Q 01/05

In which season did the Wild begin play?

A) 1998-99

B) 1997-98

C) 1999-2000

D) 2000-01

Answer · why

D) 2000-01

They were awarded on June 25, 1997, alongside three other expansion clubs.

Q 02/05

Which Saint Paul mayor and future U.S. senator campaigned to bring the NHL back to Minnesota?

A) Al Franken

B) Tim Pawlenty

C) Norm Coleman

D) Jesse Ventura

Answer · why

C) Norm Coleman

An attempt to move the original Winnipeg Jets to Minnesota fell through, and they went to Phoenix instead.

Q 03/05

Which of these was NOT among the six finalist names announced in 1997?

A) Blue Ox

B) Voyageurs

C) Freeze

D) Timberwolves

Answer · why

D) Timberwolves

Northern Lights and White Bears rounded out the list; Wild won and was unveiled to Steppenwolf's 'Born to Be Wild'.

Q 04/05

Which Minnetonka native led the expansion bid and became the Wild's first majority owner?

A) Glen Taylor

B) Craig Leipold

C) Norm Green

D) Bob Naegele Jr.

Answer · why

D) Bob Naegele Jr.

Craig Leipold bought the club later and now owns it through Minnesota Sports & Entertainment.

Q 05/05

Who was the Wild's first head coach?

A) Bruce Boudreau

B) Jacques Lemaire

C) Mike Yeo

D) Todd Richards

Answer · why

B) Jacques Lemaire

He coached from 2000 to 2009 and notched his 500th career win as the Wild clinched their first division title.