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We will get to talk about contracts, lines, prospects, and stats soon, but first, let's take a minute to recognize the passing of Bob Suter.
Bob Suter (Wild defenseman Ryan's father) passed away yesterday at the age of 57. Anyone who has dealt with the loss of a close family member knows that this is a painful experience, and with that in mind, we at Hockey Wilderness offer our condolences, and wish Ryan and his family peace throughout this very difficult time.
Bob Suter may best be known as a defenseman on Team USA's 1980 Men's Olympic Hockey team, which improbably beat the Soviet Union in what was known as the "Miracle On Ice", en route to a gold medal. He was also most recently a scout for the Minnesota Wild, where he has been credited as a big reason behind the drafting of Gustav Olofsson, who has done very well since being drafted in the 2013 NHL Draft.
Though I've never met Mr. Suter, nor am old enough to remember his days in Wisconsin or Team USA, it is very apparent from the quotes from those that knew him that the hockey world will miss him. Our former editor Emilie was able to write about him and Ryan before last year's Olympics, and if you have any memories of Bob Suter, feel free to share them in the comments.
Again, our condolences to the Suter family during this time.
With a heavy heart, let's go on to the Walk.
Wild News
Obituary: Bob Suter, member of 'Miracle on Ice' team, dies at 57 | Star Tribune- Rest in Peace
Bob Suter, Miracle On Ice hero and father of Ryan Suter, dies at 57 | Puck Daddy - Yahoo Sports
Two charged in overdose death of former Wild player Derek Boogaard | Star Tribune- Sadly, death is a part of another major story with the Wild, this time with fallout from Derek Boogaard's overdose. The two men charged are accused of illegally supplying the painkillers that led to Boogaard's death.
Derek Boogaard overdose arrests made, including son of ex-Islander | Puck Daddy - Yahoo Sports
Agent: Niederreiter, Wild close to deal | Star Tribune- Chuck Fletcher said yesterday that he made an "interesting" long-term offer to Niederreiter. What's interesting about it is unknown, but if it locks up Nino long-term, I'm all for it.
Wild: Niederreiter spurns KHL, but Kuemper might not - TwinCities.com- Kuemper, on the other hand, is getting a lot of flak for his negotiation with the Wild.
Damned Lies and Statistics: Erik Haula vs Boba Fenwick- Bob Spencer (Now @BobaFenwick!!!) has rebooted his blog, Hashtag Hockey, and his first major article is about Haula, and it's very, very good. A Zucker-Haula-Nino third line would be the only acceptable line combination for Nino to be on the third line. Imagine much speed. very goal. wow.
Training Camp: Wild's Open Practice on September 20th - Gone Puck Wild- In 10 days, you can watch the Wild practice. If you want to. I probably won't, due to the effort I'd have to expend to get down there from Superior, but that's life.
Tending the Fields
The Team of 18,001: Top 10 Prospects: #4 Jason Zucker- Giles takes a look at Zucker, who had a tough, tough season last year.
Watch all of Jason Zucker's Goals from Last Season - Gone Puck Wild- His four goals look nice, though.
Off the Trail
Mikael Backlund and the Calgary Flames Secretly Good Penalty Kill- Fantastic Team Preview by Justin Bourne, from which I learned a lot.
How many points will your NHL team earn in 2014-15? | Puck Daddy - Yahoo Sports- If I were a betting man, I'd put all my monies on the Dallas "Over". What's your bet, Wilderness?
Five Questions As the NHL Season Draws Near- Down Goes Brown looks at some storylines in the waning moments of the offseason.
Report: Pegula to become new Bills owner (Updated) | ProHockeyTalk- That's good. I think it's nice that Ville Leino has a nice place to land after being bought out by Pegula.
Leafs sign last remaining RFA Abbott | ProHockeyTalk- Wow, the Leafs will just take any blogger nowadays. I suppose this is goodbye, then, Wilderness. I'm off to more lucrative pastures, ascending to an NHL team just like the brilliant Tyler Dellow and Cam Charr- Huh? What? Spencer Abbott? You sure? Could you just double check that, please. Really? Oh, damn it.