Author: David Shama

The Minnesota Wild might take the first goalie in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft on Saturday. Assistant general manager Tommy Thompson told a media gathering recently that the Wild, who have the 24^th pick in the first round, will be able to choose from several players they will be “excited about,” including goalies.

Thompson said there are three goalies that interest the Wild but declined to identity them.  He indicated the Wild will either choose a goalie, or take a defenseman.  He said he’s never seen so many quality defensemen as there are in this year’s draft.  Overall, he described the 2008 draft as “deep,” although not as extraordinary as the 2003 draft.

The top rated goalies in the draft, according to the NHL’s Central Scouting online rankings, are Jacob Markstrom of Sweden and Harri Sateri of Finland, and North Americans Thomas McCollum of Amherst, New York and Chet Pickard of Winnipeg.  “What happens with the goalies (in the draft) is interesting,” Thompson said.  “Unless there’s a goalie who is picked…in the top five, often there’s no goalies picked, no goalies picked, no goalies picked, and then when one goes, bang, bang.  Three of the next five picks are goalies. …”

Thompson said he didn’t think any goalies will be chosen in the top five on Saturday, perhaps not the top 10.  “…They could all be gone, or they could all be there when we’re picking,” he added.

The Wild’s pick at 24 is the lowest first round position in club history.  With only four overall picks because of trades, the franchise has the fewest draft choices ever.

Team president Doug Risebrough said deals between NHL franchises that allow teams to move up or down in the draft typically aren’t made until draft day.  He also said the Wild will bring their draft choices, along with other prospects in the organization, to town for a camp from July 8-14.

The top ranked player in the draft is Steven Stamkos, according to www.nhlentrydraft2008.com.  He is a center from Markham, Ontario.  Thompson said Tampa Bay is expected to take him No. 1 and said Stamkos is a player with skill and work ethic, someone he will “enjoy watching for the next 15 to 20 years.”

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.

Whether it’s film study or training like a boxer, Ray Edwards is looking for an edge to be the “best defensive end ever to play this game.”   Edwards, the 23-year-old who was drafted on the fourth round in 2005 by the Vikings, made that statement last week at the team’s mini-camp.

He has been outspoken and confident this spring.  After two seasons of learning and starting a total of 13 games, he now looks like he will be a permanent starter.  But Edwards wants to be more than just an NFL regular.

He wants to break Michael Strahan’s NFL single season sack record of 22.5.  He had five sacks last season and three the year before.

Edwards said last week he felt “under rated” coming out of high school in Cincinnati and after leaving Purdue following his junior season to play for the Vikings.  Hard work, training and confidence have brought him along further than ever and he asked last week, “If you don’t believe in yourself, who will? …”

The 6-foot-5 Edwards said he’s gained weight since joining the Vikings and is now at 270 pounds.  He retains or perhaps has added to the explosiveness off the line of scrimmage that starting with his rookie year distinguished him as a pass rusher.

“I do boxing training, and work on my feet and my hand speed,” Edwards said.  “And …film study of past defensive ends that have been definitely successful in this league. Like Strahan. …I’ve watched a lot of his film.  Lots of Reggie White film. Chris Doleman.  Simeon Rice.  Dwight Feeney.  I’ve watched all of those guys, studying their film to see what they were doing to be successful at this level.”

Edwards doesn’t expect to make a second career out of boxing but he’s convinced that the training has made him better.  Improved foot coordination and balance, hand speed, and shoulder strength, all make Edwards a more imposing end, ready to attack blockers this fall.

Experience has contributed to his development, too.  He said he’s learned how to better read offensive formations and has improved at handling different blocks.

Edwards said in the past he has been trying to “make a name for himself.”  Sounds like he’s determined to do just that.