As many of you already know, and for those that don't, I am a HUGE hockey fan of the Minnesota Wild. I remember my friend Rob and I driving down from Duluth to see the Wild's very first regular season game against the Philadelphia Flyers.

Living in Duluth, we always liked the North Stars but didn't get to share the same passion level as those of you that lived down here and could easily go to the games. We watched when we could but for the most part, we cheered on our Duluth East Greyhounds and the University of Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs. 

When the Wild came around, I became a huge fan and was fully invested in the team. My friends and I would drive down from Duluth many times a year and were at the very first playoff game. So you can just imagine how sad and disappointed I am that there is no hockey being played right now with the lockout. I know many of you share the same feelings as I read your emails, Facebook posts and tweets venting your frustration.

I was expecting such a big year from our favorite hockey team this winter after the summer we had signing Zach and Ryan as well as the fact we had so many prospects joining the team. Well, at least we can watch these prospects play in Houston (the Wild's minor league team) and have them tease us all winter at what could have been. 

Watch as the Wild's best young prospect, Mikael Granlund, scores 4 GOALS in the team's last preseason game....

Sigh...what could have been.....