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Minnesota Wild: The Leadership of Zach Parise

By Zach Roethlisberger

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Although he he does not bare the “C” designating him as the team’s official captain, the Minnesota Wild’s, Zach Parise is among the best leaders in the NHL.

Fans are aware of what Parise brings to the ice as the team’s leading scorer last season, but what Parise does off the ice is also something to take note of.

Last season, the Minnesota Wild traded for goalie, Devan Dubnyk in January which resulted in being one of the better moves throughout the NHL. Dubnyk started 38 consecutive games for the Wild while also setting franchise records with a .936 save percentage, a .737 win percentage, a 1.53 GAA (Goals against average) and a .949 save percentage on the road. What fans might not know about the Dubnyk trade was the troubles he had finding a place to live while moving to Minnesota.

Until Parise stepped in.

Parise, who was in the process of selling his suburban Minnesota home, took his home off the market and rented it to Dubnyk and his family so they could get settled in. It was said that Parise gave Dubnyk a “very good deal” for the rent.
May 7, 2015; Saint Paul, MN, USA; Minnesota Wild goalie Devan Dubnyk (40) acknowledges the fans after the Wild loss to the Chicago Blackhawks in game four of the second round of the 2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Xcel Energy Center. The Blackhawks defeated the Wild 4-3 sweeping the second round of playoffs. Mandatory Credit: Marilyn Indahl-USA TODAY Sports

"“It’s unbelievable,” Dubnyk said . “I’ve said thanks to him about a thousand times. Nothing I can say or do to make him understand how much that’s helped us be able to get my family right away into a beautiful house that’s right by where all the other players’ families are. That’s an incredible thing to do.”"

In addition to helping the goaltender out, Parise has also been a big factor in the recruitment of players who possess the potential of playing for the Wild.

Just ask newly signed defenseman Mike Reilly.

Reilly, who was remarked as one of the best defenseman in the NCAA last season for the University of Minnesota, said Parise talked to him about the pro’s and con’s of staying and playing professionally in Minnesota with a phone call.

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"“For him to reach out means a lot,” Reilly, said."

So not only is Zach Parise the leading scorer and alternate captain for the Minnesota Wild, he is a tremendous off ice leader for the organization. One of the best players overall to build an organization around in the entire league, even if he is 31.

Stories like these help you appreciate yet another aspect of the player Zach Parise is and how he has helped refaced the Minnesota Wild organization since being signed in the summer of 2012.

Last season, Parise tallied 33 goals along with 29 assists calculating out to 62 points.

He will continue to be a huge part of the Wild’s success on and off the ice throughout the rest of his career.

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