Koivu, Wild enjoy atmosphere of outdoor practice (PHOTOS)
Minnesota Wild captain Mikko Koivu felt very much at home when the team ventured out into the elements to participate in an outdoor practice on Tuesday.
Wearing a hooded sweatshirt under his uniform, Koivu went through the paces in a practice open to the public at Braemar Arena Backyard Ice Rink in Edina, Minn. While Tuesday's events served as a toe in the water for the Wild before their Stadium Series contest against the Chicago Blackhawks on Feb. 21, the 32-year-old Finn admitted that he was reminded of his days as a child with the experience.
Few different ways to keep warm today. Koivu and a few others going with this fancy hood. pic.twitter.com/0Halub7yGL
— Chad Graff (@ChadGraff) December 29, 2015
"Very similar (in Finland). That's all we did as a kid. That reminds you of all the fun times growing up and playing with your friends and just having fun on the ice. To me, that's what outdoor hockey is all about."
The Wild's light-hearted practice featured players participating in a two-puck game where they had to use an unfamiliar stick.
Erik Haula the last #mnwild player off the ice. Stayed until every fan got an autograph -- or in this case a selfie. pic.twitter.com/qUwTRawUVh
— Chad Graff (@ChadGraff) December 29, 2015
For the most part, however, the players' primary job was to pose for pictures with the fans who braved the cold temperature.
Say cheese ? @AudiStPaul & @AudiMinneapolis pic.twitter.com/dArR92rRlf
— Minnesota Wild (@mnwild) December 29, 2015
