Vintage Minnesota Hockey - History

1964:  Former NHL defenseman Bob Rouse born in Surrey, B.C.  Rouse played in the NHL 1983-84 through 1999-00 with the Minnesota North Stars, Washington, Toronto, Detroit and San Jose.

1984:  NHL goaltender Josh Harding born in Regina, Sask. Harding has played in the NHL since 2005-06 with Minnesota.

1990:  NHL center Derek Stepan born in Hastings, MN.  Stepan has played in the NHL since 2010-11 with the New York Rangers.

1999:  Atlanta Thrashers obtained goaltender Damian Rhodes from the Ottawa Senators in exchange for future considerations.  Rhodes (obtained one week before the Expansion Draft) became the first player in Thrashers history.

2001:  Minnesota Wild signed free agent center Shawn Carter, who spent the 2000-01 season with the Houston Aeros of the IHL, and finished second in scoring with 23 goals and 36 assists in 82 games.

2002:  The City of Eveleth was a buzz of excitement as news traveled that the new 'Big Stick' was en-route from Peshtigo, WI and would arrive a day earlier than anticipated.  The Stick, still adorned with the original 'Christian USA' marking, was actually manufactured by Sentinel Structures, Inc., of Peshtigo, Wis., weighing in at 10,000 pounds (5 Ton) and 110ft. long, was once again given a State Patrol escort to downtown Eveleth.  The new 'Big Stick' is now resting in the orginal spot of the old stick in Eveleth's Hockey Plaza.  The City of Eveleth is proud to be a part of the continuation of a City landmark that began back in 1995.

2012:  South St. Paul, MN native - Phil Housley was named Head Coach of the 2013 U.S. National Junior Team by USA Hockey. This was Housley's first stint as Head Coach of a U.S. National Team after serving as an Assistant Coach for the 2007 (Bronze), 2011 (Bronze) U.S. National Junior Teams, and the 2011 U.S. Men's National Team.

2015:  Minnesota Wild left winger - Matt Cooke was placed on waivers, for the purpose of his unconditional release from the team after only 2 years with the franchise 2013-2015.