This Day in History

On this day, January 22, in 1998, the NHL's Minnesota franchise selected the name 'Wild'. The Minnesota Wild would begin play in the 2000/2001 NHL season.

Here are a few excerpts from articles written around the time of the unveiling:

Nice touch, the new Minnesota franchise calling a news conference to unveil its new name — Wild — and logo and including Neal Broten in the ceremony. If anyone has done more for hockey in Minnesota than Broten, name him.

But on to the logo, described as iron range red, forest green, harvest gold and Minnesota wheat. Was Minnesota wheat in your box of Crayolas? The Wild, by the way, beat out the Polars, Voyageurs and Blue Ox in fan balloting.

Excerpt from article published in Deseret News


When Minnesota's NHL expansion franchise announced in January 1998 that it would be called the Wild, the obvious question was, "What's a 'Wild?'" The team's response: "Whatever you want it to be."

The Wild's home sweater, unveiled Thursday at the Roseville Skating Center, is dominated by the head of a beast that might be a bear. Or maybe it's a mountain lion? A wolf? A very angry gopher? Who really knows?

And again, that's precisely the point.

"It's a wild picture," chief executive officer Jac Sperling explained. "People will see what they want to see. It's intended to be a wild animal."

Excerpt from article published in Star Tribune


Pretty cool!

Contest #2!

We are having another contest! Please send in your entries at wildaboutdesign@hotmail.com.

Est. 1967

The year is 1967. The NHL has announced it will expand, adding six new markets to the Original Six teams. Minnesota has been chosen as one of the new markets. Rather than naming the team the North Stars, they go with the Minnesota Wild. Your task is to create an identity for this new team. Required elements include a primary logo and a home and road jersey. Everything else is optional. Remember, it is 1967!

A Wild Winter Classic Jersey

Today's concept comes from Burke. It is a design for a possible 2012 winter classic. It incorporates the Oregon Wing pattern for their football uniforms, among other aspects. Burke says the back view isn't finished but you can get the idea. There are many elements that would make this jersey unique, I love the star above the back numbers.

NHL Guardian Project: The Wild

Today The Wild was released as part of the NHL Guardian Project. More info...here.

And the Winner is...

...me? I feel bad winning my own contest, but I thank those that voted for me. Congratulations to myself I guess, and to Ryan, who came in 2nd place. I would like to thank everyone that participated, whether you had an entry or voted. The amount of votes was great, and there is a good deal of interest in future contests so stay tuned.

Final Results:

1. Bmac...10
2. Ryan...6
3. Goal Line Design...4
4. Tex...3

Thanks for participating.

Voting & Future Contests

Voting for the North Stars contest ends Friday evening. If you have not yet voted, please take a second to do so! Thank you to all that have contributed and voted so far.

There has been interest in more contests in the future. I have a few ideas in mind, but I could always use more. What contest to you want Wild About Design to have? Post here or email wildaboutdesign@hotmail.com with ideas.

January Wallpaper

It's a day late, but here is this month's official desktop wallpaper, straight from the Minnesota Wild's official website. Happy New Year!