Shaw given promotion (title change)
Posted on July 10th, 2008 – 9:45 AMBy Michael Russo
I’ll be back on later on this evening with a blog post regarding this afternoon’s scrimmage, but here’s a bit of news from the Wild.
Matt Shaw has been promoted from video coach to assistant coach. While he’ll continue to have the same responsibilities with video, he gets a title change. It was obvious last season that Shaw had a lot more responsibilities, especially after Mike Ramsey was getting treatment for his eye.
This was just a natural step — you should hear the respect Jacques Lemaire has for Shaw when he speaks about him. That’s it for now. I’ll be back on later.
By the way, I’ve also gotten some emails from readers about the exhibition schedule. I asked assistant GM Tom Lynn about it the other day and he was still shuffling a couple games, so it’ll be out soon. It’ll be a seven- or eight-game schedule. Also, the first week of camp in Grand Forks will be four to seven days. It’s uncertain right now because the team doesn’t know for sure how long it has to be out of the arena for the reconstruction after the RNC.
The NHL regular-season schedule typically comes out the day after the MLB All-Star Game.
MINNESOTA WILD NAMES MATT SHAW ASSISTANT COACH
SAINT PAUL/MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. - Minnesota Wild President and General Manager Doug Risebrough today announced the National Hockey League (NHL) club has named Matt Shaw an Assistant Coach for the 2008-09 season.
“In addition to his video responsibilities this season, Matt helped plan strategically for practices and games, worked with players in a teaching capacity, was regularly on the ice with the team and also assisted Jacques behind the bench at times,” said Risebrough. “Over the last year it became clear that Matt’s role and responsibilities were best suited to be an Assistant Coach in the NHL.”
Shaw, 42 (10/11/65), was named the Wild’s Video Coach on July 10, 2007 and was responsible for pre-scouting opposing teams along with analyzing each game as it occurred during the 2007-08 season, his first in the NHL. He became Assistant Coach, Video in October 2007. Shaw has been behind the bench for more than 1,000 professional and collegiate hockey games in his coaching career and spent seven seasons as an Assistant Coach for the Houston Aeros of the American Hockey League (AHL), the Wild’s primary development affiliate prior to joining Minnesota’s coaching staff. He also served as Assistant General Manager for Houston and helped lead the Aeros to a record of 273-215-74 (.552) in his seven years with the organization.
Prior to joining Houston, Shaw served as Head Coach of the Quad City Mallards of the United Hockey League (UHL) 1999-2000 and two seasons as an Assistant Coach in Quad City (1995-97). He was also an Assistant Coach with the Chicago Wolves of the International Hockey League (IHL) in 1998-99 and served as Head Coach of the ECHL’s Mobile Mysticks in 1997-98.
The Phoenix, Ariz.-native began his coaching career with his alma mater, Colorado College, where he served as an Assistant Coach for the Tigers from 1989-92. His primary responsibilities were coordinating practices and recruiting. During his tenure, Shaw was the youngest recruiter on the Division I NCAA circuit. He played 138 collegiate games with U.S. International University (1985-88) and Colorado College (1988-89) and was a tri-captain with the Tigers during his senior season and earned All-WCHA Honorable Mention.
179 Responses to "Shaw given promotion (title change)"
1st
2nd
Second is the first loser, but in this case I’d make an exception call you BOTH losers.
So is 3rd! 4ths the best
and fifth is theone with the hairy chest!
Wallshot - appropriate.
Any reason why the scrimmage isn’t open to fans - even in the upper deck?
Another question - why put ice down in the middle of summer just to have it melt away in a week or two? Why not SLP or BIG?
Third question - since the ice is down anyways… any chance of having a public skate???
I’ll hang up and listen.
Please don’t start with the “1st” lameness. Reserve it for Perezhilton.lame/nerd
bfw, from last thread… I guess 36.
I would like to compliment zigtron.
After reading the posts from the last blog entry, I didn’t think his could get any worse.
I was wrong.
Good lord who cares what number you are. The only numbers I want to hear about is if Shepp is gonna give up #15 for Bruno?
By the way here is something on the new name and mascot for the Iowa AHL team…
….hope that worked, read down to Mirtle’s Wednesday entry. As a person who’s family has Iowa roots I don’t know whether to find this derogatory or tung in cheek funny.
Good for Mr. Shaw, I’ll take his old job if his new responsibilities become to much for him.
Rayray: Just because you didn’t get the first post doesn’t mean you have to take it out on me. 
Question: Does anyone know if the camp in Grand Forks will be open to the public/ students?? I live 1 block away from the arena at UND
Wow, thanks for that link bandgeek. That is easily a perferct example of an Epic Fail.
Nick, I elaborated on yesterday’s thread.
Good for Shaw.
BG, thanks for the link. That pig coming thru the ice a la the old Ducks logo is the funniest thing I’ve seen in a long time.
Austin, I almost wish I still had contact with some of my family down by Knoxville (hour east of Des Moines). Then I could ask what they think. Of course, they probably have no idea what hockey is so I don’t know how objective they would be. It’s tragic really, that’s why I don’t know whether to be offended on behalf of my clueless rellie’s or not.
BG, also having family roots in Iowa. I personally think its funny.
Maybe if they had added tusks to the boar’s head, the blogger wouldn’t have mistaken it for a pig.
My 2 cents.
Dude, the correct answer is: 35.
35! What the F?
Anyway, you were the closest, so please choose a consolation prize from the lower yellow bucket only please.
Yeah Bandgeek, I lived in Iowa for a few years and I find it to be pretty funny. I think the logo should look more like this though.
bfw: the more important question is how few defensemen do they have?
The Iowa Chops! Are you kidding me?!? That is fantastic!
Bandgeek - I was born in Iowa and most of my extended family lives there and I don’t any of them would find it derogatory.
Seriously, what is better than a thick cut Iowa pork chop? Not much.
Thanks bfw! I will take the small unicorn keychain that plays a techno remix of “do you really want to hurt me” by the Culture Club.
Lurk.: some of my family run sale barns, and are often subjected to the “big city” thinking that pig farmers (and Iowans in general) aren’t very bright. That’s why I’m a bit iffy about it.
Ok I gotta go find the suite case. Going to Duluth for the weekend.
right, sunshine.
Actually, they’re playing 4 forwards, 1-D, so…4.
j/k.
—
ATW, love that pic! Can’t see the others, tho. D@mn IT dept at work. 
Austin: the actual Culture Club version, or the version sung (repeatedly) by “George” in The Wedding Singer.
Thanks bfw*! I will take the small unicorn keychain that plays a techno remix of “do you really want to hurt me” by the Culture Club.
Killer! LMAO!!!oneoneeleven
bfw, you always have the best prizes 
I want a prize!!! Come on bfw ask another question, I want to get a prize!!!!
Can you tell I’m putting off the cleaning and packing I should be doing? Although I do need to go get ready to go give a tour at ye olde part time job, and send out a few resume’s.
tsn.ca reporting skoula traded for new VHS player for shaw?
“tsn.ca reporting skoula traded for new VHS player for shaw”
*rimshot*
He’ll be here all week folks!
bfw*, you always have the best prizes
That’s what she said. Yahtzee!
—-
I want a prize!!! Come on bfw* ask another question, I want to get a prize!!!!
Can you tell I’m putting off the cleaning and packing I should be doing? Although I do need to go get ready to go give a tour at ye olde part time job, and send out a few resume’s.
Sure, band. And btw, good to hear you at least have your PT job, I didn’t know that. Hope the search is successful…
I have chops…saxophone chops… 
Speaking of which…
This Saturday (7/12) the Russoville house band is performing at Diamonds Sportsbar in Ramsey…
BG: Some of mine are famers and running a farm takes alot of smarts. I know they’d find it funny.
OK.
Which of the following (is/are) NOT (a) catagor(y/ies) for which a recently signed Wild player is a SJ Career Leader:
1. Goals
2. Power Play Goals
3. Short Handed Goals
4. Game Winning Goals
5. Game Tying Goals
I’m with you LWF - I have family members that run hog farms still and a few others work at Farmland and I’m sure they would love it!
I never said my rellie’s had a sense of humor.
ms.c: I wonder if your concerns are common among local faithful of teams that are minor league affiliates of some big club?
Ummmmmm….. ok ask a question I know the answer to. I don’t want to have to do research, I’m to lazy for that.
(Ok, band. Here’s a hint: There’s only three.)
tsn.ca reporting skoula traded for new VHS player for shaw?
Yeah, like any team would give us a VHS player for Skoula.
Mo, it was incorrect. It should have been betamax player (or one of those old RCA disc movie players, the movies were the size of a record album).
I live 1 block away from the arena at UND
this explains a lot
are often subjected to the “big city” thinking that pig farmers (and Iowans in general) aren’t very bright
it ain’t just big city thinking
this explains a lot
Ouch! Pwned! lol.
Step right up! Step right up!
Answer my 11:20am and WIN a prize!! Three guesses for a buck!
Demitra: a Canuck.
Mo, it was incorrect. It should have been betamax player (or one of those old RCA disc movie players, the movies were the size of a record album).
Yeah, like any team would give us a betamax player (or one of those old RCA disc movie players, the movies were the size of a record album, for Skoula.
They tried for a laser disc, but were shot down.
(Ok, band. Here’s a hint: There’s only three.)
CORRECTION:
That should say: He holds three: There are only TWO WHICH ARE NOT.
My bad.
Dang, El Gato beat me to my joke.
Goals and SH Goals?
Perhaps, Nick. I’ve never been quite so involved in a minor league team. I guess my perspective is that we’re just lucky to have hockey here, I can afford the tickets, I don’t need a bunch of perks (even the meet the players crap doesn’t do much for me as I’m not much of a small talk kinda person… I’d rather sit them down and grill them about their lives!) I dunno. I just love hockey and that kinda trumps everything.
Speaking of which… dudes. I made the NYTimes hockey blog today. WTF? That’s not right. There are so many better hockey blogs that don’t involve someone bitching about their bad back and the cost of skater gear. *shaking head*
http://slapshot.blogs.nytimes.com/
ok bfw, my guess is #’s 1, 3, 5.
And yes I kept my ptjob. Long story short I was working at two different sites as a guide. I got a promotion at one but kept the other job as well. Now that the job I got the promotion at is kaput, I’m picking up a few hours at the other.I learned back in 2003 when there was major major major lay offs and cuts within the historical society to keep all doors open. I gotta get going or I’ll be late. Ta peoples!
buenos dias. me llamo raoul. me gusta el Wild. vaminos el wild!!
I’d say SH goals and GT goals
no habla espanol, si?
I learn all my Spanish from Dora and Diego!
Anyone hear the details behind the Pavol signing in Vancouver?
Officially they are not being released, but how about unofficially?
wow…You’re famous ms.c!
SJ Career Goals Leader = Patrick Marleau
Try again.
Close, Lemmi!
no megusta mi llamo
http://tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=243038&lid=headline&lpos=secStory_main
I hope that works
Speaking of which… dudes. I made the NYTimes hockey blog today. WTF?
Wow! Cool, ms.conduct!
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FINAL clue:
SJ Career Game Winning Goals Leader = Patrick Marleau.
I have to say, with Pav in Vancouver, Todd ‘Black Cloud’ Bertuzzi in Calgary and the Avs goaltending in question, things don’t look so bad in the Northwest!
I think unofficially Pav received bonuses of the following:
Free weekly groin massage from the Sedin’s
An oven mitt
5 free visits to the Vancouver ‘Hair club for men’
All he can eat at Slovakian Fried Chicken franchises throught British Columbia!
Wow! Cool, ms.conduct!
Plus, I enjoyed taking a look at that other blog. I thought the Wild jerseys were OK but almost not classic enough if that makes sense.
LMAO @ El Gato.
Any ideas on why Demitra to Nuks took as long as it did? I mean, this deal has been in the works since what, a month before FA started
SGS, it was the oven mitt! Pavol wanted 2 but Vancouver wouldn’t budge!
Icethetics is a fun blog. Freak Out Fridays are my favorites… you should see the stuff that people submit. There was one a while back where someone redid all the NHL jerseys, but in the process, moved Florida to Kansas City and completely rebranded the Wild to the Minnesota Berzerkers. Purple jersey, new logo. It’s like the Wild’s current incarnation was so invalid it wasn’t worth re-tooling. I was aghast. And it wasn’t even a freak out friday post…
BFW: I’m going to have to go with GWG and SH goals then. lol
Some people have to be here early on so they can cut and paste Russo’s work into their own blogs.
nhlnumbers.com has Demo at $4 million for 3 years, oven mitts and other perks are undisclosed at this time However, more importantly, there are no other Slovaks on the roster so it could be some lonley showers for Pav.
*it could be some lonely showers for Pav.*
Nice one.
I suspect it took a while because they weren’t that excited to sign him and there was no competition. I think they were looking for other options first because they knew he would still be there.
Or logically it could they were trying to look for some other folks because the Wild had the NHL look into tampering issues in the case of Demitra and Canucks. They needed sufficient time to pass before signing Demitra.
Ok, Ok. No winners, but each participant can choose either a pair of Groucho Marx glasses, or Silly putty as consolation.
—-
The correct answer is: Goals and Game Winning Goals.
(Owen Nolan is SJ’s Career Leader in PPG, SHG, and GTG.)
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Demo didn’t sign right away, ’cause he was in CLB trying to get his Groin Doctor to come with.
(Uhhm, that doesn’t sound right…)
pretty gnarly weather in the cities right now eh???
bfw* do you have any Oscar Mayer Weinie Whistles, perchance?
One of my ex-girlfriends drove the Oscar Meyer Weiner Mobile (way after we stopped dating).
Slovakian Fried Chicken franchises throught British Columbia
You don’t mean Tim Horton’s do you?
She wanted a bigger weiner?
Sorry, that hanging curve just needed to be hit!
Sorry WS. Just a few slide whistles left.
One of my ex-girlfriends drove the Oscar Meyer Weiner Mobile (way after we stopped dating).
Is that why she’s your ex? lol.
yep, i did leave that one hanging over the plate, didn’t I?!
Hey, AiH. I forgot to ask about the Gillies thing. Waddup?
Here’s another
What former UMD Bulldog recently signed with the Wild?
(Yes, the slide whistles are in play WS).
bfw*: Weller.
Have you guys seen the clips on wild.com of the prospects at camp? Pouliot with his head shaved looks really different. Wasn’t expecting that.
bfw*: Weller.
Correct!! Nice Job!
Double or nothin’???
Thanks zigtron, your contributions to this site are completely…
Hmm. It’s weiners for lunch today, huh?
Nice interview with Matt Kassian today:
http://downloads.wild.nhl.com/podcasts/PONDCAST_878_CAMP3.MP3
Can’t wait to have him full time in Houston. Seems like he’ll be a terrific guy in the room. Kind of a grounded, heart and soul sorta guy. Can’t have enough of that. Especially one who’s willing to beat the snot out of the bad guys. Wee!
Hope Demitra doesn’t feel lonely with no Slovaks here….we HAVE to steal Gaborik from you. One can hope.
We’ve never had a Slovak player. We do have Lukas Krajicek, who is a Czech, so that’s close, I guess.
And we did have Jan Bulis, a Czech a couple seasons ago but that didn’t work out.
So maybe Demitra can learn Swedish, we have enough of those!
Pav won’t have to worry too much. Vancouver is a ‘progressive’ CA city.
They have communal Slovakian showers.
Demo and the Sisters will be speaking the international language of hockey.
bfw - I’m just hoping Gillies makes the Wild this year. It seems to be a foregone conclusion that he will be wasted back in Saskatoon but that doesn’t mean he is automatically on the team.
I believe the Wild’s success will directly rely on the progress Sheppard, Pouliot and Gillies can make this season. Having seen Pouliot and Gillies play in Houston I feel strongly that they can succeed if given the opportunity.
In general I’m just a big Gillies fan. He stepped right into the AHL like he had been there all year. After one game I felt like I finally saw something promising for the Wild. That got me excited!
tsn reports NHL, Russian hockey league reach agreement:
Have you guys seen the clips on wild.com of the prospects at camp? Pouliot with his head shaved looks really different. Wasn’t expecting that.
Now that he knows DR has saved a spot for him, BP is going straight to Gaborik’s heart and trying the Demitra look.
Showers indeed!
Sweet fuzzy bunnies! Shaved headed Pouliot FTW! He’s looking good. You can see in his face that he’s putting some weight on. That’s good.
I was surprised about Kassian. I was shocked to see Pouliot with his head shaved army style. He looks more mature… maybe he will be more mature now.
Nice one wallshot!
I thought some of you may find this shirt amusing.
Hey Alan, do the Swedes and Grion- uhhh, I mean Slovaks get along?
What can I say Wallshot…someone’s gotta inform the people of this site of what life is like on the outside :-).
I say we settle this over a game of NHL ‘04
Did you guys think Sheppard lost alot of baby fat? His cheekbones are more prominent now.
Oh also, for those of you looking forward to the new NHL 09′ video game… Game spot has a hand-on preview with the game and they have some pretty cool new features from the look of it. Check out the feature HERE.
Did you see Scandella and Khudobin shutting Gillies down there? And Falk shoving Pouly around in the crease.
Well, we’ve never had a Slovak player that I know of, so I don’t know how Swedes and Slovaks get on, but I’m sure it will be just fine. Swedes are so passive, they get along with anyone…
You’re right ms. c - Benny looks a little buffed up in the face.
I never imagined him just off living in the woods.
I wish the would show more practice highlights. When I watch the videos, I have to pull up the roster to match #s with players. I want to see more.
yo hablo espanol si. Tengo un caballo grande. ¡Yo lo cabalgo a juegos de hockey!
Yeah, I think I opened the roster 3 times when I would see some one catching my eye whose number I don’t know (which is most of them). Hopefully they’ll show some scrimmage highlights.
I thought that was interesting, too, Aaron. I know he’s said in the past that he trained with Vinny in Toronto during the summers. I guess he’s rolling like Rocky in Siberia now. I dig it.
I don’t have NHL 04, sorry. I do have an old copy of NHL 03 for PC. I also have 08 for PC.
There is a player in NHL 03 for PC that is literally 15 feet tall. He took up half of the bench. I’ll have to see later if I still have any screenshots from that. Funny as hell.
I wonder why Demo really wanted to go to Van. lol.
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Excerpts from faceoff.com:
Courtnall sees success for Demitra
Former St. Louis teammate lauds competitiveness of Slovak veteran.
When Geoff Courtnall played tour guide for former St. Louis Blues linemate Pavol Demitra in the spring, he sold the unrestricted free agent forward on Vancouver’s culture, cuisine and beauty.
Courtnall also sold Demitra on playing for the Canucks.
“I’m still very good friends with Pavol and talk to him all the time,” Courtnall, a former Canuck, said Wednesday from Victoria. “I hadn’t seen him in a year and he came out before he went back to Slovakia.
“We only had one day and night together and he told me he loves coming to Vancouver. I told him if the Canucks are one of the teams that comes around July 1 [free agency], you should definitely think of playing there.”
Demitra has done just that.
does his name rhyme with “Schldeno Schlara”
Can you believe this? I thought you guy said he was crazy… and now look at where he is;
“The Flames also announced that Jamie McLennan, their former back-up goalie, has been appointment pro scout and director of goaltender development.”
http://www.globesports.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20080710.wsptsutte10/GSStory/GlobeSportsHockey/home
One night in ‘Couver makes a hard man humble…
“The Flames also announced that Jamie McLennan, their former back-up goalie, has been appointment pro scout and director of goaltender development - as long as he continues to take his lithium.”
I added the rest of the quote, sunshine.
One night in ‘Couver makes a hard man humble…
Oh my god! ROFLMAO!!
POTD!
For those interested Mike Max of wcco radio interviewed Gillies last night. Here is link to the audio;
Actually, the player is Zigomanis. I don’t think he is intentionally that big. I’m pretty sure it was a typo that was never caught because he was such a low rated player.
ok kj: I had no idea of the provenance of that song. Music by ABBA, lyrics by Tim Rice…!!
One night in ‘Couver makes a hard man humble…
Atta way! Nice finish, kj.
NiNY…it is the only tune even remotely associated with ABBA that I can listen to.
Murray Head.
Wallshot, here is a video of your tall player I found on youtube.
Ha ha, nice digg, The Dude.
That’s actually a different player than the one I was talking about but it looks a lot like that.
Thanks. That guy is HUGE.
NiNY…it is the only tune even remotely associated with ABBA that I can listen to.
come on, don’t be coy…we all know you’ve got “Thank You For The Music” in the Full Circle repertoire.
Battman, I read somewhere that Demo is getting around $4 million for 2 years
ATX, that is hilarious! I love that his head is the same size as the other players but his body is HUGE!
I would rather have Smilin Pav @ $4m for three years, play him at wing and not bothered with Nolan, Also let go of Parrish.
yeah Goody, imagine if he threw a check on ya!
Demo is getting $8 million for 2 years.
I would rather have Smilin Pav @ $4m for three years, play him at wing and not bothered with Nolan
With no knowledge of the locker room aspect (except the shower) or the effect such a deal would have on Gabby’s extension, I have to agree. However, since DR is 0-2 (at least) in the C department, the discussion is moot
yeah, i want no part of demitra at 4 mil per. that is a bit more than he is worth, in our system. maybe he will score a bunch there, but for us, he wasn’t worth the money.
I wouldn’t worry too much about Demitra leaving having an effect on Gabby signing an extension. Maybe not his BFF but Bruno is very good friends with Gabby, according to Russo. Bruno texted Gaborik and Schultz after he signed with the Wild.
I want silly putty….
Hello!!! Anybody out there??? I want silly putty. And a live in maid, can I have one of those as well? And a signed pair of Boogies gloves, that would be cool. Oh and new siding and a new front porch (mine is sagging). How bout a new car? That wold be nice as well. I’m babbleing aren’t I?
It is quiet out there this afternoon! Where is everyone? The state fair doesn’t start till next month!
Band - and I though all you really wanted was a new job?
I’m listening to the Don right now, live on Buffalo sports radio. Interesting.
talking about the salary cap floor being part of the problem leading up to these inflated contracts (Demo, Finger, Commo).
What’s he saying, what is he saying… (The young grasshopper is say this while he is jumping up and down tugging on his dads pant leg..)
What are we trading with the sluggs?
DJ just plugged Russo’s Rants.
Russo just plugged the development camp. Nice.
I think people blow the Demo/Gabby BFF thing out of proportion. Gaborik isn’t just going to go where his best buddies are playing. That’s just not a realistic expectation for an NHL player, and I doubt that’s going to be a determining factor in whether or not he signs an extension.
talking Bolts right now…the Don saying they’ve got the ability to score a lot of goals, but blueline looks a little thin.
said Bolts are a PO team IF, they get goaltending.
Don Russo?
guy just asked him about Gabby getting moved…what’s his future?
Don says it’s still an issue…
Says Wild need to offer him 4-7yrs/$8.5M per to be in the ballpark of where the other teams that could get him can offer.
guy just asked him if Hards should be expected to replace Backs this season.
Don said that he has had flashes of brilliance but he’s not ready yet IHO.
Maybe a goalie is on their wish list if Hards doesn’t pan out, but Backs walks in FA.
Wallshot: Sometimes reason doesn’t work, only blowing things out of proportion does.
Sunshine - THE “Don” Michael Russo of Russoville….
Thanks. I should’ve refreshed the page before typing.
i could see backs walkingthis year in FA. Rolling harding into the starting job. He’s definitely been groomed enough.
I think DR will make a decision on Backstrom before the trade deadline. He is either going to keep him or he is going to trade him. He is not going to let Backs walk for nothing. A lot of it depends on where the Wild is in the standings but I can see DR trading Backstrom away. His limited NTC kicks in from September to February.
Backstrom is too valuable to let walk away.
he’ll get paid, thats fo sho.
bfw: you are right about that. DR might just trade Backs anyways if he is asking for too much money. I’d like to see what Schaefer and Brust can do in the NHL.
DUDE…almost 1/2 way thru July….No Gabby update?!
Can you say “stall?”
Why would there be a Gabby update when there is no update on SRV and PMB?
hahahaha. good one.
Don’t rush the summer, they are short enough in these parts - it’s only a third of the way through July.
I can’t even imagine living in a place where I didn’t want to rush the summer. At least, as an adult. I finally planted the bug in DH’s head about buying a summer home up north in a few years. That would be just about perfect. Texas in the winter, Minnesota/Wisconsin in the summer. Timed perfectly, of course, to catch the playoffs in person.
Listening to the Gillies interview. Kinda weird. It’s like a conversation you’d hear that’s not on the radio. Restaurant recommendations, Banff is pretty, etc. Very strange.
I hear ya Ms. C, was listening to all those myself at work. Pouliot was saying he wasn’t skating and just working out/eating/sleeping in the woods to gain weight/muscle. I didn’t know they did that at Reid’s. When I’m back in the good ‘ol MN next week for a wedding I’m going to have to check that out!
ms. conduct: it was a strange interview… I think Gillies was probably thinking the same thing. You didn’t get much out of it but it was funny — TT singing “My Way” — if that is true, LOL.
You know, I hope the Wild takes these kids to MOA or tickets to a concert at the Xcel (if there is one) or something else. Softball at the Metrodome isn’t too exciting.
You think Pouly is gonna grow his hair back at the start of the season? To go along with that, when most people go and live in the woods, don’t they usually come out looking like a crazy mountain man with hair all over? Not the opposite?
Man I hope DR doesn’t stinge out on re-signing Gaborik. Risebrough: “Hey Marian we are not going to give you the contract everyone and their mother knows you can get because this is a great hockey city and a wonderful building to play in. Did I mention MN has the largest state fair in the U.S. and there are over 10,000 lakes here? Why that enough is reason for you to play here under market value.”
To lose Gabby because he dreams of playing out east is one thing but to lose Gabby because you can’t pony up the cash… that puts up red flags in my book and I’m not a DR hater.
If DR was ready to pony up $8 million for Hossa, you know he has the leeway to give Gaborik $8+ million for at least 7 years.
I don’t think DR is going to shortchange Gaborik or I hope he doesn’t because Gaborik is the one you can’t do it.
Gaborik has held out on every single contract signing in his short history with us. That scares me a bit but I’m trying not to be a chicken little about the whole thing… Just the thought of losing our franchise player puts me in a sad place.
He only has held out once — fall of 2004. In the summer of 2006, they were hours from going into arbitration but reached an agreement beforehand. At that time, I think the Wild were slightly low-balling into a 5 year contract. He wasn’t having any of it and settled for a 3 year contract. The Strib and the Pio reported that Gaborik was very unhappy with the club and their lack of spending money. The papers were quoting from unnamed teammates. After he signed, there were reports that he seriously considered taking the one year and being a UFA in the summer of 2007.
This year, we aren’t hearing any of his unhappiness. I would think Russo and Shipley would have reported on it. I think he has doubts about the club but he is not unhappy. I think he would like to see what he can do in a more open system, but he also knows he can now 40+ goals in a defensive style game.
Or it could all just mean that Gaborik has learned to not say much around teammates and to the media.
Though, I don’t know if I can believe DR but he did say that Gaborik told him he would like to return to the club. It was said in response to a question about extending Gaborik’s contract. It could just be a cliche that all players say during a contract year.
I meant to say Gaborik held out in the fall of 2003 not 2004.
I do think that Gabby trying to get his BFF to sign here long term indicates that he’d like to stay.
I also don’t think DR will lowball him, but I am a little worried that Gabby will expect more than he might actually get on the market. What if he asks for the max? Very few players are worth $11.4 (or whatever) per season.
My bad sunshine I thought it was 3 times he had held out.
Well I guess all we can do is wait and see if it’s all talk or if he is serious about playing here.
Hey Risebrough buy him a new race car bed! That should sweetin’ the deal. Then Pouly and his newly shaven head can join Gaborik for some BFF shower time to replace Demo and all will be fine. Nothing to worry about.
I dunno … Benny isn’t a slovak. I don’t think he’d be an acceptable substitute.
On the ice, Hossa > Gaborik.
Taking into consideration age, injuries, experience, and attitude I come up with this complex formula:
Hossa > Gaborik.
Yes, but we have a better chance with Gaborik than with Hossa.
Demo signs (surprise!)
with Vancouver…2 year deal.
Wonder when Van plays Wild?
Gaborik is in Slovakia, no one has spoken to him.
I think there may have been a couple of the prospects at the George Michael concert believe it or not. I think Elo was there for sure.
I live in NW MN, near Grand Forks. Are there usually opportunities for the public to see any training camp days? Is this something you write about closer to the dates? I haven’t really followed hockey so closely before, and enjoy your newspaper columns and also this blog. Thanks much.
