Wild likely to open next season in Finland

Last update: December 17, 2009 - 10:33 PM

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MONTREAL - According to NHL sources, it is "highly likely" that the Wild will open the 2010-11 season with two games against the Carolina Hurricanes in Helsinki, Finland.

While it's not finalized, an announcement is expected soon.

"It's going to be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity," said the Wild's Finnish captain, Mikko Koivu. "I'm sure for all the Europeans, it'll be something special, but when it's your own country, it's something that will be amazing."

Minnesota and Carolina have three Finns each on their rosters. The Wild also has Niklas Backstrom and Antti Miettinen, and the three Hurricanes are Tuomo Ruutu, Joni Pitkanen and Jussi Jokinen.

All expenses will be picked up by the NHL, and each team receives one "home gate" in terms of revenue. Season-ticket holders would be charged one home game fewer.

Last month, owner Craig Leipold said he was interested in having the Wild play in Europe, but he first wanted to talk with other teams that had previously played overseas to learn whether the experience negatively affected them upon their return.

Four other teams (reportedly Columbus, Boston, San Jose and Phoenix) will open the season in Stockholm, Sweden, and an unannounced location.

MICHAEL RUSSO