Mikko Koivo raised his arms in mock celebration after scoring a goal during a small-game, three-on-three drill Monday during a lengthy practice at Amsoil Arena in Duluth. Howie Hanson / For StarTribune.com
Wild assistant Darby Hendrickson said Monday the team is impressed by rookie head coach Mike Yeo's on- and off-ice approach in the preseason.
"He's extremely prepared, detailed, and an excellent communicator," Hendrickson said of the former Houston Aeros head coach, who, at age 37, steps up as the youngest head coach in the National Hockey League.
Meantime, Hendrickson, a former Wild player and second-year assistant, said the team is making the most of it's three-day, extended preseason retreat in Duluth. The Wild open Saturday against Columbus at Xcel.
"Though everyone is excited for Saturday's opener, the guys are slowly buying into each other during the team-builder, which is important if we're to be successful," said Hendrickson, who owns a summer home at Island Lake located about 20 minutes from Downtown Duluth. "The new guys want to be here, and they're hungry to do well."
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Dany Heatley, acquired July 5 from San Jose in a straight-up deal for Martin Havlat, said the Wild are eager to begin the season.
"We're a good, young, quick team," said Heatley, who has collected 325 goals in his eight years in the National Hockey League -- including two 50-goal seasons for the Senators -- but just 39 and 26 goals the past two seasons for San Jose. "We've got some quick guys up front. My focus is to help the Wild make the playoffs."
