If only every Minnesota team had him......

I remember the first time I met Mikko Koivu....

I was in line ( first in line) waiting to meet him for the first time and kinda had the same feeling every teenage girl had when Backstreet Boys pretended to sing 15 years ago.
Along with Mikko was Eric Belanger who was another Wild player (at the time). When it was time for them to sit down and get ready to sign stuff, they didn't know which seat was theirs so they played a simple game of Rock-Paper-Scissors......As they started, Mikko lost the first game and instantly wanted two out three, so they played again and he lost for a second time....

After they sat down and were all ready, it was time for me to come up and meet the players. There was one thing that was clearly evident when I approached them, Mikko was red in the face and really mad that he lost that game with Belanger..... Sure you can say I assume that, but while Mikko was signing some things for me, I said "Tough loss their with Belanger" and he quickly replied to me that "Yeah, I hate losing in everything"...

The Star Tribune wrote an article about Mikko the other day.. click here for it.

This is what you want in your Captain for your hockey team. Now sure, Mikko is my favorite player but I usually just don't pick my favorite players based on anything. I always look at their all around game and how that player makes other people better. I am never quick to decide who is my favorite player on teams or leagues.

Mikko Koivu is my favorite Minnesota Wild player because he will admit to you that he is sucking and needs to play better... he never criticizes anybody but himself and will always look to improve. There is a reason why he has led the Wild in points for the past couple of years. His effort is unmatched on the team.

I truly believe is lack of production this early in the season is that with the new contract on his shoulders, he is beating himself up to much and expects too much out of him. But I know Mikko will bounce back because he always does. You know that he is constantly looking for ways to improve his game..

Who is your favorite Wild player and why?

Thanks for reading the rant.

Stay Fresh,

Noel