Craig Patrick

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

It describes how Bob Naegele Jr. became the lead investor after the NHL awarded an expansion franchise on June 25, 1997. Key figures mentioned include CEO Jac Sperling, General Manager Doug Risebrough, and President Tod Leiweke. The narrative covers the naming of the team as 'Wild' in January 1998, the financial backing for Xcel Energy Center, and the team's debut in the 2000–01 season. It details the Marian Gaborik era, the historic 2003 playoff run where they became the first team to win two seven-game series after trailing 3–1, and their eventual loss to the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim.

In Their Own Story

The source describes the emotional atmosphere of the Wild's first home game on October 11 against the Philadelphia Flyers, where Darby Hendrickson scored the franchise's first home goal. It recounts the sellout crowd of over 18,000 during the Dallas Stars' return visit, resulting in a 6–0 shutout. The narrative highlights Marian Gaborik scoring the first-ever goal in Anaheim and the team retiring jersey number one to honor fans. It details the dramatic 2003 playoff journey, including Andrew Brunette's series-clinching goal against Patrick Roy and the subsequent sweep by Jean-Sébastien Giguère of Anaheim. However, this historical account stops at the 2008–09 season, offering no narrative regarding Craig Patrick or events from a decade later.

Reader's Guide

Fans seeking information on Craig Patrick will find no data in this source. The text is strictly limited to the period between the North Stars' departure in 1993 and the end of the 2008–09 season. It outlines the expansion process led by Bob Naegele Jr., the appointment of Doug Risebrough as General Manager, and the construction of Grand Casino Arena. It lists specific milestones such as the 2003 Western Conference finals appearance and the 2008 division title. For information on later management changes or Craig Patrick's career, one must consult sources outside this provided text, which does not extend beyond the 2009 season.

Did You Know?

• The Minnesota Wild were awarded an expansion franchise on June 25, 1997, to begin play in the 2000–01 season.
• In the 2003 playoffs, the Wild became the first team in history to win two seven-game series after trailing 3–1.
• The team retired jersey number one before any player ever wore it, honoring Minnesota fans as the 'number one' priority.
• Craig Leipold is the owner of the Minnesota Wild.
• Marian Gaborik scored the first-ever goal in franchise history during their debut game against Anaheim.

Origins and Franchise Establishment

The Minnesota Wild were established following the departure of the Minnesota North Stars in 1993. After a failed attempt to relocate the Winnipeg Jets due to arena issues with the Target Center, businessman Bob Naegele Jr. led an expansion application. On June 25, 1997, the NHL awarded the franchise to begin play in the 2000–01 season. The team name 'Wild' was chosen from six finalists and unveiled on January 22, 1998, at Aldrich Arena with Steppenwolf's 'Born to Be Wild.' To support the new team, Minnesota legislation loaned $65 million to Saint Paul for the Xcel Energy Center (later Grand Casino Arena), funded primarily through rent rather than taxes. Initial leadership included Jac Sperling as CEO and Doug Risebrough as General Manager.

The Historic 2003 Playoff Run

In their third season, the Wild reached the Western Conference finals in a surprise run. They defeated the Colorado Avalanche in seven games after trailing 3–1, with Andrew Brunette scoring the clinching goal against Patrick Roy. They then beat the Vancouver Canucks in another seven-game series, also after being down 3–1, becoming the first team to win two such elimination series in one playoff year. However, they were swept 4–0 by the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim in the conference finals, scoring only one goal against Jean-Sébastien Giguère.

Franchise Identity and Early Milestones

Marian Gaborik scored the first-ever Wild goal in their debut loss to Anaheim on October 6. Darby Hendrickson netted the first home goal against Philadelphia on October 11, where the team also retired jersey number one to honor fans. The Dallas Stars' return visit drew a sellout crowd of over 18,000 for a 6–0 shutout victory. Gaborik led the team with 30 goals in his sophomore season (2001–02), while Andrew Brunette led scoring with 69 points.

Organizational Structure and Facilities

The Wild play at Grand Casino Arena, owned by Craig Leipold. They are affiliated with the Iowa Wild (AHL) and Jacksonville Icemen (ECHL). The team won one division championship in 2008 under coach Jacques Lemaire. Doug Risebrough served as General Manager during the early years and later as executive vice president.