How the Minnesota Wild is helping build a
greater State of Hockey
Wild About
Youth Hockey
by Michael Russo
Russo's Rants
P R E S E N T E D B Y
here's a GREAT PHOTO during
last year's Minnesota Wild Youth Hockey Spotlight
Game in Stillwater capturing Scott Stevens, the for-
mer Wild assistant coach and Hall of Fame defensem-
an, called timeout and beckons his team to the bench.
Hey, there's a reason Stevens played 22 years in
the National Hockey League and captained the New Jersey Devils
to three Stanley Cups.
He loves to win, and he really, really wanted to win this …
12-and-Under girls' game.
Stillwater was beating Roseville, 5-4, with a minute left when
Stillwater suddenly took a penalty. Stevens called the girls over and
instructed them on what they needed to do in
this intense final minute to kill the penalty and win the game.
The photo was perfect as the girls—and even youth coaches—stared
with wide eyes at Stevens, one of the most intimidating blue-liners
to ever strap up the skates, spoke animatedly. They absorbed every
word, and frankly, that's what it's all about with just one of several
Minnesota Wild initiatives to help build a greater "State of Hockey."
Ramping up
The Youth Hockey Spotlight game includes guest coaches, the Wild
public-address announcer, rinkside reporters like Kevin Gorg inter-
viewing awestruck players in front of a Wild backdrop with cameras
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