The Self-Isolation has us at GonePuckWild wishing for a return to the hockey, which spurred the question for us: What’s your favorite hockey memory?
For example, my favorite hockey memory was my first Minnesota Wild game I attended in person way back in 2016. It was the Wild’s home opener, playing against the Winnipeg Jets and they won 4-3.
I had just moved to the great state of Minnesota, watched the American golfers win the Ryder Cup at Hazeltine National Golf Club, and a friend gave me a ticket to go see a hockey game for free? Pretty good deal.
TURNS OUT, that because the Ryder Cup was just won in Minnesota, they were showcasing it at the game, so I got to see an iconic golf trophy in person, which was pretty neat.
Then the hockey game started and I fell in love with the sport.
I knew a bit about hockey before moving to Minnesota, but I didn’t know how much fun being a hockey fan in a hockey market could be until I finally got to experience it.
After a pedestrian first period, Chris Stewart recorded a Gordie Howe Hat Trick.
… And like that, I was hooked.
GonePuckWild’s own Jonathan Brill said Nino’s Game 7 OT Winner against Colorado:
And GonePuckWild’s Brandon Quast couldn’t decide between Jason Zucker’s OT goal in 2013…
… or Wild winning in the SO in 2010 after mounting a massive comeback against the Chicago Blackhawks:
I asked followers of GonePuckWild for their favorite hockey memories and here’s what was submitted:
Family Hockey and Early Minnesota Wild Playoff Success
Hard to choose. I'll choose watching my son skate on his own for the first time. NHL wise I'll have to choose the 2003 playoff run for the #mnwild coming back from down 3-1 series deficits, twice.
— Justin Bakke (@deast2004) March 30, 2020
There are few better things than sharing a sport/hobby with a close friend or family, so I certainly understand that being a great memory.
As for the 2003 playoff run with the two 3-1 series comebacks, what a phenomenal run. First, they slay a monster Colorado Avalanche team that had the final years of Patrick Roy, the dynamic duo of Joe Sakic and Peter Forsberg, Adam Foote, Rob Blake, and a young Milan Hejduk and Alex Tanguay. They were behemoths. Forsberg would win the Hart that season and secure the scoring title. Milan Hejduk scored the most goals that season with 50. They were the second favorite in the preseason to win the Stanley Cup with +450 odds.
The Wild were after-thoughts entering the season. In their third season, they were projected to be tied for the fifth-worst team in the league, with Preseason Stanley Cup Odds at +10,000. After the early 3-1 series deficit, it was assumed that the Wild would just keel over. They had a good season but weren’t quite there yet.
And then something happened, they won Game Five. And then Game Six. And in overtime in Game Seven:
They moved on to the Conference Semifinals to face Vancouver. With the new confidence that comes from knocking off Goliath, the Wild could make a serious run.
And then they were down 3-1 in the series to Vancouver. But this one had a different feel to it. The Wild had done it before. They could do it again. They battled to get the series to Game 7 and after an early 0-2 deficit, the Wild did this:
(This is a long video, so the Wild Goals are at 2:30, 3:36, 4:45, and 11:15)
The Cinderella Run would come to an end against the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim, who also had a surprising breakout season this year, but would lose in the Stanley Cup Final to the New Jersey Devils.
After this season, it would be another two full seasons before Minnesota would see the Playoffs again. It would be ten years before they would get passed the second round.
Blackhawks Fan With Their Wild Friends
I have a few but I one I remember most is a few #mnwild fans inviting me to Xcel to watch my #Blackhawks and #mnwild. Everyone just seemed happy. I should point out this was after a game too.
— Joe, pizza lover, Bears Fan. (@chiguy8506) March 30, 2020
Glad you had a good time… even if you’re a Blackhawks fan.
A Fan’s Team Winning the Cup
I can’t tell if this is a Stars Fan or a Sabres fan. I think they’re a Stars fan because this is a “Favorite Memory”, but the meme seems to be in support of the Sabres, so? Anyways, I have to imagine watching your team win the cup is a phenomenal feeling. When Minnesota does it (yes, when, not if), it’s going to be a great day, week, month, year. I can’t wait to share that moment with you all.
HIGH SCHOOL HOCKEY SUCCESS
2/2 My dad was a high school hockey tournament season ticket holder for about 40 years and didn’t miss many!! We still have his tickets in the family!!
— Jay Bushy (@jbushy19) March 31, 2020
The High School Hockey Tournament is an absolutely electric time. Watching my high school win the Class A Tournament in 2018 was my favorite memory from high school. Our student section spurred this great tweet from Dane Mizutani of the Pioneer Press.
Orono student section: "Hey Mahtomedi!"
— Dane Mizutani (@DaneMizutani) March 9, 2018
Mahtomedi student section: "What?!"
Orono student section: "You're ugly!"#TheTourney18
Hearing Jay’s story about Back To Back ‘chips, watching his family on both teams is incredible to hear. One of the more interesting stories from championships is how parents, uncles’ and aunts’, and/or grandparents get to watch their sons and daughters, nieces and nephews, and/or grandkids accomplish such a difficult task. And then to hear about his dad, it just makes it mean so much more for Jay, Jay’s nephew, and the family as a whole. Truly awesome stuff.
That’ll wrap up our Favorite Hockey Memories for today. Hope you and you’re family are all doing well during these times. Always love to hear from you all and am always wishing the best for each of you. The Puck Will Drop Again, and when it does, We’ll Be Here.