TALKERS Join the chatter on our blogs at startribune.com/sports
Michael Russo: Wild will officially seek approval to move Aeros to Iowa
During an American Hockey League Board of Governors conference call Thursday, the Wild will officially seek approval to relocate the Houston Aeros to Des Moines next season. If approved, as expected, the Wild will rename the team the Iowa Wild and host a news conference in Des Moines on Monday. The team will play at the Wells Fargo Center. The Wild was unable to come to a lease agreement in Houston with the Toyota Center.
Russo's Rants: startribune.com/wild
Roman Augustoviz: Schmidt joins plenty of U products in Hershey
Former Gophers defenseman Nate Schmidt is still surrounded by maroon and gold guys. When the free agent signed with the Washington Capitals, they sent him to the Hershey Bears of the AHL. The Bears have four former U of M forwards. Jeff Taffe is Hershey's leading scorer with 18 goals and 52 assists for 70 points in 70 games. Other ex-Gophers on the Bears are Ryan Potulny (19-21—40 in 63 games), Ryan Stoa (11-8—19 in 43), and Mike Carman (4-6—10 in 62).
Roman Empire: startribune.com/gophers
