Vikings head coach Brad Childress is back from vacationing on the New Jersey Shore and in Aruba.
Wild president and general manager Doug Risebrough talking about re-signing Derek Boogaard, 25, to a new multi-year contract earlier this week: “Derek’s development is a testament to his dedication, discipline and the emphasis he places on team above individual. Through his style of play and his personality he has made himself a valued player and person in the organization.” (The 6-foot-7, 254-pound forward led the Wild in penalty minutes for a second consecutive season).
Starting next week the Wild will hold a seven day development camp in the Twin Cities for 31 of its prospects with participants including No. 1 draft choices from 2007 (Colton Gillies), 2006 (James Sheppard) and 2005 (Benoit Pouliot).
When Minnesota goes to Saint John’s in Collegeville next month for several days of pre-season practice, head coach Tim Brewster will have legendary Johnnies coach John Gagliardi, college football’s all-time winningest coach, talk to the Gophers.
Michael Cuddyer tied a career high with four hits last night in the Twins’ 3-2 loss to Detroit. Relief pitcher Pat Neshek hasn’t allowed a run in 36 of his last 40 appearances. He struck out all three batters he faced in the ninth inning last night and now has 58 strikeouts in 47.1 innings.