The Minnesota North Stars / @mnwild have defeated the @NHLBlackhawks 6-4 at the 2016 NHL #StadiumSeries Alumni Game. pic.twitter.com/htIlcMLErc
— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) February 21, 2016
Chicago Blackhawks Alumni 4
Minnesota Wild-North Stars Alumni 6
Night one of the NHL’s outdoor Stadium Series was a field day for the old-timers, pitting former Minnesota Wild and North Stars players in a game against Chicago Blackhawks alumni in advance of the pro squads’ matchup tomorrow night.
Coach Nanne get things fired up in the locker room
North Stars legend Lou Nanne fired up his boys to star the night off with a big speech that made it clear that the former defenseman wanted to coach the team to a win, even if it was just an exhibition match. The Star Tribune’s Michael Russo had the quote:
“I said we’re going to be out here, we’re going to have fun,” Nanne said, “This was our big rivalry, but we are going to win this game. And if I have to sit some of you guys during the game, I’m going to sit some of you because this is the last game we’re going to play against the Blackhawks and I do not want to go home a loser to the Blackhawks and I don’t think you do either.”
#Wild Tweets: .@lou_nanne giving a pregame speech. Watch the Alumni Game on @fsnorth pic.twitter.com/yZXQikmHK2 https://t.co/extpPZbM2O
— Minnesota Wild (@wildherald) February 20, 2016
In addition to Nanne’s inspirational speech, another North Stars legend, Brad Maxwell, rallied the troops in the locker room. The defenseman lauded his teammates with an occasionally blue speech that ended with Maxwell putting out a bounty on his former nemesis, Blackhawks centre Denis Savard. You can see a video here, but warning, it contains strong language.
Goalies are ready for the Alumni Game! #StadiumSeries pic.twitter.com/42JOCoDsbg
— Minnesota Wild (@mnwild) February 20, 2016
Offense abounds despite old legs
You’d never guess the median age of the assembled alumni with how quickly all of the goals seemed to be coming. Dennis Maruk drew first blood for the North Stars with a slap shot from way back while the crowd shouted his old nickname “Pee Wee.”
After a bit of back-and-forth Andrew Brunette put the Stars on top with a penalty shot that fooled Blackhawks goalie Jimmy Waite nicely.
Wild Ass't coach Andrew Brunette scores on a penalty shot in the alumni game pic.twitter.com/VqsdsVMk8k
— CJ Fogler 🫡 (@cjzero) February 20, 2016
The Stars would pile on three more with the eventual winner coming of a one-two from Dino Ciccarelli and Bobby Smith. FoxSports has a rundown of all the Stars’ scoring plays here.
A little bad blood keeps things interesting
Remember that hit Maxwell order on Savard? Well, Ciccarelli decided to answer the call, wrapping up Savard for some light fisticuffs.
https://twitter.com/TheCauldron/status/701174508355510274
Chicago’s Jeremy Roenick also decided to tackle Stars goalie Don Beaupre, the game’s eventual MVP, after a clutch save from the keeper.
https://twitter.com/TheCauldron/status/701189800846557185
Tweet of the Night:
What better way to celebrate outdoor hockey than a little bit of fireworks?
Let's Play Hockey! Alumni Game is underway on @fsnorth, @CSNChicago, @nhlnetwork and @KFAN1003 pic.twitter.com/BZ2S1Pp7UU
— Minnesota Wild (@mnwild) February 20, 2016
