The next few months will contain plenty of unknowns for Vikings General Manager Rick Spielman as he attempts to navigate free agency and the draft for a team that started off last season 5-0 before falling to 8-8 and missing the playoffs.

On Thursday, Spielman left the confines of a heated tent and plunged into icy cold water.

But at least he knew the drill.

Spielman — along with Twins President Dave St. Peter, Timberwolves President Chris Wright, Minnesota United President Nick Rogers and Wild Chief Operating Officer Matt Majka, among others — participated in the Polar Plunge benefiting Special Olympics Minnesota over the noon hour Thursday. It was the third time Spielman has participated in the event.

"It's a great cause," Spielman said. "It means something to me because I have a special needs daughter who participates in Special Olympics and adapted sports."

Read Michael Rand's blog at startribune.com/randball. michael.rand@startribune.com.