Yes, it's a slow time of year for hockey.  So let's fixate on the good news...or any news!  I don't know if you tracked the Lester Patrick Trophy winners for 2008, but they were recently announced in early August.

Quick background info: the Lester Patrick Trophy honors NHL or non-NHL players, coaches, or anyone involved in improving hockey programs around the country.  The trophy is named in honor of Lester Patrick, longtime player and coach in the NHL who passed away in 1960.  Six years later, the Lester Patrick Trophy annual recognition was established. 

Over the years, the Lester Patrick Trophy has been awarded to 108 individuals and 3 teams, including the 1998 women's Olympic hockey team.

Well, this time around, none other than Minnesota native and Wild former majority owner and current chairman Bob Naegele received one of 4 trophy honors.  Bob Naegele's love for hockey dates back to his high school years on the Minnetonka hockey team.  His pursuit of bringing Minnesota pro hockey paid off when the Wild came to the state in the late 90s.

Congrats, Bob Naegele, and good work on behalf of all Minnesota hockey enthusiasts!<!-- TOKEN_1218475997112_TOKEN -->