Vintage Minnesota Hockey - History

1965:  Former NHL center Randy Smith born in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.  Smith played in the NHL 1985-86 through 1986-87 with the Minnesota North Stars.

1988:  NHL right wing Eriah Hayes born in La Crescent, MN.  Hayes has played in the NHL since 2013-14 with San Jose.

1995:  The Minnesota Moose of the IHL signed a working agreement with the NHL's Winnipeg Jets. (Ironically where the team would relocate to years later and became the Manitoba Moose).

1997:  Carin Anderson named Marketing Director for newly appointed Minnesota Hockey Ventures Group, LP NHL expansion team (Minnesota Wild).

2003:  Minnesota Sports & Entertainment (MSE) purchased the Houston Aeros (AHL) to be the primary affiliate of the Minnesota Wild.

2003:  L.A. Kings announced the signing of two free agents: Trent Klatt, who had most recently been with the Vancouver Canucks, and goaltending prospect Mathieu Chouinard, whose rights had been with the Ottawa Senators.

2004:  Minnesota Wild signed free agent Raymond Giroux, who had been with the New Jersey Devils.

2008:  Tampa Bay Lightning signed free agents Mark Recchi and Brandon Bochenski.

2008:  Minnesota Wild signed free agent Tomas Mojzis.

2009:  ESPN The Magazine named Xcel Energy Center the "Ultimate Crib" and the "Best Stadium Experience" in the NHL.

2010:  Minnesota Wild signed free agent goaltender Dennis Endras.

2012:  Washington Capitals signed free agent (and Bloomington, MN native) Ryan Stoa.