Wild President Doug Risebrough said the re-signing of Brian Rolston is a priority and he thinks a new agreement will be reached. The two sides have been negotiating and Risebrough would like to see a deal completed before month’s end because on July 1 Rolston becomes an unrestricted free agent. “Historically, I have always believed if you can’t get it done before July 1, you can’t get it done,” he said.”
Speculation is the NHL wants to hold another outdoor hockey game like the one in Buffalo last January. A January 1, 2009 game in Chicago’s Wrigley Field or New York’s Yankee Stadium has been mentioned. The Yankees move into their new stadium next spring, so a hockey game could be the last sports event in the old stadium, a source said. Don’t be surprised if the Wild one day hosts a game at the Gophers’ TCF Bank Stadium, or Twins stadium.
Vancouver defenseman Trevor Linden announced his retirement last week. It was 20 years ago that the Minnesota North Stars, holding the No. 1 pick, had to choose between Linden and Mike Modano. Both players have enjoyed extraordinary careers including Modano who is still in the NHL and has played exclusively for the North Stars-Dallas Stars organization.
Mary Jo Sanders, the daughter of former Gopher and Detroit Lions tight end Charlie Sanders, lost Friday night to Holly Holm in a 10 round main event for the International Female Boxing Association junior middleweight title.
Wide receiver Bernard Berrian, who joined the Vikings during the off-season as a free agent, told Sports Headliners at mini-camp that he has goals for this year but probably will wait until training camp in July to discuss them.
The Timberwolves are scheduled to work out four potential NBA draft picks today (Monday), French forward Nicolas Batum, Memphis guard Chris Douglas-Roberts, Oregon guard Bryce Taylor and Virginia Tech forward Deron Washington.
Ricardo Sanchez set up Kevin Friedland with the Thunder’s only goal in Saturday night’s 1-1 home draw with Atlanta. Sanchez is tied for the USL First Division lead in total assists for the season with three. The Thunder’s 15 points has the team in fifth place in the 11 team USL First Division standings.
Three MIAC football players have been named to the Division III preseason All-American teams by Consensus Draft Services (CDS). Saint John’s senior defensive tackle Nick Gunderson and Augsburg senior wide receiver Royce Winford are first team selections, while Gustavus senior wide receiver Chad Arlt is on the second team.