A faltering economy, including worrisome inflation, could make the effort more difficult to gain legislative approval for a new Vikings’ stadium.  Before construction prices began rising more aggressively in recent months, the projected cost of a retractable roof facility on the present Metrodome site was estimated at near $1 billion.

And even at that figure there was considerable caution among public leaders.  Now building costs such as steel and cement are moving upward along with oil.

The Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission is partnering with the Vikings in advocating for a new stadium to be used for a variety of commercial and community purposes.  MSFC executive director Bill Lester told Sports Headliners “he wouldn’t even hazard a guess” right now about a projected change in stadium cost.  (About $250 million of the funding has been expected to come from the Vikings and NFL, but no public funding option such as a portion of the state sales tax has been offered.)

Stadium proponents have been saying for awhile that every year of delay in authorizing a facility means increased costs.  This year, however, has seen an inflationary acceleration.  Lester said, for example, that when earlier planning and cost projections were made for the stadium, oil was at $75 a barrel.  Today it’s about $135.  There’s also talk of steel going up by 25 percent this fall.  “None of this is good news,” Lester said.

A renovated Metrodome at perhaps half the cost of a new stadium might generate more support now but Lester doesn’t think the Vikings are willing to accept that direction.  “The Vikings won’t extend the use agreement (with the commission) in a renovated dome and have said so,” Lester said.

MSFC chair Roy Terwilliger agrees and said increasing construction costs could mean excluding some things in a new stadium, but not making a decision for a renovated dome.  He said it will be “awhile” before the commission and the Vikings have a revised cost for a new stadium.

The team’s agreement to play in the dome expires in three years.  Even before the economy began dramatically faltering, it was clear that the legislature would be divided over the importance and priority of funding for a new stadium.  The issue has been put off year after year but now is headed toward an apparent show down session in 2009.

“I believe next year the legislature does have to address this because the use agreement ends in 2011,” Terwilliger said. “If we don’t do something soon, it makes it more difficult to convince the NFL we’re serious about solving the need and (also) costs are going up.”

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.