The Minnesota Wild, founded almost a decade ago, was the replacement NHL franchices for Minnesota after the North Stars took their team to Dallas in 1993. Minnesota, the self-proclaimed "hockey state," was devastated by the loss of their NHL team.

The Xcel Energy Center was built in honor of the new Minnesota franchise and the Wild have been playing there ever since their first official NHL game. It would only take two seasons before the Minnesota Wild would make it to the playoffs and the Western Conference Finals.

Before many players are able to get their big chance playing for the MN Wild hockey team, they go through the two minor league affiliates (the Houston Aeros and the Johnstown Chiefs). For the year 2011, it has been announced, that the Minnesota Wild will host the NHL Entry Draft at the Xcel.

With no bad seat in the house at the Xcel Energy Center, a Minnesota Wild hockey game is not one to miss. Minnesota Wild tickets may be hard to come by this season, so purchase your Minnesota Wild tickets today!