For fans, Walz was the Wild

Jeffrey Thompson, Star Tribune

Wes Walz

One sad thing about Wes Walz's retirement is Wild fans didn't get that one final game to say goodbye. On our NHL/Wild blog, Russo's Rants (www.startribune.com/blogs/wildblog), fans offered their memories of the longtime Wild center. Here's a sample:

Last update: December 5, 2007 - 7:12 PM

Print this story

More from Minnesota Wild

Bob Paine: At the X two years ago when a little boy was picking the Wild player who would score that night for the Taco Bell promotion. Even though Wes wasn't one of the choices, the little boy kept saying "Wes Walz." Wes scored a couple of goals and we got our free tacos. Here's to you, Wes.

Ballgame: Would it be possible if he stayed with the Wild under "Director of Grit Development?" I think he'd really have fun with the new kids, especially Aaron Voros.

Old Tyme: Winning the Columbus game in overtime with the puck in his pants last year. Right after they announced that it was indeed a goal, he ran, jumping across the ice, to hug Manny Fernandnez in Mike Eruzione style.

Vince: I think they should retire Walz's No. 37 jersey and hang it from the rafters. Wes is part of the history, and mystique, of this team.

Mbrose: I can't forget the game last year against Vancouver where he "peeled the paint" off the walls. The team responded by ... beating the hated Canucks 5-2. That tirade is legendary.

Cambec says: Watching Wes Walz on the ice is a chance to see someone born to skate.

Brad: When he shut down Peter Forsberg in the 2003 playoffs against Colorado. Forsberg hated coming out on his shifts. You could tell. Forsberg tried every gimmick possible to draw a penalty. The overdramatized flops, the fake head whip to draw a high-stick penalty.

Nick in New York: His huge biker-bar smile. When the Wild was too new to have an identity, Walz became that identity. When the Wild was a team of young kids and second/last chance NHLers, Wes became emblematic of the kind of soldier Jacques Lemaire championed and with which the team of 18,000 identified.

Brian: At the end of every season his face looked like a raw steak, visual proof of his fearless play and toughness.

Rob Lind: It seemed like at least once a year, his face would get in the way and he'd end up looking like he dove headfirst into a box of nails. Cheeks cut up. Black eyes. Stitches on the forehead. Scabs on the nose.

Mo wanchuk: He didn't possess Marian Gaborik's skill, Brian Rolston's shot or even Aaron Voros' potential. What he did have was a heart the size of the X that pushed him to outwork, outhustle and generally outplay people with more ability.

Goalieguy: Last day of the first season against the Avs. The Wild has nothing to play for, the Avs are tuning up for the playoffs. In the second period, Walzie gets a breakaway against Patrick Roy, and absolutely turns Roy inside out -- it was as bad as I ever saw Roy get deked -- goes around him and taps the puck in the open net. That was Wes, busting his hump when there was nothing to play for.

Engine37: Wes Walz set an example for all of us in the State of Hockey. He didn't give us just his effort, his leadership, his warrior-like toughness, his time, and his passion. He gave us an identity.

Ptigers: Left on his terms, when he thought that he couldn't live up to HIS standards. How many athletes hang on to the game when they can't play at the highest level? Too many to count.

El Gato: Watching him at Easter services this past spring, walking around the back of the church holding his new baby girl just like any other dad would be doing. Makes you realize he's just like the rest of us. I hope he remains in the community and teaches the youth of the area how hockey should be played.