Jim Mill Straddles Two 'Wild' Teams
It's three-plus hours south of the Xcel Energy Center. Des Moines Iowa hardly strikes you as a hockey hot bed, but it's the ideal partner for the Minnesota Wild.
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It's three-plus hours south of the Xcel Energy Center. Des Moines Iowa hardly strikes you as a hockey hot bed, but it's the ideal partner for the Minnesota Wild.
Minnesota Wild center Mikko Koivu decided his surgically repaired right ankle has not healed enough to allow him to play for Finland in the Olympics. Koivu, who had surgery after fracturing his right ankle while blocking a shot on Jan. 4, has been out the past 15 games for Minnesota heading into the Olympic break.
The Minnesota Wild have acquired forward Curt Gogol from the San Jose Sharks for forward Chad Rau in a trade of minor leaguers. San Jose general manager Doug Wilson announced the move Wednesday, ahead of the team's home game against the Dallas Stars. The Sharks had lost four of their last five. Rau has one goal and six assists in 33 games this season for the AHL's Iowa Wild. He has two goals in nine career NHL games for Minnesota. He will report to the Worcester affiliate.
The Wild take on Tampa Tuesday night in a dash to the Olympic break. Keith Ballard came home in the off season to try and help solidify a group of defensemen that is a blend of veterans and youth.
Mikko Koivu's return to the Minnesota Wild likely won't come until after the Olympics, leaving his availability for Finland during the Winter Games in question. Koivu broke his right ankle Jan. 4 when he was hit by a puck and had surgery to accelerate the recovery. The captain and first-line center has resumed skating, but Wild coach Mike Yeo told reporters after practice Monday that Koivu's availability for the last two games before the Olympics break was "highly in doubt."
Zach Parise of the Minnesota Wild will be the captain of the U.S. men's hockey team at the Sochi Olympics. Minnesota defenseman Ryan Suter and center Dustin Brown of the Los Angeles Kings will be the alternate captains, U.S. general manager David Poile announced Friday.
The NHL-leading Anaheim Ducks had plenty of problems against the pesky Minnesota Wild. Claustrophobia wasn't one of them. Zach Parise had a goal and two assists, Mikael Granlund scored the go-ahead goal on a power play early in the second period and Darcy Kuemper made 31 saves for the Wild in a 4-2 victory Tuesday night.
Tyler Matson spent some golden years as a Golden Gopher. "Unbelievable experience," Matson said. "Playing for Don Lucia, the Gophers and being in Minnesota and being a Minnesota kid … you want to play there." His current residence is just over three hours south in Des Moines, where he plays for the Wild's AHL team – the Iowa Wild. Interstate 35W and a whole bunch of players are between him and the big club.
Joe Thornton and Patrick Marleau found the perfect way to celebrate their new contract extensions. Thornton scored his second goal of the game with 1:30 remaining in overtime to lead the San Jose Sharks to their sixth straight win, 3-2 over the Minnesota Wild on Saturday night.
Team WCCO braved the elements Saturday for a pair of charity pond hockey games on Lake Minnetonka. The team ranged in age from 14 to 62, and happily accepted the help of former Wild player Mark Parrish as a ringer. "This is awesome," Parrish said. "It takes you right back. This is where it all began for all of us." The wind chill on Lake Minnetonka was minus 15, but it was all for a good cause.
Minnesota Wild left wing Zach Parise has been cleared to return from the broken left foot that has kept him out of the last 14 games. The Wild said after the pre-game skate Thursday morning that Parise will play against Chicago. He last suited up Dec. 22.
Zach Parise said it's 50-50 if he can come back by Thursday night against Chicago. Meanwhile, the team continues to ask Darcy Keumper to try and keep the gate closed at goalie. So far, it's been a welcomed challenge.
The 8th annual Hockey Day Minnesota took place on Saturday starting with a trio of high school games in Elk River, Minn. That was followed by a game at Mariucci Arena between Ohio State and Minnesota, with the nightcap taking place at Xcel Energy Center between the Minnesota Wild and the Dallas Stars.
Nate Prosser scored his third career goal at 2:42 of overtime, lifting the Minnesota Wild over the Dallas Stars 3-2 on Saturday night. Prosser netted the winning score for the second time in as many games, and Darcy Kuemper stopped 33 shots. Erik Haula and Ryan Suter also scored for the Wild. Ryan Garbutt and Alex Chiasson scored for the slumping Stars, who have only one win in their last nine games. Kari Lehtonen made 16 saves.
TCF Bank Stadium will hold an outdoor doubleheader Friday afternoon at the Hockey City Classic, featuring the Minnesota Gophers men's and women's hockey teams. The men's team took to the ice late Thursday afternoon in preparation for Friday's game. It was also a chance to see the ice at nightfall, checking out the sight lines under the lights. Coach Dan Lucia says there will be one other element in play that's a bit more distracting than the waning sunlight.
Minnesota Wild goalie Josh Harding has been making progress toward a return to playing. Harding took part in the team skate before the Wild hosted Ottawa on Tuesday.
Dany Heatley had a goal and an assist, Darcy Kuemper made 23 saves for his first career shutout, and the Minnesota Wild beat the Nashville Predators 4-0 on Sunday night. Jason Zucker and Matt Cooke also scored for Minnesota, which has won five of six.
Ryan O'Reilly scored twice, including the game-winner with 7:16 to play, and the Colorado Avalanche beat the Minnesota Wild 4-2 Saturday night. Gabriel Landeskog and Maxime Talbot also scored for the Avalanche, winners in five of seven. O'Reilly had his first two-goal game of the season.
Minnesota Wild players will wear camouflage jerseys during pre-game warm-ups Saturday when the team hosts the Colorado Avalanche. The player-autographed camouflage jerseys will then be auctioned off online to benefit the Minnesota Wild Foundation and Defending The Blue Line.
Another popular Minnesota sports figure now has two little bundles of joy to take care of as he also is trying to lead his team to the playoffs. The Minnesota Wild announced Thursday that Zach Parise and his wife Alisha welcomed twins to the world on Wednesday. They had a boy, Jaxson, and a girl, Emelia.
Minor league call-up Darcy Kuemper looked totally different than he did in his two other appearances with the Minnesota Wild this season. The Los Angeles Kings were quite impressed. Kuemper made 17 of his 39 saves during the first period in his fifth NHL start, a 2-1 victory over the Kings on Tuesday night.
As many as five Minnesota Wild players will play for their native countries in the Winter Olympics next month. Forwards Mikael Granlund and Mikko Koivu were named Tuesday to Finland's roster. Koivu's participation is in question because of a broken ankle he suffered Saturday and had surgery to fix Monday.
The Minnesota Wild have placed goalie Josh Harding and center Mikko Koivu on injured reserve. The moves were made Monday. Defenseman Jonathon Blum and forward Erik Haula were recalled from AHL affiliate Iowa.
Ryan Suter scored three goals, and the Minnesota Wild beat the Washington Capitals 5-3 on Saturday night. Suter completed the first hat trick by a Wild defenseman with 12:23 to play in the third and giving the Wild a two-goal lead. He jumped into the play straight out of the penalty box to create a 2-on-1 with Clayton Stoner, then beat Braden Holtby from the left faceoff circle off Stoner's feed. The Wild won despite being outshot 30-11. Their previous season low for shots in a game was 13 in a 3-1 win over San Jose on Dec. 8. Minnesota has won two straight after snapping a franchise-record six-game losing streak on Thursday.
The Buffalo Sabres have claimed enforcer Zenon Konopka off waivers from the Minnesota Wild. This is the seventh team for the 33-year-old forward, who also played for Anaheim, Columbus, Tampa Bay, Ottawa and the New York Islanders.
The presence of ricin at an apartment complex in Hastings, Michigan, has been confirmed, the Barry-Eaton District Health Department said Saturday, two days after a potential exposure to the poison was reported.
Kamario Taylor passed for 227 yards and three first-half touchdowns to lead Mississippi State in a 38-13 takedown of Minnesota in the first-ever football game between the two schools.
A hiker who had been missing since Sept. 5 from Isle Royale National Park on Lake Superior in Michigan has been found, the National Park Service said Saturday afternoon.
Minnesota Twins shortstop Kaelen Culpepper left Saturday's game against Cleveland after being hit by a pitch.
Minnesota Twins center fielder Byron Buxton will undergo arthroscopic surgery on his right hip next week and miss the rest of the season.
Minneapolis Police are investigating a shooting that took place overnight near the 300 block of 1st Avenue North.
A group of nearly 200 volunteers visited Ft. Snelling National Cemetery Saturday morning, with the intention of remembering the lives lost defending freedom.
The Minnesota State Patrol is investigating an overnight crash in Chaska that sent two to a local hospital.
The future of a big piece of Minneapolis property is suddenly wide open. Legacy Investing, a company that develops data centers, is walking away from its plan to purchase the old Star Tribune printing facility in the North Loop.
After 334 days in a neonatal intensive care unit in Maple Grove, Minnesota, North Memorial Health's "miracle baby" is finally home.
Saturday is expected to be cooler and less humid than Friday in Minnesota, with lighter winds, sun and high temperatures in the mid-70s.
Friday marks 25 years since 9/11, and a small Minnesota community has found a special way to honor the victims year-round.
WCCO is tracking everything you can go out and do 4 Your Weekend, including local festivals and the start of some fall activities.
It'll be a mostly sunny day Thursday with light winds, but the humidity starts to pick up Friday ahead of some scattered showers.
Built in 1886, the Prospect House was once a resort hotel. The third floor is preserved to show what the hotel looked like back then, but for Jay Johnson, the real history is in the basement.
A $1.8 billion project to replace the Blatnik Bridge, which links Duluth, Minnesota, and Superior, Wisconsin, is now underway.
An 18-year-old man has pleaded guilty to killing 10-year-old Lily Peters in Wisconsin four years ago. He was then given a life sentence with the possibility of extended supervision after 25 years.
A Wisconsin prosecutor says he will not file election bribery charges against billionaire Elon Musk even though the state's bipartisan elections commission said he likely broke state law.
A Wisconsin high school football player has died from injuries sustained during a game on Thursday night.
Dozens of cases of E. coli and salmonella in multiple states are linked to an alfalfa grower in Minnesota, health officials say.
The nonprofit opened its Twin Cities doors in 2010 and now runs a seven-woman operation out of a warehouse stocked entirely with what other Minnesotans gave away.
An Annandale, Minnesota, boy who survived overwhelming odds as a baby is once again facing a serious heart battle.
Zy'ire was diagnosed with bone cancer in his tibia, and throughout treatment, his love of the game helped keep his spirits up. Make-A-Wish Minnesota granted his wish by putting him on the sideline in Vikings gear.
Lt. Ryan Kelly, the first Minneapolis officer to arrive at Church of the Annunciation on Aug. 27, 2025, described walking in to find dozens of children hiding in the pews — and locating 2 who had already died.
After the Annunciation Catholic Church mass shooting in Minneapolis, there were loud calls for action on guns.
Four former presidents were at the World Trade Center memorial site for 9/11 commemorations, while President Trump spoke at the Pentagon.
In August, a law changing the age for criminal prosecutions in Minnesota went into effect. The law bars children under 13, no matter how serious the crime, from being prosecuted. It's unclear what will happen to kids now accused of these crimes.
Maryland and New Hampshire have similar laws but carve out exceptions for serious violent crimes like murder and rape; Minnesota's version, effective August 1, 2026, has none.
A 43-year-old Hugo woman who pleaded guilty to making threats towards Minnesota House Speaker Lisa Demuth was sentenced on Thursday.
CBS News Texas political reporter Jack Fink spoke with President Trump for an exclusive interview during the president's visit to North Texas.
The Minnesota Department of Human Services is working with a contractor to correct an autism treatment plan backlog that is frustrating both parents and providers.
You've probably seen THC drinks at Minnesota bars and liquor stores, but those made-in-Minnesota drinks could disappear this winter if new federal rules take effect.
The 2026 Minnesota State Fair is rolling out more than three dozen new food items this year, on top of all the returning favorites — which makes putting together a game plan for your visit no small task.
President Trump said Friday that the U.S. will waive higher tariffs on ground beef imports, which he says will reduce beef prices by 25%. Some cattle ranchers, including those in Minnesota and Wisconsin, worry the plan will hurt them financially.
An outbreak of E. coli and salmonella is linked to an alfalfa grower in Minnesota, health officials say. WCCO speaks with a food safety expert about the risks associated with alfalfa sprouts.
Minneapolis Police are investigating a shooting that took place overnight near the 300 block of 1st Avenue North.
The Minnesota Department of Corrections has denied supervised release for a man convicted in the 1970 killing of a St. Paul, Minnesota, police officer.
A longtime family-run Thai restaurant in downtown St. Paul, Minnesota, is picking up the pieces after an individual broke a window and tried to enter early Monday morning, but the owner says the incident won't drive them from the area.
The man who killed a grocery store employee in the Loring Park neighborhood of Minneapolis with a golf club in 2023 was found not guilty by reason of mental illness on Thursday.
The father of Jordan "Manny" Collins, who is accused killing his 16-year-old son, will go on trial Thursday in Anoka County.
The presence of ricin at an apartment complex in Hastings, Michigan, has been confirmed, the Barry-Eaton District Health Department said Saturday, two days after a potential exposure to the poison was reported.
After 334 days in a neonatal intensive care unit in Maple Grove, Minnesota, North Memorial Health's "miracle baby" is finally home.
Affordable Care Act recipients in 30 states are set to receive the $500 checks starting in October. Here's why.
The money will fuel a 10-year push into precision medicine at a hospital system that treats children from before birth through young adulthood.
Hospice nurses who work for Allina Health are set to begin a seven-day strike on Friday.
WCCO is tracking everything you can go out and do 4 Your Weekend, including at the Minnesota State Fair.
While performing in St. Louis on Saturday night, Lionel Richie appeared at one point to lean on a piano for support, according to video from the show.
Louis Lee came to Minnesota decades ago from Hong Kong to become a student at the University of Minnesota. He says listening to comedy helped him learn English.
The vault is open. Recordings no one's ever heard, spanning 40 years of Prince's musical career, are now available on a new album called "Timeless."
The community is mourning the loss of Charles Dillon, also known as Chaz Millionaire, a longtime voice on the Twin Cities airwaves.
Kamario Taylor passed for 227 yards and three first-half touchdowns to lead Mississippi State in a 38-13 takedown of Minnesota in the first-ever football game between the two schools.
Minnesota Twins shortstop Kaelen Culpepper left Saturday's game against Cleveland after being hit by a pitch.
Minnesota Twins center fielder Byron Buxton will undergo arthroscopic surgery on his right hip next week and miss the rest of the season.
Breanna Stewart scored 16 points and Kahleah Copper added 13 to help the U.S. beat Spain 76-66, advancing to the championship game of the women's FIBA World Cup.
The Minnesota Twins were defeated by the Guardians 5-2 on Friday night after Angel Martínez hit a two-run homer and a ninth-inning double to spark the game-winning rally for Cleveland.
In August, a law changing the age for criminal prosecutions in Minnesota went into effect. The law bars children under 13, no matter how serious the crime, from being prosecuted. It's unclear what will happen to kids now accused of these crimes.
Maryland and New Hampshire have similar laws but carve out exceptions for serious violent crimes like murder and rape; Minnesota's version, effective August 1, 2026, has none.
Demuth has been running ads focusing on a million-dollar funding proposal that Klobuchar supported that was stripped out of a funding bill.
She has won four races for U.S. Senate by double digits, and now Sen. Amy Klobuchar is campaigning to become Minnesota's next governor.
The DFL primary in Minnesota's 2nd Congressional District was supposed to be close, but it wasn't. Former Lakeville Mayor and state Sen. Matt Little beat two well-known opponents by double digits.
Built in 1886, the Prospect House was once a resort hotel. The third floor is preserved to show what the hotel looked like back then, but for Jay Johnson, the real history is in the basement.
For nearly a half century, the Haunted Mansion at the Minnesota State Fair has been scaring people silly.
It is one of the most uniquely shaped buildings at the Minnesota State Fair, and it holds nearly 80 years of history.
For five generations, one family has run the Taylors Falls Scenic Boat Tours along the St. Croix River.
Keith Richardson is a home brewer and beer memorabilia collector. His collection got so big that, two years ago, he moved everything into an old toy store near downtown Lanesboro and opened the Hammarama Museum and Gift Shop.
The first days of school can be both exciting and nerve-wracking. New teachers, new classes, maybe even a new building. It can be a lot to manage without a plan.
A school night usually means earlier bedtimes and setting multiple alarms. WCCO spoke with a sleep medicine physician about how many alarms you should set to wake up.
Behind the fried foods and thrilling rides, farming remains at the heart of the Minnesota State Fair, where farm families work around the clock to get their animals ribbon-ready.
Visitors are spending tens of millions of dollars to experience all there is at the Minnesota State Fair. It's a 12-day production that costs tens of millions of dollars to put on.
There's more than 300 vendors keeping people fed at the Minnesota State Fair. That's a lot of competition for your cash and the limited space in your stomach.
The Minnesota State Fair has unveiled its new foods for 2026.
A look back at the esteemed personalities who've left us this year, who'd touched us with their innovation, creativity and humanity.
Minnesotans got a great view of the northern lights Tuesday night.
A look at the newest addition to the polar bear population at St. Paul, Minnesota's Como Zoo.
From food shelves to school programs, our team is proud to serve where it matters most.
We have rain headed our way. Meteorologist Lisa Meadows breaks down the timing of it all.
In Minnesota, weather can be all over the place. Here at WCCO, we want to give you what you need to prepare for what's happening next.
Meteorologist Katie Steiner has an update on the forecast.
High temperatures will be in the 60s and 70s across Minnesota on Saturday, with cooler conditions expected Sunday, NEXT Weather meteorologist Lisa Meadows says.
Storms will sweep through parts of northern and central Minnesota on Friday evening and night, and some areas are under a slight risk for severe weather, according to NEXT Weather meteorologist Lisa Meadows.
We have rain headed our way. Meteorologist Lisa Meadows breaks down the timing of it all.
A group of nearly 200 volunteers visited Ft. Snelling National Cemetery Saturday morning, with the intention of remembering the lives lost defending freedom.
An opportunity to experience Vietnamese food, culture, and more, the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival is headed to St. Paul next Saturday.
You don't have to travel to Germany to celebrate Oktoberfest. The Germanic-American Institute is holding an Oktoberfest celebration in St. Paul all day today.
Meteorologist Katie Steiner has an update on the forecast.