Vintage Minnesota Hockey - History

1966:  Former NHL center Mike McNeill born in Winona, MN.  McNeill played in the NHL 1990-91 through 1991-92 with Chicago and Quebec.

1974:  Washington Capitals purchased veteran Tommy Williams from Boston.

1978:  North Stars merger with the Cleveland Barons is approved.  George and Gordon Gund take over 100% ownership of the North Stars by assuming $6.5 Million mortgage on Met Center, and John Karr replaces Gordon Ritz as President.

1981:  Minnesota North Stars signed Anders Hakansson as a free agent.

1985:  Philadelphia Flyers named Paul Holmgren as their new assistant coach.

1996:  Washington Capitals signed free agent defenseman Phil Housley.

2009:  Minnesota Wild signed free agent Nathan Smith.

2010:  Chicago Blackhawks acquired Jeff Taffe from the Florida Panthers, in exchange for Marty Reasoner.

2010:  The US Hockey Hall of Fame in Eveleth, MN announced it's 2010 class, which included Jeremy Roenick, Derian Hatcher, Kevin Hatcher, Art Berglund and Edina, MN native Dr. Vl George Nagobads.

2013:  The Minnesota Wild AHL affiliate - Iowa Wild announced the hiring of Grand Rapids, MN native Kurt Kleinendorst as the Wild's first Head Coach after the team relocated to Iowa from Houston.  (Formerly Houston Aeros).

2014:  St. Louis Blues announced the signing of free agent (and Elk River, MN native) Nate Prosser.