NHL Lockout Continues

This is Day 75 of the NHL Lockout. How ridiculous for everyone involved.


The NHL has now canceled 422 regular-season games, lost the Winter Classic in Ann Arbor, Mich., and the All-Star weekend in Columbus. What a waste of time, money, and hockey fun!

I am wondering how it's nearly Dec. 1 and the NHL is still locked out when the fight shouldn't be this tough.

Zach Parise, Ryan Suter Sign with Wild

The Minnesota Wild secured both of the NHL's top prizes in free agency, signing forward Zach Parise and defenseman Ryan Suter on July 4th!

Each deal is for 13 years and $98 million.

Both Parise and Suter were seen as the top free agents in a very thin free agent market. Parise is a former New Jersey Devils playmaker. Suter comes to Minnesota as half of the duo with Shea Weber on the Nashville blue line.

Parise, who is 27, scored 31 goals and 69 points last season in his first year as the Devils' captain. Parise attributed a lot to the team making the Stanley Cup finals.

Suter, also 27, was the top defenseman available to teams this summer. Suter spent all seven of his NHL seasons with the Predators where he featured career high in points in 2011-12, with seven goals and 39 assists.

If you are interested in buying NHL Minnesota Wild hockey tickets, do not wait! When the Minnesota Wild announced "WE GOT 'EM!" tickets started flying out the door.

Zach parise and Ryan Suter Potential Wild Players

The Wild ended the first day of free agency having signed either of the two franchise players they're chasing.

The Wild appear to be one of three finalists for New Jersey Devils forward Zach Parise and Nashville Predators defenseman Ryan Suter.

The Wild announced that they had offered contracts to both players, who are expected to announce their today (7/2).

Guillaume Latendresse Trying Free Agency

It appears the Minnesota Wild won't have Guillaume Latendresse returning for the 2012-13 season.

 After trying to sign Latendresse to a new contract, the forward said he is planning on testing the waters of free agency. Latendresse is seeking a team closer to his home in Montreal so he can spend more time with his four year old son, Hayden.

Minnesota Wild Preseason Schedule 2013-13

The Minnesota Wild announced their preseason schedule. Oolala! I can't wait to join Nordy and the gain at the Xcel Energy Center! Take a peak at the preseason schedule and plan ahead.

Tuesday, Sept. 25 at Dallas Stars CenturyLink Arena (Boise, Idaho) 8:00 p.m. 

Wednesday, Sept. 26 Dallas Stars Xcel Energy Center 7:00 p.m. 

Thursday, Sept. 27 St. Louis Blues Xcel Energy Center 7:00 p.m. 

Saturday, Sept. 29 at St. Louis Blues Scottrade Center 7:00 p.m. 

Tuesday, Oct. 2 Winnipeg Jets Xcel Energy Center 7:00 p.m. 

Thursday, Oct. 4 at Winnipeg Jets MTS Centre 7:00 p.m. 

Saturday, Oct. 6 at Calgary Flames Scotiabank Saddledome 8:00 p.m.

Xcel Energy Center Photos

I recently went around Minneapolis, St. Paul and a few of the surrounding suburbs to take photos of all the great venues! I took pictures of 24 total venues.

Enjoy these Xcel Energy Center photos!

Minnesota Wild Player Profile: Cal Clutterbuck

Meet Cal Clutterbuck, a forward for the Minnesota Wild.

Cal Clutterbuck was born on November 18, 1987 and grew up—like most of his fellow NHL players, in Canada. Cal Clutterbuck spent his years of junior hockey on two different teams in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL): the Toronto St. Michael's Majors and Oshawa Generals.

But bigger and better dreams called, and Cal Clutterbuck entered the 2006 NHL draft. The Minnesota Wild picked Clutterbuck during the 3rd round as the 72nd player overall. With excitement and a bit of trepidation, Cal Clutterbuck made his NHL appearance on October 28, 2007 in a match-up against the Colorado Avalanche.

Cal Clutterbuck has quickly become one of the most popular players on the Minnesota Wild roster.

Xcel Energy Center

Along with sporting events, the Xcel Energy Center plays host to ice shows, circuses, family shows, conventions and numerous concerts. Big name artists, including The Rolling Stones, Taylor Swift, U2, Bob Dylan and many others have rocked the confines of the Xcel. Boasting fan-friendly seating and a state of the art acoustic system, there is no better place to see a game or a concert than at the Xcel Energy Center.

Minnesota Wild Player Profile: Pierre-Marc Bouchard

Meet Pierre-Marc Bouchard, a center for the Minnesota Wild.

Pierre-Marc Bouchard grew up in southeastern Quebec, in the town of Sherbrooke. Like many boys growing up in Canada, Pierre-Marc was drawn to hockey at an early age…and his brother followed suit. From the frozen ponds of Canada to the glitzy indoor rinks of the NHL, Pierre-Marc Bouchard and younger brother François have made their mark. Pierre-Marc even busted out a crazy spin-out in an overtime match-up against the Chicago Blackhawks. Later, he attributed the move to François, revealing how much the two brothers learned from each other while patenting admittedly unconventional hockey moves.

The Chicoutimi Saguenéens were Pierre-Marc Bouchard’s junior league team. He started in 2000 at the young age of 16, and instantly earned recognition as a member of the league’s first All-Star Team. After another season in the juniors—and plenty of Rookie awards and honors—Bouchard took his play to the NHL and debuted with the Minnesota Wild in 2002.

During his inaugural Wild season, Bouchard made 7 goals and completed 13 assists—relatively solid standards in the NHL. Though he was bumped down to the Houston Aeros for the 2004-2005 season, Bouchard took that lemon and made some sweet lemonade. In short, he improved his play, maneuvering, and focus. By the time he returned to the Wild in 2005-2006, Bouchard impressed fans with 17 goals, 42 assists, and 59 points across 80 games.

Don’t worry, Minnesota Wild hockey fans. Players like Marian Gaborik may break your heart by leaving the team or losing their Wild spirit. However, Pierre-Marc Bouchard is a solid bet for the future of the Minnesota Wild.

Roger Waters Xcel Energy Center Tickets

When it comes to great concerts, it is never too early to buy. Roger Waters is coming to the Xcel Energy Center on June 3 at 8pm.

Tickets for the event start out at $129.00 a piece. Those tickets are located in the club level, which has all the best views and concessions!

Roger Waters songs:


When the Wind Blows
Sunset Strip
The Powers That Be
Molly's Song
Me or Him?
Home
Hello (I Love You)
Amused to Death

Don't miss the Roger Waters concert!

Don't Forget - Van Halen at the Xcel Energy Center

I recently posted that Van Halen will be at the Xcel Energy Center. This is serving as your final reminder!

VAN HALEN IS COMING TO THE XCEL ENERGY CENTER!! DON'T MISS HIM!

The concert is on Saturday, May 19 at 7:30. We have tickets starting out at $89.00 a piece. Don't miss this show - it will be epic.

Neil Diamond at the Xcel Energy Center

Neil Diamond is coming to the Xcel Energy Center on Wednesday, July 11! The concert will kickoff at 8:00pm. Don't wait to move on these great tickets!

Neil Diamond Tickets

Erik Christensen, Wild Center

What does Erik Christensen, the new Center for the Minnesota Wild, like to do off the ice?

Play golf! Apparently Christensen holds a 2 (handicap). He plays a lot of golf, usually an evening round or two after morning training. Christensen claims to have a long drive as well as a soft touch.

What a guy!

Van Halen at the Xcel Energy Center

Van Halen is coming to the Xcel Energy Center on Saturday, May 19th. The show starts rockin' at 7:30pm.

Some of Van Halen's most popular songs include:

Right Now

Jump

When It's Love

One I Want

Dreams

Fire in the Hole

Poundcake

Humans Being

Without You

Catch Van Halen in concert at the X! Current band members include: David Lee Roth, Eddie Van Halen, Michael Anthony and Wolfgang Van Halen.

Barry Manilow at the X

Barry Manilow is coming to the Xcel Energy Center tonight. Yes, on Friday the thirteenth. Have no fear though, the stage is set to make for a great show!

Want tickets? There are still a few available... TICKETS!

Upcoming Xcel Energy Events

Upcoming Xcel Energy Events:

Minnesota Wild

4/5 v Chicago Blackhawks

4/7 v Phoenix Coyotes

Barry Manilow

4/13 @ 730pm

Minnesota Swarm

4/14 v Washington Stealth

4/21 v Philadelphia Wings

4/28 v Colorado Mammoths

Check out these great Xcel Energy Events! They will be here before you know it!

Minnesota, BC Advance to Frozen Four

Erik Haula scored his 20th goal of the season, while Taylor Matson added a goal and assist as Minnesota (No. 2) beat top-seed North Dakota 5-2 to win the NCAA West Regional on Sunday at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, Minn.

Other scorers for Minnesota included Ben Marshall, Travis Boyd and Nate Condon. Minnesota is in the Frozen Four for the first time since 2005. Kent Patterson made 24 saves for the Gophers.

Minnesota joins Boston College, Union College and Ferris State University in the NCAA Frozen four. The games take place next week at the Tampa Bay Times Forum.

Upcoming Xcel Energy Events

Upcoming Xcel Energy Events:

Minnesota Wild

3/22 v Calgary Flames

3/27 v New York Rangers

3/29 v Florida Panthers

3/31 v Los Angeles Kings

NCAA Division I Men's Ice Hockey West Regional

3/24

Minnesota Swarm

3/30 v Calgary Roughnecks

WCHA at the Xcel Energy Center

Let me tell you! It has been crazy down here by the Xcel Energy Center. With the WCHA just down the street, hockey fans are everywhere. Plus... the whole St. Patrick's Day thing.

If you aren't down here, you are certainly missing out!

Take it from Erik Haula, who leads Minnesota in scoring with 44 points, "North Dakota's one of our biggest rivalries. Those games tend to get a little crazy."

No. Kidding.

Dallas Stars Come to Xcel Energy Center

Hey, Wild fans! Do not despair. Just because the Wild aren't playing as hot as they were in the beginning of the year, doesn't mean you can't catch a good game.

Fan favorite Dallas Stars will be coming to the Xcel Energy Center Tuesday, 3/13. Get your tickets! The Stars and Wild always share competitive games - its likely to be a good one!

Dallas Stars Minnesota Wild

Minnesota High School State Hockey Tournament

The Minnesota State High School hockey tournament will be taking place at the Xcel Energy Center. Below are the tournament brackets for the games taking place right around the corner!

Class A

Class AA

Upcoming Xcel Energy Events

The Luke Bryan/Jason Aldean concert has come and gone, but don't worry - there are plenty of great events coming to the Xcel Energy Center! Take a peek:

Minnesota Wild

vs. LA Kings 2/28 @ 7pm

vs Colorado Avalanche 3/4 @ 6pm

vs Calgary Flames 3/11 @ 5pm

vs Dallas Stars 3/13 @ 7pm

Minnesota State High School Hockey

Class AA Quarterfinals 3/8 @ 11am & 6pm

Class AA Semifinals 3/9 @ 6pm

Class AA Championship 3/10 @ 4pm

Want to catch any of these great events? No problem, I know a guy.

Luke Bryan and Jason Aldean at the Xcel Energy Center

Luke Bryan. Jason Aldean. Wow.

I was fortunate enough to go to the Luke Bryan - Jason Aldean concert Friday night at the Xcel Energy Center. With songs like "All My Friends Say," "Drunk on You," "Country Girl (Shake it for Me)" by Luke Bryan and "Dirt Road Anthem," "Crazy Town," and "She's Country" blasted out by Aldean, you knew it would be a good show.

I don't think people really knew that it would be such a great show.

Luke Bryan was a charismatic performer that catered to the crowd in a way that Kenny Chesney would have. While Aldean wasn't as crowd-savvy, he definitely satisfied with a certain sexy cool behind his electric guitar and cowboy hat.

Bryan was as sexy as ever, almost stealing the show from Aldean for us younger gals. However, the show was perfect and I am again reminded of how much I love country!

Minnesota Wild Columbus Blue Jackets Game Review

R.J. Umberger scored a pair of goals, leading the Columbus Blue Jackets to a 3-1 win over the Minnesota Wild at the Xcel Energy Center. Ook... Wild, what is the game plan here? As you may recall, the Wild were at one point the leaders of the Western Conference. Take a look at the current standings:

1. Detroit

2. Vancouver

3. San Jose

4. St. Louis

5. Nashville

6. Chicago

7. Los Angeles

8. Phoenix

9. Calgary

10. Colorado

11. Dallas

12. Minnesota

This is completely not what Wild fans were hoping for.

Anyway, back to the game story. Devin Setoguchi scored for the Wild, while Niklas Backstrom earned 16 saves en route to the Wild's fourth straight loss.

Backstrom spoke out on the loss, "It sucks every time you lose. Winning is obviously more fun, but at least tonight we gave ourselves a chance to win." I hate to argue semantics, but losing 3-1 doesn't seem as though there was much of a chance. Maybe you had to be there?

Was anyone at the Wild Blue Jackets game that wants to fill me in? Leave a comment!

Minnesota Swarm at the Xcel Energy Center

It is rare we shed light on the happenings of the Swarm, Minnesota's Lacrosse team.

However, on Friday the Swarm took over the Xcel in a game where they overwhelmed the Edmonton Rush 10-9. Following the win, Evan Kirk made 46 saves in his National Lacrosse League debut to power the Swarm to a 9-6 win over the Rochester Knighthawks on Sunday!

Minnesota is now sitting at 3-2 after winning their second game in three days. The win over the Knighthawks snapped a five-game losing streak that Rochester had over Minnesota.

I've never been to a swarm game, but I have a coworker who finds the games to be a ton of fun and fan-friendly. Not to mention, she said the Swarm roster is quite attractive! I'm making it my goal to go and check a game out before the season wraps up... who know's, maybe I'll meet Mr. Lacrosse.

World's Toughest Rodeo at the Xcel Energy Center

The World's Toughest Rodeo was at the Xcel Energy Center this past weekend, bringing cowboys and cowgirls alike to town.

The cowboys were challenged by each other in bull riding, bareback, saddle bronc and barrel racing categories. For a building built to house ice, it certainly was a sight to see as the no-fringes, no-holds-barred entertainment graced the Xcel.

Unlike most rodeos, the World's Toughest asks cowboys to compete in multiple events, known as the "Cowboy Ironman."

Were you at the Xcel to enjoy the chap-clad ironboys? If so, let us know how it went!

Van Halen Returns to Xcel Center

May 19th. Mark your calendars as one of the greatest musicians of all time returns to the Xcel Energy Center. Tickets for Van Halen went on sale January 14th for the May 19th show.

The tour starts ourt in Louisville, Kentucky on February 18th. St. Paul falls about three-quarters of the way through the itinerary. Other local venues are Chicago's United Center, Winnipeg's MTS Centre and Kansas City's Sprint Center.

The tour will feature original frontman David Lee Roth along with co-founding brothers Eddie and Alex Van Halen. Eddie's son, Wolfgang, will once again replace original bassist and high-harmony vocalist Michael Anthony.

Jason Aldean tickets for Xcel Energy Center February 17, 2012

Jason Aldean tickets are flying off the shelves for the St Paul, Minnesota Xcel Energy Center concert on Friday February 17! If you're hoping to go to this concert and have not gotten your tickets yet, I suggest you bite the bullet and get your Jason Aldean tickets now!

Ticket King only has one set of tickets left in their inventory! Don't panic too much, they can still help get you tickets, they will just have to get them from another office for you! But there are not very many tickets left out there, and the Xcel Energy Center is sold out of Jason Aldean tickets! It's not often Xcel Energy Center tickets are sold out so far ahead of the concert! You know this one is a big deal!

St Paul Xcel Energy Center event calendar

There is a big array of events coming up at the Xcel Energy Center! See the list below for the Xcel Energy Center schedule of events calendar!

Tuesday Jan 10 7pm Wild vs. San Jose Sharks
Saturday Jan 14 7:30pm Brad Paisley, The Band Perry & Scotty McCreery
Saturday Jan 21 8pm Wild vs. Dallas Stars
Tuesday Jan 31 7pm Wild vs. Nashville Predators
Friday Feb 3 7pm World's Toughest Rodeo
Saturday Feb 4 7:30pm World's Toughest Rodeo with concert by country singer Justin Moore afterwards

There is lots to do at the Xcel Energy Center! For a full list of events, check out www.StPaulConcertTickets.com!