How Did “Wild” Become the Face of Minnesota Hockey?
Known as the State of Hockey, Minnesota lives and breathes the sport at every level. From frozen backyard rinks to the bright lights of the National Hockey League, hockey is deeply embedded in Minnesota’s culture and communities. However, that identity was abruptly stripped away in 1993 when the Minnesota North Stars moved to Dallas, Texas (becoming the Dallas Stars).
When the league returned a few years later, Minnesota needed a new team and a new name that could reflect the spirit of its people and landscape. So, how did the name Wild come to symbolize Minnesota hockey? A Missing Piece in the State of Hockey For seven seasons, Minnesota lacked an NHL team.
This created a noticeable gap in a state where hockey is a daily part of life. By 1997, a new franchise had been awarded and began playing in 2000. Expectations were already set.
It was crucial to bring back something fans felt was absent. This made every decision, especially the choice of the name, much more important than a typical expansion team. When it was time to select a name, Minnesota took its time.
The franchise involved fans in the decision, resulting in thousands of suggestions. A few finalists stood out, like “Freeze” and “Northern Lights. ” These names were intended to reflect the state’s climate and geography.