Go Wild

A true hockey genius, Doug Risebrough, president and general manager of the Wild, and one of the great hockey minds, Head Coach Jacques Lemaire, have headed hockey operations. Those operations have a Minnesota connection with Assistant Coach Mike Ramsey. But it is often said that with Doug, Jacques, Assistant Coach Mario Tremblay, and Coordinator of Amateur ScoutingGuy Lapointe, the Minnesota Wild is basically the 1970s reunion team of the Montreal Canadiens. In hockey, there is no finer tribute.

There have been terrific moments in the short life of this franchise. Retiring the first jersey before the first puck was dropped. The first home goal being scored by a Minnesota native, Darby Hendrickson. Qualifying for our first playoff on March 23, 2003—our third season and the earliest of any team in NHL history. Winning the first two rounds of the playoffs by coming back from 3-1 deficits—the only time that has ever been done in the NHL.

And on a personal note, had it not been for your encouragement and that first game in October of 2000, I doubt we would have become hockey parents to our son and daughter. As any hockey parent knows, countless hours are spent year-round in games, practices, and seemingly endless clinics. You told me that those would be some of the best moments of my life and once again, Bob, you were absolutely right.

I have been asked about the financial arrangements of the purchase—and of course, we have always honored the request to keep those terms confidential. But let me say this. Nobody went into this deal to make a great deal of money; and at least for the limited partners, an equivalent investment at the same time in a top-rated mutual fund would have produced a higher return. Nonetheless, when the deal becomes public, it will be apparent that it is a good deal for all concerned.

Bob, you were always right in your vision to return and build hockey in the state of Minnesota, but you’re too nice a guy to say you told us so. Thank you for all you’ve done for all of us, our traditions, and our unique frozen customs. GO WILD!

Sincerely,

Vance K. Opperman

Fan, Investor, Hockey Dad