Wild denies Tobin Wright access to some Xcel areas

By MICHAEL RUSSO, Star Tribune

Last update: December 7, 2008 - 12:30 AM

Tobin Wright, a former employee of the Wild who works for agent Ron Salcer, has been banned by the Wild from being on the event/dressing room level of Xcel Energy Center.

An e-mail went out to the arena's security staff Friday, and Wright was denied access after Friday's game against Vancouver.

Salcer, who declined to comment for this report, is the agent for Marian Gaborik, Brent Burns and Derek Boogaard. Gaborik is in a contract dispute with the Wild.

Tom Lynn, the Wild assistant general manager, wouldn't comment about the situation beyond saying, "It has nothing to do with any of the players on the team."

While players leave passes for anyone they want to be granted access after games, Lynn said access to family/friends areas is controlled by the team.

Wright, a Minneapolis resident who is a certified agent by the NHL Players' Association, never has been denied access before. A number of agents were downstairs after Friday's game. Wright, who worked in the Wild's hockey operations department until 2003, did not return a message seeking comment left on his cell phone.

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