or that he would want to play on a 3rd or 4th checking line? I just don't see anyway he fits in with where this team is going. It would just eliminate yet another position where you're able to call up a Coyle, Zucker, Larsson, Bulmer, etc. on an injury/performance basis to get them some NHL experience.

Just playing devils advocate: What if Modano wants to come here and is willing to do whatever is asked of him? We all know that some of these young kids aren't going to be ready and a year in Houston would be good for them. Would Fletcher be interested???

You really want Modano playing on a checking line? Why? What would the point be other than his name is Mike Modano? There are a ton of guys out there that can fill that role better than Modano at this point.

[gopherhockeyfan7]

Russo has tweeted many times that the Wild have no interest in Modano. We just got Parise and Suter, Modano aint gonna happen. I like that he signed the 1 day contract and retired as a Star. Let's keep it that way.

[gopherhockeyfan7]

Wild sign Matt Dumba to a 3 year entry level contract.

[fightclub30]

So i get a phone call yesterday from the Minnesota Wild:

We have some bad news for you. Your season tickets are now obstructed view seats. (WTF?!?!?). We are building the "Bud Light top shelf lounge" next to your season, and part of your view will be obstructed. As a valued season ticketed holder we will offer you a one time discount on your season tickets or be willing to move you to the opposite end of the arena.

I wasnt really cool with this. We specifically wanted the seats we had, we were on the end the Wild shot at twice, which was important. I told them we have had season tickets for 6 years, mostly losing years, and have stuck it out and now that the team has significantly improved you want to move us to an area that isnt our preference for the same cost...

news article: http://wild.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=638715

I dont really like this idea. While it is probably a wash, or a gain in revenue, you are removing seats from the arena. Also the fans who typically use these things are there on business or dont really care about the game. Why put that on the end the Wild shoot at twice.

They currently had nothing available in that end of the arena on any level for us to move to. I am sure the people whose season tickets were totally removed got first priority (rightly so) and some remaining ones were sold to new season ticket holders. Why build it so seats will have obstructed views... you shouldn't have obstructed views in a hockey arena!!!

Sorry for the rant, I am just disappointed by this and the fact that the wild dont seem to care too much. They didnt say what the "deal" would be to keep my tickets. The initial offer was 10% and I said I wanted to see how obstructed my view would be first. But they did say any "deal" would be for one season and I could move for an even wash. Sorry, this doesnt seem to be like a good way to treat a season ticket holder. They have been so good to us up until this point (fixed minor complaint about parking, added a certain liquor to the bar up there per my dad's request haha) I cant quite understand this one.

Anyone with any inside info could shed more light onto this for me? They are going to have to get back to me on how obstructed our view would be. But it is approaching the start of the season (yes i know it may not start on time) and we will have very little time to decide, and there might not be many seating options left.

[team22tank]

That stinks. I also would not want to be on the D zone side twice and certainly would never choose those seats unless there was a $ incentive to. You could try asking for access to the new area for some of the games and take advantage of the food and drink? Probably would say no but you never know?

[Bertogliat]

So i get a phone call yesterday from the Minnesota Wild:

We have some bad news for you. Your season tickets are now obstructed view seats. (WTF?!?!?). We are building the "Bud Light top shelf lounge" next to your season, and part of your view will be obstructed. As a valued season ticketed holder we will offer you a one time discount on your season tickets or be willing to move you to the opposite end of the arena.

I wasnt really cool with this. We specifically wanted the seats we had, we were on the end the Wild shot at twice, which was important. I told them we have had season tickets for 6 years, mostly losing years, and have stuck it out and now that the team has significantly improved you want to move us to an area that isnt our preference for the same cost...

news article: http://wild.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=638715

I dont really like this idea. While it is probably a wash, or a gain in revenue, you are removing seats from the arena. Also the fans who typically use these things are there on business or dont really care about the game. Why put that on the end the Wild shoot at twice.

They currently had nothing available in that end of the arena on any level for us to move to. I am sure the people whose season tickets were totally removed got first priority (rightly so) and some remaining ones were sold to new season ticket holders. Why build it so seats will have obstructed views... you shouldn't have obstructed views in a hockey arena!!!

Sorry for the rant, I am just disappointed by this and the fact that the wild dont seem to care too much. They didnt say what the "deal" would be to keep my tickets. The initial offer was 10% and I said I wanted to see how obstructed my view would be first. But they did say any "deal" would be for one season and I could move for an even wash. Sorry, this doesnt seem to be like a good way to treat a season ticket holder. They have been so good to us up until this point (fixed minor complaint about parking, added a certain liquor to the bar up there per my dad's request haha) I cant quite understand this one.

Anyone with any inside info could shed more light onto this for me? They are going to have to get back to me on how obstructed our view would be. But it is approaching the start of the season (yes i know it may not start on time) and we will have very little time to decide, and there might not be many seating options left.

I don't care if Bud Light was the highest bidder, you cannot call something the Bud Light Top Shelf Lounge with any respect. That is like naming something the Wrangler Jeans High Fashion Boutique.

[gator]

I don't care if Bud Light was the highest bidder, you cannot call something the Bud Light Top Shelf Lounge with any respect. That is like naming something the Wrangler Jeans High Fashion Boutique.

I think the "Top Shelf" part of the name is referring to the hockey term of top shelf when someone scores a goal. Which make sense, being that the lounge is on Club Level and behind the goal.

[Armadillo]

I don't care if Bud Light was the highest bidder, you cannot call something the Bud Light Top Shelf Lounge with any respect. That is like naming something the Wrangler Jeans High Fashion Boutique.

I think the "Top Shelf" part of the name is referring to the hockey term of top shelf when someone scores a goal. Which make sense, being that the lounge is on Club Level and behind the goal.

Why you gotta Haula all over Bertogliat's high-quality Budweiser snark?

[trixR4kids]

I don't care if Bud Light was the highest bidder, you cannot call something the Bud Light Top Shelf Lounge with any respect. That is like naming something the Wrangler Jeans High Fashion Boutique.

I think the "Top Shelf" part of the name is referring to the hockey term of top shelf when someone scores a goal. Which make sense, being that the lounge is on Club Level and behind the goal.

Why you gotta Haula all over Bertogliat's high-quality Budweiser snark?

That sucks though. I feel like he should be relocated AND get a discount seeing as he never wanted the alternative seats in the first place. It wouldn't hurt to say how displeased you are with this situation and maybe you can negotiate something.

[Bertogliat]

I don't care if Bud Light was the highest bidder, you cannot call something the Bud Light Top Shelf Lounge with any respect. That is like naming something the Wrangler Jeans High Fashion Boutique.

I think the "Top Shelf" part of the name is referring to the hockey term of top shelf when someone scores a goal. Which make sense, being that the lounge is on Club Level and behind the goal.

Why you gotta Haula all over Bertogliat's high-quality Budweiser snark?

Too much drinking lately and way too little hockey must have contributed to my one track mind. I obviously never considered that.

[fightclub30]

I don't know why this person didn't just call me the first time...

He was very understanding and apologetic. The decision was made to put it there because of the location of the stage for concerts. These suites will likely be more profitable for concerts than hockey (on a per event basis). The realized it was the Wild's attacking zone twice, but couldn't find another good option in the Club Level for it.

He sent me a rendering and the obstruction is very minimal, provided people keep their limbs inside of the suite. I am just worried about people sitting on the ledge that separates the suite and the aisle, as that would create a much more significant obstruction and distraction. They understand how disappointed I am, and realize I don't want to move. They are going to see if they can offer me a better deal on my tickets. He said 25-50% off wouldn't be out of the question and will be getting back to me shortly.

What a much more pleasant conversation that was!

[george]

I don't know why this person didn't just call me the first time...

He was very understanding and apologetic. The decision was made to put it there because of the location of the stage for concerts. These suites will likely be more profitable for concerts than hockey (on a per event basis). The realized it was the Wild's attacking zone twice, but couldn't find another good option in the Club Level for it.

He sent me a rendering and the obstruction is very minimal, provided people keep their limbs inside of the suite. I am just worried about people sitting on the ledge that separates the suite and the aisle, as that would create a much more significant obstruction and distraction. They understand how disappointed I am, and realize I don't want to move. They are going to see if they can offer me a better deal on my tickets. He said 25-50% off wouldn't be out of the question and will be getting back to me shortly.

What a much more pleasant conversation that was!

Glad to hear it. The first rendition was very troubling and I could understand your outrage at being treated like that.

[gator]

Just for "kicks & giggles"...

Odds on winning the Cup:
Minnesota: 18/1 (were 75/1 prior to Parise & Suter)
Pittsburgh: 8/1 (currently league best chance)
Columbus: 100/1 (currently league worst chance)
Top Ten:
PIT: 8/1
NYR: 9/1
VAN: 11/1
LAK: 12/1
PHI: 13/1
CHI: 14/1
DET: 15/1
BOS: 16/1
STL: 16/1
MIN: 18/1

[sec 16 row16 seat 16 17]

give us 2 to 3 years and we will be in the cup.

[Armadillo]

give us 2 to 3 years and we will be in the cup.

I think this is a reasonable time frame. The young guys need a lot of NHL experience, the team needs to gel, and so on.

This season, I'm predicting a middle seed in the conference (4-6), and a loss in the conference semis.

[gator]

My brother-in-law showed me this tweet and forward it to me. It's pretty funny in regards of Parise & Suter.

Parise & Suter Tweet

The Gopher fan forgiveness meter...

[Golden FE Ranger]

My brother-in-law showed me this tweet and forward it to me. It's pretty funny in regards of Parise & Suter.

Parise & Suter Tweet

The Gopher fan forgiveness meter...

That is excellent.

[Armadillo]

My brother-in-law showed me this tweet and forward it to me. It's pretty funny in regards of Parise & Suter.

Parise & Suter Tweet

The Gopher fan forgiveness meter...

Awesome.

[kmd]

bring WILLA with.

Sorry.

http://minnesota.cbslocal.com/2012/08/0 ... divorcing/

[GopherHockeyFan]

A little late to the party here... If the Wild win a cup with Parise, he (along with Suter, Koivu et al) will immediately go on a pedestal. This market is so starved for a winner that any ambient BS will be pushed aside.

[LeoPohl]

A possibly dumb Wild related question--is FSN going to air "Becoming Wild" this summer? I enjoyed it last year and would enjoy it even more this season with their prospects under contract and actually being able to play.

I'll be bummed if I have to go through all the videos online to see it.

[Blueliner]

A possibly dumb Wild related question--is FSN going to air "Becoming Wild" this summer? I enjoyed it last year and would enjoy it even more this season with their prospects under contract and actually being able to play.

I'll be bummed if I have to go through all the videos online to see it.

Yes, they'll eventually be airing episodes on FSN

http://www.startribune.com/blogs/Russos_Rants.html

Hopefully you've been catching the "Becoming Wild" web vignettes on wild.com. The Wild's invested a lot of money flying local television producer Pat O'Connor around the world putting this cool thing together. Eventually, the show will return to Fox Sports North next month.

[team22tank]

Who has the ability to fire Gary Bettman? If NHL players are locked out this year it would be the 3rd time in 18 years, an average of every 6 which is unacceptable. Gary needs to go if they don't get this figured out. I fully support him being booed in every arena that his ass steps into.

My gut tells me that this will come right down to the wire. I am still slightly optimistic that a deal can be reached in the last hour because the reality of the last lockout seems so recent. The players have the most to lose so we will see what happens.

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/hockey/nhl/story/2012-08-10/NHL-labor-negotiations-Gary-Bettman/56952190/1/

[gator]

My gut tells me that this will come right down to the wire. I am still a slightly optimistic that a deal can be reached in the last hour because the reality of the last lockout seems so recent. The players have the most to lose so we will see what happens.

I feel the same way. I'm hoping parties can come to the table with level heads and work something out. The NHL really can't afford another extended lockout.

[Golden FE Ranger]

My gut tells me that this will come right down to the wire. I am still a slightly optimistic that a deal can be reached in the last hour because the reality of the last lockout seems so recent. The players have the most to lose so we will see what happens.

I feel the same way. I'm hoping parties can come to the table with level heads and work something out. The NHL really can't afford another extended lockout.

No, and in my opinion they can not afford to give too much and go back to instability. As was said, the players have the most to lose, so hopefully they will not be willing to sit out another season.

[dryfly]

My gut tells me that this will come right down to the wire. I am still a slightly optimistic that a deal can be reached in the last hour because the reality of the last lockout seems so recent. The players have the most to lose so we will see what happens.

I feel the same way. I'm hoping parties can come to the table with level heads and work something out. The NHL really can't afford another extended lockout.

No, and in my opinion they can not afford to give too much and go back to instability. As was said, the players have the most to lose, so hopefully they will not be willing to sit out another season.

ESOP the teams. Or make 8-10 teams go away. Only real answers.

[team22tank]

My gut tells me that this will come right down to the wire. I am still a slightly optimistic that a deal can be reached in the last hour because the reality of the last lockout seems so recent. The players have the most to lose so we will see what happens.

I feel the same way. I'm hoping parties can come to the table with level heads and work something out. The NHL really can't afford another extended lockout.

No, and in my opinion they can not afford to give too much and go back to instability. As was said, the players have the most to lose, so hopefully they will not be willing to sit out another season.

ESOP the teams. Or make 8-10 teams go away. Only real answers.

Axing 8-10 teams seams pretty extreme to me. It could be argued that the NHL is as healthy as they have ever been. Revenue is at an all time high and so are sponsorships. They have a big TV deal with NBC. What they need to do is get rid of the bottom feeders and I would start with the worst two performing teams, Phoenix for sure and relocate. A twenty team league just won't happen.