Nanne said the Minnesota North Stars book that debuted in early October is now in its third printing, with 3,000 of the next 5,000 books already committed.  The first two press runs of Minnesota North Stars: History And Memories With Lou Nanne were for 10,000 books each. Nanne said the coffee table sized book has information that “people don’t know” and its pages are filled with “600 great pictures.”  He and author Bob Showers have several upcoming book signings including Friday, December 7 beginning at 7:30 p.m. at the Barnes & Noble in Edina’s Galleria.

Nanne’s granddaughter, Bianca Lettieri, is a member of the Timberwolves dance line. She’s the daughter of former Minnesota Kicks soccer star Tino Lettieri.

Last Friday the Wild had a record number of visitors, about 2,000, at The Hockey Lodge inside Xcel Energy Center.  People were purchasing holiday gifts during the Wild’s afternoon game with Columbus.  Another 3,000 visitors were at the Wild’s Mall of America store.  Derek Boogaard jersey sales are the best among Wild players.

The Wild’s new yearbook became available last week and has been well received by fans. Cost is $10 at the Hockey Lodge.

The Wild’s game tonight against Phoenix is the first of four straight at home, St. Louis (Friday), Vancouver (Sunday) and Philadelphia (next Wednesday).  The Flyers are coming to Xcel Energy Center for only the second time in Wild history. They played the first-ever regular season game here in October of 2000.

When the Timberwolves broke their five game losing streak Monday night and won their second game of the season, there were experienced players on the floor late in the fourth quarter.  The players were Antoine Walker (11 years NBA experience), Greg Buckner (eight years), Marko Jaric (five years), Sebastian Telfair (three years) and Al Jefferson (three years). The Wolves, 2-10, play the Mavericks in Dallas tonight before facing the defending NBA champion San Antonio Spurs at home on Friday night.

There are only 15 players in the NBA averaging more fouls per game than Wolves guard Rashad McCants. He is averaging 3.5 fouls.

UMD’s Jordan Nuness, son of former Gopher guard Al Nuness, has already made two all-tournament teams this fall.  A senior shooting guard from Eden Prairie, Jordan has been averaging about 22 points per game.

The Vikings, who play against Detroit Sunday at the Metrodome, have been dominant against the Lions in Minnesota through the years, holding a 32-12-1 record.

The Vikings have five interception returns for touchdowns this season, one short of the best record in team history (six in 1992).

Vikings safety Darren Sharper needs 17 yards or more to reach 1,000 yards in career interception yardage.

Saint John’s senior quarterback Alex Kofoed and St. Thomas senior wide receiver P.J. Theisen have been named as two of the 10 finalists for the 15th annual Gagliardi Trophy. The award, presented to the outstanding football player in NCAA Division III, honors excellence in athletics, academics and community service. The award is sponsored by Jostens, Inc. and conducted by the J-Club of Saint John’s. This year’s winner will be announced on Monday, December 10 and will be presented on Thursday, December 13 in Salem, Virginia.

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Brad Childress said at his news conference this afternoon that the latest MRI exam on running back Adrian Peterson’s injured knee showed “excellent healing,” and the Vikings coach indicated his rookie running back will play on Sunday against Detroit at the Metrodome.  Childress talked about easing Peterson back into game action, a day after Chester Taylor ran for 77 yards in the team’s 41-17 win over the New York Giants.

Antoine Winfield missed yesterday’s game with a hamstring injury.  Childress said that he’ll “see how it goes” this week in regard to the cornerback’s possible return for the Detroit game.

Childress was pleased that his team was able to win yesterday without two of its best players because it demonstrates others can contribute, too.  Peterson, despite missing the last two games, still leads the NFL in rushing.  Winfield is considered one of the NFL’s better cornerbacks and surest tacklers.  “That’s the nature of this game,” Childress said.  “The next guy steps up.”

The Vikings have won three of their last four games, including two straight, to move their record to 5-6.  The Lions are 6-5 and just ahead of the Vikings in the NFC North standings.  The Vikings improvement has stirred playoff talk with Minnesota joining the possible post-season list with Detroit and other teams in the NFC.  Childress, though, isn’t making the playoffs part of his conversation with the team.

“We ignore it (the topic),” he said.  “We will pay all (our) attention to the Detroit Lions. …”

Asked about the disappointing 34-0 loss at Green Bay on November 11, Childress said “I look at disgust as being a great motivator.”  Since then the Vikings have beaten Oakland 29-22 and also the Giants, while Detroit has lost three straight.

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Tubby Smith looked beyond Paul Carter’s 1-12 shooting Saturday at Minneapolis Community and Technical College and saw a player who will contribute to the future of Gopher basketball.  It’s evident that Smith’s plan for returning Minnesota basketball to prominence includes taking under developed talent and using his teaching prowess to develop a skilled player.

Carter’s performance Saturday asked for permission to join that study group.  The 6-7 forward and his junior college teammates from Missouri State-West Plains College were in town to play coach Jay Pivec’s Minneapolis Community and Technical College Mavericks. Carter is one of five Gophers who have signed National Letters of Intent to be part of Smith’s first recruiting class.  Many in the crowd at MCTC Saturday had come to see Carter, a freshman at the Missouri community college by way of Little Rock.  In attendance were Smith, two of his assistant coaches, Gopher players and fans wearing Gopher clothing.

Apparently Carter was nervous about all the attention because he not only made just made one basket, but even air balled a couple of shots.  Another indication of his below expectations play were foul problems that had him on the bench including a long stretch after he picked up his fourth foul with less than three minutes gone in the second half.

Carter’s slight physical build (listed at 190 pounds), left handed shooting and athleticism have drawn comparisons to Detroit Pistons star Tayshaun Prince who played for Smith at Kentucky and former Gopher Quincy Lewis, also from Little Rock and a contributor on Minnesota’s Final Four team in 1997.  Carter’s coach, Brian Ostermann, has said his star forward could be one of the best junior college players in the country by February.  Another knowledgeable source said Carter will be a juco all-American before he joins the Gophers.  Earlier this month Carter had been averaging 15 points per game and 9.3 rebounds.

On a bad day, Carter showed a team attitude, not forcing shots, passing to teammates, diving to the floor for a loose ball and encouraging teammates from the bench and the court. He also had eight rebounds in 20 minutes. The good news for Carter was that his team held off a late rally by MCTC and won the game, 56-52.

At halftime Smith talked to Sports Headliners about Carter and other recruits who make up a class receiving national attention.  “He’s a leader,” Smith said about Carter.  “He’s always talking.  He’s always trying to build his teammates up.  Make his teammates look better. Things like that and that’s what we need. …”

Smith described Carter as “pretty talented” and despite the poor shooting he liked the young player’s rotation on the ball when he shoots.  He predicted Carter will be able to play inside and outside in the Gopher “system.”

The Gophers other junior college player for next season is Devron Bostick, from Southwestern Illinois College.  He made juco all-American last season averaging 19.5 points per game and is originally from Racine, Wisconsin. “He’s got to learn to put the ball on the floor but he can shoot with range,” Smith said. “Very physical defensively.  Stocky guard that can do many things. I know he puts up some big numbers for his team. …We’re getting a quality person. …I like his attitude as well.”

Ralph Sampson III, 6-11 from Duluth, Georgia, and Colton Iverson, 6-10 from Yankton, South Dakota, will provide much needed size because two of the Gophers three players who are 6-8 or taller are seniors this season.  Sampson’s dad Ralph, who starred at Virginia and in the NBA, was 7-4 and athletic.  “He (Ralph III) can really run the floor well,” Smith said.  “Great hands.  Good basketball IQ.  Nice touch from about 18 feet…  He needs to get more physical but he will with time.  He’s picking up weight and getting stronger. …He’s a guy we need right away. …”

The big men wanted right away sign is there for Iverson, too, Smith said.  He described Iverson as “a little more physical” than Sampson.  He also said Iverson plays with intelligence and effort.  “He’s got a nice (shooting) touch,” Smith said. “He’s talented enough to play for us.  That’s why we signed him.  I didn’t make it this far in college basketball without knowing what I was doing.

“Somebody asked me before what I think about (recruiting) scouting services.  I said, ‘well, I am the expert.  I don’t think they are.’  I am the expert when it comes to that.  We recruit for our needs and we got our needs (filled).  And that’s what we’re pleased about at this point and time.”

Smith couldn’t comment on the fifth player, Devoe Joseph from Ontario, Canada, who has signed a letter of intent but whose paper work is being finalized by the University.  The Gophers reportedly out recruited Texas and other major schools for the 6-3 shooting guard and point guard.  He’s considered a very talented player who may even become the star of Smith’s first recruiting class.

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