The assembled media were able to talk with Chuck Fletcher last night after the first round of the draft to get the Minnesota Wild GM's thoughts on the trade, what Devin Setoguchi and Charlie Coyle bring to the club and the overall forward strategy of the franchise.

A few things stand out to me

1. When talking about defenseman who will step into the mix, he mentioned Nate Prosser, Jared Spurgeon, Justin Falk, Clayton Stoner, Marco Scandella and Tyler Cuma. Not once did he bring up Cam Barker. Does that mean anything? Who knows, but it was noticed.
2. Lots of talk about getting younger and stepping back. I think this is going to be a true rebuilding year. THe drive for 2012-2013 begins now.
3. Flahr and Fletcher are really high on Charlie Coyle (as they should be)
4. Devin Setoguchi had an active Twitter account at www.twitter.com/seto1661 that was deleted as soon as he was traded to the Wild. Think there isn't a social media policy for this franchise?

Go ahead. I dare you to watch the video above and not have an emotional response. If you can, you have a callous over your heart so thick you must be from Vancouver. It took about three seconds for me to translate the entire thing to it being my daughter, and from there, it didn't take long.

Hockey Wilderness usually doesn't do stories on the charitable works of the Wild. Not because we don't want to, but mostly because there isn't much to report. The Wild, like many NHL teams, is made up of amazing men who care deeply for their communities.

However, the stories from the fans involved aren't normally reported. Usually all we get is a press release saying the event is coming up, and another saying it happened. Sometimes, we get a small piece of video, but usually it is nothing more than a blurb. While these works are wonderful and should be even more plentiful (just because they should, OK?), the story is not gripping until there is a fan and a face attached to it.

I nearly jumped out of my chair when Wilderness loyalist shelske told me she knew the family that were the guests of honor at this year's Wild about Children event. I wanted to hear the story of what the even is like from someone who attended it. I wanted to know what happens there, how the players interact, and if the event is worthwhile for the people in attendance.

I was put in contact with Jennifer Anderson, a former teacher of Shelby's, and I asked her to share her family's story. She was kind enough to oblige us, which we are humbled by and grateful for. On this, a day for warm feelings, happiness, and family, we wanted to share her story with you.

I cannot add anything to such a wonderful story, so make the jump, would you?

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Every now and again in life, you meet someone who adds something you never knew was missing. Master Sergent Shane Hudella is one of those people. In addition to a long and dedicated service to this country, and this state, Shane is also the founder of Defending the Blue Line.

You have read about DTBL here at Hockey Wilderness before, but for those falling behind the curve, DTBL is an organization dedicated to helping the children of service members play hockey. Deployment nor lack of the large amount of funding needed to play hockey will stand in the way of DTBL's mission.

Working with Shane and DTBL, even in a limited role, has been an honor and a privilege. Make the jump and leanr a bit more about a man who has dedicated his life to helping others.

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Attention! Officer on deck, people! Snap to! Look alive!

Lieutenant Colonel Rick Erredge, US Air Force Reserve, has taken the time to participate in our interview series. This makes him the highest ranking member of the military to respond as of yet. Still waiting for General Patraeus to respond, but he may have his hands full right now running the show in Afghanistan.

You know what? On second thought, he has no excuse... If Sergent Hagen can respond from a mortar pit, then Patraeus can clearly respond from his cushy office. Get on it General, we know you love the Wild, so let's see that email reply.

Back to Lt. Colonel Erredge. You don't get to be a Lt. Colonel by being a slacker, so this guy has obviously done some good things for this country. Besides, if I were say otherwise, from his job description, it sounds like he would just release a massive computer attack on me, so we are going to go with that he works hard, does his job, and defends my right to demand a reply from General Patraeus.

I'll be waiting, Patraeus...

Make the jump and let's learn a little bit about Lt. Colonel Rick Erredge.

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I love posting pictures of these guys from basic training. They are so young, and so tough. HA!

Getting all of the people who are close to me with links to the military through these interviews could take awhile. Thursday, you got to meet my best friend, Matt Taylor. Today, you get to meet one of my oldest friends, good ol' JW.

JW joined the army out of high school and was gone two years before I graduated. He has been all over the country, but spent the bulk of his time in Texas. For that, he will be forever scarred. However, he did his job, served overseas, and did his country proud. All the while, he remained true to his roots, and remained a hockey fan.

Now stuck in the hockey hell that is Colorado ( I kid, I kid), he continues his die-hard love for the Wild, despite being surrounded by those stinky, stinky Avs fans.

Please give my good friend Specialist Jeremy Weidenhamer a read.

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Moving back into our (hopefully) regular Saturday Military Wild Fan interviews. After hearing from Sgt. Hagen on Veteran's Day, I am even more pumped about this series than I was before. Today, we get another cool twist. Hockey Wilderness regular "Jolonco" has offered to help us out.

He has some good stuff, clearly jumping into the spirit of the questions. A great read, so make the jump and learn a little bit about one of your own. Petty Officer Joe Losier.

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Looks like as good a place as any to sit.

Remember in the Walk when I told you about an email I received from a Sgt. Robert Hagen, currently serving in Afghanistan? Well, guess what? You now get a chance to meet him. Turns out he was willing to participate in our little interview series, and what better day to get his reply than today?

This guy is in it. A mortar operator, making it rain on the enemy. I am not sure if I am more excited for getting the chance to converse with Sgt. Hagen, or if I am now more terrified for his safety. Perhaps both. No matter what, I am glad he got back to us, and I am thankful he is out there, defending our freedom everyday.

Without further ado, Sgt. Robert Hagen.

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Corporal Matt Taylor - back when he was cool

In my life, I am surrounded my service members. My cousins, grandparents, co-workers, and friends have served this great nation, providing security and safety while defending my right to be a smart ass hockey blogger. Hardly seems a fair trade.

One person in particular stands above the rest, for me. Not because he stormed a hill or took a fortification, simply because this particular person is the closest individual to me that has ever served this nation. He served proudly and honorably, and would no doubt do so again if called.

The reason this person gets special billing? He is my best friend, and I had to go for four years without him while he served. Sure, a small thing in the grand scheme of things, but damn it, you go four years without your best friend and see how that feels, will ya?

Honor is something Marines hold dear. It has been one of the great honors of my life to call this man my friend, and I thank him everyday for his friendship, his service, and his sacrifice. If it weren't for him ditching me for four years, I may never have learned just how important military service is.

Thank you, Matt.

Make the jump, and let's find out why Marine Corps Corporal Matt Taylor loves the Wild.

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