Enjoy Minnesota's Favorite Pastime with 3 Great Twin Cities Hockey Teams

When it comes to hockey, Minnesotans share the same passion for the sport as our neighbors to the north. Have fun this winter supporting one or more of these great hockey teams near our Springs at Apple Valley and Springs at Egan Drive luxury apartment communities.

Minnesota Wild

Minnesota's current NHL team came about during league expansion in 1997.

• The Wild's debut game was against the Ducks in Anaheim. Appropriately, the first goal came from Marián Gáborík, the team's first-ever draft pick and all-time leading scorer.
• Other finalists for the team nickname included Blue Ox, Freeze, Northern Lights, Voyageurs and White Bears.
• The Wild won a division championship during the 2007-2008 season, but have yet to progress any further in the postseason.
• Home games are played at Xcel Energy Center in downtown St. Paul. Ticket prices vary per game and start at $45.

University of Minnesota Golden Gophers

The Golden Gophers have had a perennial spot among the country's elite collegiate hockey teams.

• While intercollegiate hockey at Minnesota dates back to 1895, it wasn't recognized as a varsity sport until 1920.
• The Golden Gophers compete in NCAA Division I as a member of the Big Ten Conference. Their principal rivals are the Wisconsin Badgers and the North Dakota Fighting Hawks.
• Minnesota has made 37 appearances in the NCAA Tournament, reaching the "Frozen Four" 21 times and winning the championship five times, most recently in 2003.
• A number of Golden Gophers have gone on to successful careers in the NHL, including three-time All-Star Reed Larson (Detroit Red Wings), four-time All-Star Mike Ramsey (Buffalo Sabres), and Thomas Vanek, a current member of the Vancouver Canucks who still resides in nearby Stillwater.
• Home games are played at 3M Arena at Mariucci on the school's campus. Ticket prices start at $30.

Minnesota Warriors

The Warriors are part of a unique program that was formed to serve charitable and educational purposes.

• As part of the USA Disabled Hockey Program, the Warriors provide an opportunity for wounded, injured and disabled military veterans to participate in athletic competition.
• The Warrior program includes both standing hockey and sled hockey for veterans who have limited or no use of their lower extremities.
• The 2017 Warrior Showcase is scheduled for Saturday, November 11, 2017 at Doug Woog Arena in South St. Paul. The Twin Cities Warriors will play two games against the Duluth Warriors and the Red Bulls. Tickets are $10.

Hockey is great entertainment for all ages. Why not get a group of your Springs community neighbors together and head out to enjoy a game?