As of this morning, there were approximately 3,600 tickets remaining for Sunday’s game at the Metrodome between the Vikings and Lions, according to an e-mail update from Steve LaCroix, Vikings vice president of sales and marketing.
Vikings owner Zygi Wilf not only was visible on the sidelines yesterday at Giants Stadium but he’s been standing in the background at some of coach Brad Childress’ Monday news conferences this fall.
Assuming his minimal production continues (14 catches, about 200 yards), it’s easy to imagine third year wide receiver Troy Williamson not being with the Vikings next season. His statistics for kickoff returns are about 22 yards per return.
Vikings running back Adrian Peterson likes pro basketball and attends Timberwolves games at Target Center.
Here’s my view on Johan Santana and the Twins: management will never be better positioned than it is now to strike the best trade deal possible. First, the 28-year-old Santana is healthy. Who knows whether he will have an arm or other injury in the near future? Second, the nearer Santana comes to free agency (eligible after next season) the more other teams will fill their needs and the less likely the Twins can command a best deal. They should be all ears right now on the trade front, while still trying to sign and retain him.
Former Gopher coach Lou Holtz was recalling the 1969 Kansas-Missouri football game last week on ESPN. He said Kansas coach Pepper Rogers flashed Missouri coach Dan Devine the peace sign. Devine returned half the gesture, Holtz reported.
Look for the Gophers for the first time in memory to have multiple recruits playing in the January 5 US Army All-American Bowl. The East versus West game annually includes some of the best prep players in the country playing in San Antonio.
Gophers basketball coach Tubby Smith wouldn’t be specific as to when his formal contract with the University will be completed and signed other than to say “as soon as we can get it done.” He said there no major disputed issues, that it’s simply wording being finalized in the contract. The contract process is no different here than it’s been other places he has coached, Smith said.
All eight of the players who have signed National Letters of Intent with the Gophers hockey team have post-high school playing experience. They are wing Mike Dorr, wing Jake Hansen, defenseman Sam Lofquist, defenseman Brandon Martell, center Taylor Matson, center Nico Sacchetti, defenseman Grant Scott and center Jordan Schroeder. “We have a good mix of size, speed and skill with this group,” Minnesota coach Don Lucia said. “This will ensure that we get the numbers back up to where we need them to be on our team. These kids have had the opportunity to play in the USHL and Ann Arbor (with the U.S. under-18 junior team), which should ease their transition to college hockey.
The seventh annual Schwan Cup holiday hockey tournament, December 26-28, will have 164 boys and girls teams participating at various facilities including the Xcel Energy Center. Holy Angels, Hill-Murray and Centennial are among the highly ranked boys teams participating. Blake and Warroad are included among the top girls teams.
The weekly TV listings publication in the Sunday Star Tribune has been discontinued to save on expenses, according to a local media source.