Tom Reid's Hockey City Pub is hosting an "out with the old, in with the new" party for former longtime Gophers play-by-play man Frank Mazzocco on Wednesday night at 6 p.m.
Tom tells me it's open to the public, so I wanted to let you know.
From Tom: "Join us as we toast Frank Mazzocco's 30+ career as a hockey play-by-play announcer--and help celebrate the launch of his next chapter with Frank Mazzocco Photography.
Enjoy FREE Franks (hot dogs) and enter the "Let's be Frank" look alike contest for fabulous prizes."
Also, I mentioned this before the weekend, but the Wild has signed Eden Prairie's Chad Rau to a two-year deal. Rau is the third local product signed by the Wild in the past few months (Elk River's Nate Prosser and his former CC teammate, and Fridley's Jarod Palmer). Obviously, a Prosser/Rau feature in training camp should be a fun one.
Also, the Wild continues to search for a minor-league coach. Houston GM Jim Mill has interviewed candidates, but the Wild will be patient to see if anybody else becomes available. They'll definitely have somebody in place by the draft next month.
Here's the Rau release:
Minnesota Wild General Manager Chuck Fletcher today announced the National Hockey League (NHL) club has signed center Chad Rau, a native of Eden Prairie, Minn., to a two-year, entry level contract.
"Chad had a successful rookie season in Houston, making the adjustment from college hockey," said Assistant to the General Manager Jim Mill, who also serves as the Aeros General Manager. "He is a skilled offensive player but also plays a strong two-way game. Chad adds valuable depth to our organization."
