MN Wild Owner Deploys Plane to Conclude Olympic Celebration

The Minnesota Wild are set to resume their season against the Colorado Avalanche this Thursday. This matchup is significant as the Avalanche, a divisional rival, has yet to lose more than nine games in regulation this season. Following a stellar Olympic performance, several Wild players are returning after a period of celebration.

Wild Stars Celebrate Olympic Gold

Several Minnesota Wild players, including Quinn Hughes, Matt Boldy, and Brock Faber, played crucial roles in helping Team USA secure their first Olympic Gold Medal in men’s ice hockey since 1980. The victory was solidified by a thrilling overtime goal from Jack Hughes, who scored against Canada, resulting in a feverish celebration.

The afterparty kicked off immediately in Milan, where Team USA celebrated their achievement. They then took their festivities to South Beach, Miami, where the celebration continued with enthusiasm.

Return to the Ice

After a whirlwind celebration, the Olympic Gold Medalists needed to quickly refocus. On Wednesday, President Trump arranged for Air Force One to transport the players from Miami to Washington, D.C. There, they participated in a White House visit and attended the State of the Union Address.

By Thursday, the focus shifted back to the NHL as players prepared to return to their teams. The Wild’s gold medalists, Hughes, Boldy, and Faber, planned to catch a flight back to Minnesota, allowing them to join their teammates for the crucial game against the Avalanche.

Craig Leipold’s Private Jet

Craig Leipold, the owner of the Minnesota Wild, leveraged his resources to facilitate the players’ return. He dispatched his private plane to Washington, D.C., to bring Hughes, Faber, and Boldy back to Minnesota. This arrangement ensured the players made it in time for their team charter heading to Denver.

• Quinn Hughes: Led Team USA with 8 points in the Olympics.
• Matt Boldy and Brock Faber: Each played significant roles throughout the tournament.
• Combined, these players average over 72 minutes on the ice per game.
• They contributed 130 points this season, despite a limited number of games played by Hughes.

As the Minnesota Wild gear up for their important divisional matchup, fans are eager to see how the recent celebrations will impact the performance of their Olympic heroes. The anticipation for Thursday’s game is palpable as the team looks to secure another victory against the Avalanche.