Wild fans gathered at Xcel Energy Center Friday night for the NHL draft "Summer Bash" party and anxiously awaited the team's first-round choice.
Once the news was announced, the crowd wasn't sure how to respond.
The words "From the University of Wisconsin … " stunned the party for a moment before a mild applause broke out for No. 15 overall pick Luke Kunin. The few thousand in attendance cheered louder when the Wild leadership at the draft in Buffalo, N.Y., thanked the fans at Xcel for their support.
The mood around the organization's new coaching staff was much more positive. The North Stars alumni in attendance signing autographs liked the hires of Bruce Boudreau and his staff. Current Wild players Jordan Schroeder and Nate Prosser, also in attendance Friday, shared the same sentiments.
To hear all of what Schroeder and Prosser, and alumni Jack Carlson, Brad Maxwell and Henry Boucha had to say, watch our videos from Friday's event. Here are some highlights from their comments:
Jordan Schroeder, Wild forward
"It's been exciting. It is never good when there has to be change, but I think everyone is excited for the new faces in the new leadership that has been put into place. I think they can bring a different dynamic of coaching. … It's a fresh start for everyone."
Nate Prosser, Wild defenseman
"It's been an exciting summer so far. Bring in a guy like Bruce Boudreau, a guy that everywhere he's gone he wins. So he's probably going to bring that winning mentality and that winning formula to Minnesota, so we're excited for that."
Jack Carlson, Minnesota North Stars alumni
"Change is always good. I think you'll get a better reaction from some of the players. New coaching, new styles, everybody comes in with a fresh report card so to speak. It will be a good change for everybody.
"I played against Bruce. He was in the Minnesota Fighting Saints training camp. And I played against Scott Stevens. I think the Stevens hire [as an assistant coach] was a fabulous hire 'cause he's going to bring some grit and he's going to bring some winning attitude, and same with Bruce. I think it will be a good combination."
Henry Boucha, Minnesota North Stars alumni
"I think they made a good choice with Bruce Boudreau. I think he's an upbeat type of coach. He can motivate players. … All of those things come together and I think it's going to be an entertaining year for the Wild."
